Over the years, since embarking on this multigenerational journey, during October half term, our house has been transformed into a witches haven. Ghosts and ghouls hanging from the ceilings, lit pumpkins welcoming visitors at the front door and bats roosting in the kitchen.

 

This year with the youngest two having started secondary school, it became a more muted affair. The decorations were confined to the porch, signalling to passing trick or treaters, they are welcome to knock.

Whilst the boys excitedly hung their decorations, we left them to it, heading for a Hallowe’en quiz at one of our local pubs The Forbidden Fruit. We try and make a few of their quizzes throughout the year, they are always fun, but Hallowe’en tops them all.  It is always an extravaganza of colour, moving models, and light. Cobwebs and creepy crawlies bedeck the walls and we are encouraged, by virtue of additional quiz points, to dress up and decorate our table.

Many of our fellow quizzers, dressed for the occasion. Not that dressing up helped us at all with any of the answers 🎃. We were however awarded an extra 4 points for our efforts 👍. They were very welcome, as the only round we excelled at was the dingbats round, getting a full house, (Not sure what that says about us 😳). We didn’t completely disgrace ourselves, coming 16th out of 23 teams. But a good time was had by all.

As the witching hour grew nearer, we spent the afternoon baking cookies and spiders. When the twins get near the kitchen, you have to be prepared for the aftermath, cookie dough splattered all over the worktops and up the kettle. Utensils scattered everywhere and lots of washing up. Which is why, I think Mum suddenly finds something more important to do!

They enjoyed an hour or so of creativity and of course eating the product of their efforts, then left Nan to the clearing up, whilst they went trick or treating the neighbours with their friend.👻💀

When Granddad arrived home, he needed no invitation to try their wares. Being a lover of all things hot dog, he enjoyed the spiders. Dad needed a little more coaxing, but praised their efforts.

Most of the children in our close are younger than the boys so it was still light when they came knocking on our door for treats. They all looked lovely in their spooky outfits, the younger ones hiding shyly under the brims of their witches hats.

 

Then as our brood headed out with their parents to enjoy the festivities further afield, we settled down for a peaceful evening in front of the tv 👵🏻👨‍🦳

 

 

They came home with such a large haul of goodies, we expected them to bouncing off the walls for the next month 😬. I thought as the boys are growing up and have moved to ‘big’ school, their interest might wane. However they enjoyed it so much, it seems, next year we’re having a party at our house to celebrate.
👻🧙‍♀️🎃

Best get practicing my apple bobbing techniques 🍎