A Nutcracker Night

A Rat King (not to be confused with mouse-king, which- when named- frustrated him to no end!), a SugarPlum princess, a Nutcracker and Marie.

Judah's mask was made from paper mache.  Corynn wore a dress that I bought (with my own money!) when I was 10 years old.  My mom has a picture of me in it somewhere but I can guarantee you I was a gangly and awkward girl- not at all the graceful vision of my daughter.  (Why does she look so grown up?!?)  It seems she skipped the awkward phase, lucky girl.  She also wears my wedding tiara.

The whole shebang was made of all supplies that I already had on hand save some white fur, a bit of purple tulle (we had pink leftover from the anniversary party) and some purple flowers. Oh- and the gold fringe.  Those things were gathered up with coupons and great sales making all the costumes cost less than $10.00- which is less than the cost of ONE costume from the store.  And I don't know- I am partial, I guess, but I much prefer the homemade costumes than the store bought ones anyway.

I barely got pictures of the children in their get-ups, Halloween night was such a flurry.  We made cider in the afternoon.  I got some chili started on the stove and the sun practically fell out of the sky all-of-a-sudden-like.  Neighbors started calling "Where are the children?!" So it was "EAT SOME CHILI FAST! LET ME GET A PICTURE FIRST!" and then a boot out of the door.  Matt took the children treating while I stayed home and baked bread.

We made about 9 gallons of cider over the weekend but only two gallons were for ourselves...we made it for other people with their apples!  I hope Matt isn't so done with making cider that we don't get our own apples done...it is a process that is far less thrilling when you send the cider to another home!  :-)

Now that Halloween is out of the way, only a few more major events to hurdle before Tiddle time!  Adele's birthday, which falls on Thanksgiving and a wedding two days later...  this month is going to be a busy one!