Halloweening, Part I

Here are pictures of some fun things we did to celebrate Halloween:

For the first time, we went to the Hot Air Balloon festival in Scottsdale, October 28. I saw an ad on Facebook and it looked like it would be a good time, so I clicked the link and decided to order us some tickets. Ian, Elisa, and Erik wore their costumes and Gabe and I just wore a Halloween shirt. Ian was Mario-riding-Yoshi, Elisa was something from Five Nights at Freddy's (Circus Baby), and Erik went as Van Helsing. At the event, there were food stands, tons of rides, even more hot air balloons, and way, way too many people. The kids got to slide down the inflatable slides a couple of times before we all got hungry. Erik ordered me some steak bites and potatoes from one stand, Ian and Gabe pizza from another stand, himself a loaded hotdog (or sausage?) from a different stand, and Elisa some nachos from yet another stand. By the time we were done eating, it was dark and the hot air balloons were all filled. At each balloon, someone was passing out candy. The candy was all the same crap (Tootsie Roll type stuff) and nothing good, with the exception of the Chick-fil-a balloon station that handed out free dessert gift cards. Needless to say, the Chick-fil-a balloon had the longest line, but thankfully it went fast. I thought the balloons were neat to see, but I don't think we'll be back next year. The tickets were too pricey, and the crowds were too huge. Oh, and the food was pretty darn expensive for what it was too. The kids had fun but didn't protest when it was time to go:

  

Ian posing in his silly Mario-riding-Yoshi costume while we waited in line to get in.

A family photo. One of several that I put on our Christmas card.

Sliding down the slide! Good thing Elisa wore something under that skirt! Yeesh.

Setting up the hot air balloon. It was neat to watch!

This was our favorite hot air balloon

This was another really cool balloon! We thought it was Mr. Potato Head at first, but then decided it had to be a Beaver.

Cuties in line for Elisa's nachos. There was also a bee balloon that was pretty neat.

Having fun and being cute!

The pizza was finally ready! We sat down to eat. Gabe and Ian got a personal pizza but shared a piece with everyone else. 

Each hot air balloon had it's own Trick or treating station, but unfortunately gave out the same gross candy.

A far-away picture taken from the van as we drove away. A neat view, even from the road.

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Oct. 258

Erik decided to be Van Helsing for Halloween this year. He ordered a steam punk jacket, new hat, and garlic strands from Amazon.

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Oct. 29

The ward Trunk-or-treat was sparsely attended this year, I'm not sure why. Elisa had fun galivanting around with her pack of girlfriends. Ian went around with me once, and then went off on his own. Gabe claimed he didn't want any candy, so he sat with Erik and I and passed out candy.

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