Halloween x 3

This year Mara got to dress up three separate times to celebrate Halloween.  She was the cutest Strawberry and honestly loved her costume so we were more than happy to put it on again and again.

The sweetest little strawberry

The batallion had a small fall festival on the 30th with trunk-or-treating, a costume contest and fun events for the kids.  Mara was still a bit young for most of the festivities but she did really enjoy checking out all the costumes.  We stopped by one trunk and she came home with a stuff animal. (Mama's favorite kind of treat aka not candy) Later that night I entered her in the costume contest.  The clapping scared her a bit but she came away with one of the top prizes anyways!

She never let go of her pumpkin

On Halloween we went downtown to do some trick-or-treating with some friends.  Again Mara wasn't too interested the activities but really enjoyed being pulled in the wagon with her friend, Benjamin.  She never let go of her pumpkin and even ended up with some candy.  All of which she proceeded to try to eat.  After a stroll downtown, we were going to do some more serious trick-or-treating near our church but Mara was beat so we headed home.

Happy Halloween

Our last Halloween activity was hosted by our church.  We had a huge bonfire, chili contest and of course more trunk-or-treating.  It was a bit cold but we bundled up and enjoyed every minute.  Mara and I shared a bowl of delicious chili and then headed to the cars.

Downtown trick-or-treating

I had helped a couple of friends with decorating their car and was excited to show it off.  The church had asked that we keep to a story book theme and we went with "I Spy."  We filled their trunk with Mara's toys and came up with a few rhymes.  It was a huge hit!  Even the adults kept coming back to search for the items and collect their candy.

Yes she managed to break into that butterfinger

Sharing with Buddy and admiring her stash

Mara also made out like a bandit at the trunk-or-treat as she and her buddy Mr. Bill went around and filled up her pumpkin!

Halloween was a tad bitter sweet this year without Josh here to celebrate it with us.  We tried to keep busy and make memories regardless.  I am already looking forward to next year where all three of us will undoubtedly be rocking a family costume!