Pottery Barn Kids Halloween... oh a girl can dream can't she.

I'm so getting the "itch" to throw a Halloween Party....

A Simple Halloween History for Kids

A Simple Halloween History for Kids
By: Jennifer Maughan
Sharing Halloween history with your kids can help them to appreciate the evolution of Halloween from the centuries-old harvest celebrations into the candy and costume fun of the modern day. While it does take some background knowledge to comprehend the history of Halloween fully, you can explain the basics to children so that they will grasp the symbols of the holiday.

Ancient Celts
Centuries ago, people believed in spirits, both good and evil. They believed that spirits sometimes helped and hurt people. Some of those people who lived long ago were known as the Celts. They lived in what are now England, France and Ireland. The Halloween story begins when these people spent all spring and summer growing food to last them through the winter. When it was time to harvest all the food, the Celts held a festival to thank the good spirits for their help. This festival was called Samhain (pronounced sow-en). It was held on the day that marked the end of warm light weather and the beginning of dark cold weather-November 1. As part of the celebration, people wore costumes, told fortunes and ate plenty of good food. They also made sacrifices to keep bad spirits away.

All Saint's Day
Several hundred years later, other beliefs and religions spread to the Celtic lands. The new religion, Christianity, believed that November 1 was a day to honor people who died for their religion. Celtic people understood how November 1 was a good day to honor good spirits-they had been doing it for centuries. The day became known as "All Saint's Day" or "All-hallowmas." The night before the festival day, October 31, became known as "All-hallows Eve" or "Hallowe'en."

Early Halloween
Because November 1 was a day for good spirits and souls, the night before was thought to be the time for bad spirits to roam free. Halloween turned into a scary time for people who believed that evil spirits would wander the earth to do mischief and cause trouble. To feel safe, people began to put lanterns in their windows and in front of their doors to scare away spirits. They made lanterns out of carved turnips and other vegetables and, in general, did not consider the time a happy Halloween.

Modern Halloween
Today's Halloween celebrations combine the joyous fun and food of the Samhain festivals of the Celts with the more creepy and spooky aspect of All Hallows Eve. Costumes, pumpkins and imaginary spooks all combine to make one of the more popular holidays in the United States where people wish each other a "Happy Halloween."

Spent $100.00 saved $100.00 with BOGO and Coupons

I love PUBLIX! You get some really great deals with Publix. I was excited to have the BOGO deals soup deals. I'm trying to build up my food storage, and soup is great for that. A complete meal for someone. We got our basics and some goodies for Steve's birthday. I even got the Halloween Trick or Treat candy and household cleaning supplies. One less thing to think about it. :) My best shopping day yet was when I saved MORE than what I SPENT. LOVE IT!

Happy Birthday Steve

Our family had a great couple of days celebrating Steve's 31st birthday. Hunter made his daddy a cake and the Sims Family had dinner with us. The next night we went to Yamato with one of Steve's best buddy. Happy Birthday Babe, we love you!

3 Day Family Vacation -

Steve surprised the family with a weekend away at a DISNEY RESORT and 2 days at DISNEY! Hunter was so HAPPY and excited once he found out!!!
This was our awesome Room. I could get use to towels, washed and just hanging, ready to be used. Maid service... oh heck yeah, I could get use to this. :)




Our view was AMAZING!!! We could see the Magic Kingdom lite up at night and we got to watch the fireworks each night. The last night we were there, we SAW THE BEST firework show we have EVER seen. It truly was fantastic and beautiful. (both boys crashed before they showed them, bummer, but Steve and I had fun watching them from our balcony)






Our room was on the 12th floor so we were considered "Club Members", and we sure did have the service of club members. Food in the lobby ANY time we came out of our room or came back from the Disney parks... loved it!! Drinks, fruit, snacks, appetizers, you name it. It was great!




Magic Kingdom.... BUZZ LIGHTYEAR... this by far was Hunter's favorite ride.


BUZZZZZ LIGHT YEAR!!!!!

The Haunted Mansion... was spooky and refreshing from the HOT HEAT.
Hunter was convinced there was a Ghost horse attached to the carriage. :)


Parade time... Henry caught the attention of lots of characters.









Monarail... Hunter loved to ride monarail. It went through our hotel and he just thought that was the neatest thing. Hunter was able to see so much from up high. Oh how magical for a 5 yr old.


Pirates!!!

ANIMAL KINGDOM ~

Ladies!!! I found the fountain of YOUTH!!Nice, what a way to travel....
All in a days work...







HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS...
Hunter was sooooo excited to meet Handy Manny and the Little Einsteins.



Pool Day....

Hunter and a friend got to use the magical mickey hands to start the fountains at the pool. They loved it!!

Captain Hunter.. we rode the boat around to see the other resorts. It was the perfect day!
Our Boat Ride..

Easy daddy, picking on the little guy...
So curious...







We had a great time on our family vacation, thanks Steve for such a wonderful weekend surprise. It truly was a "Magical weekend for Hunter".