Providence Lake Block Party

Ok, I must say that we live in one of the best neighborhoods ever. We just had our first annual block party. It was so close to Halloween that the kids got to dress up for a costume parade and there was a pumpkin contest as well.

When we moved in, I think we were the 13th house, and now there are 17 or 18. Phase 2 is just opening up and I really think it is just going to get more and more fun as more people join in the mix.

So, as I'm sure most of you are aware by now, Connor has a few costumes to choose from for Halloween. I found 4 costumes at various garage sales and they are so cute and different it was tough to decide what he should be. We went with the lion costume for the party since it would keep him pretty warm. And, hey it is just so darn cute on him! The family that I got it from said that several of their kids wore it for a few years...even up to age 6 or 7 I think. So, you'll likely be seeing this costume again. If anything, what a great costume to play dress up!

Ok, back to the party. The pumpkin carving contest. I was SO IMPRESSED with all the entries. We are really going to have to step it up for our entry next year. The winner this year was our new neighbors and their "Neighborhood Watchdog". How cute is this?!

Soon after everyone arrived, the kids got to participate in the costume parade/hay ride. Don hooked up his trailer and filled it with hay benches and all the kids had a blast. Of course some of us big "kids" needed to go also to make sure our munchkins were safe. We ended up serving as the barrier to keep kiddos from venturing too close to the back. Babies in back! After everyone got off, Connor darted right back to the trailor. I think he would have stayed there all night. On the second ride, I let him walk around on his own and he made it to the front. Don said he looked back and saw him chewing on the wood of the trailor while looking out. Nice.

Holly and I organized kids games for the little ones. I think everyone had a good time. There was a little something for every age.



Don and Linda planned a whole Olympics of adult games with medals for the winners and everything. Holy cow, how creative. I didn't play because I was chasing the lion, but I think Brian had a good time. Some of the events: javelin (throwing pixie sticks), Bird shot put (throwing a frozen turkey onto a mat with numbered spaces), bowling (knocking over 10 cans of green beans with actual bowling balls), toilet toss (like horseshoes, but with toilet lids with a notch cut out), and there were others too, but I didn't get to see it all.

Of course there was a ton of food. I made a carrot cake the shape of a pumpkin by bakin it in two bundt pans and putting them together. We are still eating it...well, I am. Connor found some very good chocolate balls that he enjoyed a great deal. He stole one off another kid's plate, so I replaced that one and just let him have it. Needless to say, it looks like he enjoyed it!



After everyone ate and it was dark, we had a big bon fire and all huddled around. The fire was near the playset and Connor had a wonderful time diving down the slide head first. I guess he just trusts that we'll catch him! Don and Linda also contributed some super cool jack-o-latern hot air lanterns that ooed and aahed the kids and adults alike. Everyone agreed that it felt like about 11:00 pm, but it was only 8:00! I think everyone was pooped and home by around 9. We had such a good time and I'm already looking forward to next year. The only sad part about the party is that it is also kind of a farewell for a few months as we all prepare to hibernate in our houses during the winter. We just really need to be diligent and set up our playdates so we don't go nuts!

Here is a slide show of more pics from the party.