Friday, October 30, 2009

Sure Makes Me Wonder What's In Those Popcorn Balls

I've read many posts this week that relate to Halloween one way or another. Some families choose not to celebrate and some go all out on the day. Our children always enjoyed dressing up (on Halloween or any day for that matter) and trekking the neighborhood with Daddy to beg for candy trick or treat. It seems they went from this-


to this

to this
almost overnite.

One of our favorite Halloween memories and a story that is retold on a regular basis in our house is from the year we went camping with family friends the weekend before Halloween. We knew in advance the campground had some fun activities going on including trick or treating from campsite to campsite and a pumpkin carving contest which the dads kids were especially excited about. They (and when I say they I mean 'the dads') had gone to a pumpkin carving demo at a local garden center the week before so they came prepared with all sorts of vegetables and grasses to be sure they would win.

And of course they did because they're competitive like that and they do still like to talk about it every now and then but... what we really laugh about to this day involved Daughter2. If you've read here before then you may have a glimpse into her personality but this little story was just so Daughter2. The kids went trick or treating around the various campsites and returned to our site with big plastic bags of mostly candy and one ginormous popcorn ball. The dads proceeded to get dinner going on a grill grate set over the campfire and they had some steaks cooking when out of nowhere miss sweetness, who had been standing about 15 feet away just happily swinging her candy bag around and around, suddenly let it fly. Let me tell you the law of physics was something in that split second because it was like some kind of crazy vortex sucked that plastic bag filled with candy into the literally 1 inch space between grill and fire and whooosh-that bag of candy disintegrated in an instant. All but the popcorn ball which somehow remained completely intact. Hmmm. Anyway, we all stood frozen for about a minute with our jaws hanging open and then the dads sprang into action getting the food off the grill and away from the melting plastic poison and the moms just looked at each other and daughter2 didn't even cry because honestly no one could believe what had just happened. I'm certain this is one of those-you had to be there to appreciate it kind of stories-but I have to add that 1. you could never recreate this in a million trillion years and 2. this could only happen to daughter2.
She's the one in front of the axe but I'm thinking you figured that out on your own. The look on her face usually said I'm oh so cute but I'm trouble. The kids were full of sympathy and of course they all knew her well so while they were surprised at the actual incident they were not surprised that there was an incident. They happily divided their candy so she ended up with a fresh bag (and instructions NOT to swing it and to stay well clear of the fire). And for me, I guess my thoughts on Halloween are kind of encapsulated in that one weekend...cool crisp fall weather, an outdoor fire, pumpkins, good friends, and sweet children who grew up in the blink of an eye.

visit Kelly's Korner today for more Halloween Costume posts

12 comments:

  1. Cuteness! You're right... trying not to blink! ;)

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  2. What a funny story about how that all happened in just the way it did in an instant.

    Those pumpkins are cool! My husband is very competitive and would have been excited about the carving contest as well.

    Happy Friday!

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  3. I love sharing wonderful happy family memories like the one you just shared. What times are shared as you each add something to that day.


    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  4. What a great story and a great family memory!

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  5. Gotta love the costume pics! :) My kiddo's are still in that stage. I came over from LMP blog and also noticed you follow another of my favorite "haunts" (since were talking halloween) at Pioneer Woman.

    You have a lovely blog. Nice to "meet" you.
    Jessie at Blog Schmog

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  6. Cute story-I love how the kids all shared their candy. That is very sweet! I found your blog from my friend Jessie there at Blog Schmog-just blog hopping tonight, I guess!

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  7. Great story and thanks for sharing:)

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  9. Lordy women , what a memory you have .. Loved it too. great memories come from great parents.

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  10. Hi Buffy-I posted your comment twice...just so people reading know you did not send me anything offensive : )

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  11. This was a fun post. The kids sure do grow up fast. It's a cliche, but true. I've enjoyed finding your blog!

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  12. Wow!! That is one story that will still be told at the senior citizens home I think! :)

    Your girls are beautiful...

    Blessings-
    Amanda

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