halloween (ish)

we've had a lovely last day of half term.

trying to forget what time they all woke up this morning (thanks to the clocks going back)...we've since played with lego, made a sweet shop, carved pumpkins (a vampire and an owl), baked spiced pumpkin muffins with an orange zesty topping, been trick-or-treating, had dinner with my parents and then a bath and play with A and J before bed.

Thanks to all the lovely families on my parent's estate for the children's halloween treats. i've never taken them out before. i'm not very comfortable with what is really door-to-door begging for sweets - but then figure i always welcome the ones who come to knock on here so decided to let them have a go this year. they had a ball. i was surprised how many houses and front doors were decorated and welcoming. some even had special spooky doorbells!  we met some lovely folk and they not only got sweets but bubbles and glowsticks too. everyone was very impressed with their manners and by the 10th door, lily had even learned to say "happy halloween!" properly.

i kinda liked "happy happowaleen" better though ;-)