My family has always been off and on with Halloween – some years we go all out (and by all out, I mean ALL OUT…the stories we can tell), but other years we do virtually nothing. I’ve seen this pattern in my Halloween celebrations as I’ve moved away from home and gotten married. My freshman year, I wore festive socks and an old navy shirt with 3 little orange pumpkins on it. Thrilling, I know. Sophomore year, Philip and I were engaged. We decided to get in the spirit, so we spent an entire night carving pumpkins, and even dressed up as Salt and Pepper for our ward Halloween party:

Last year, my Junior year, we did nothing. Actually that’s a lie. We went over to our friends house, I carved a pumpkin with the Enterprise logo, we didn’t take a picture, we didn’t dress up, and yes, we realize we’re lame.

So this year I was determined to do SOMETHING. I found out that Philip was allowed to dress up at work, and immediately started brainstorming ideas for his costume. I figured out something I could wear as well, but I won’t spoil the surprise. We’re wearing our costumes to work, and then heading home to Las Vegas for the weekend where we will do the famous Gates Halloween Dinner – complete with root-beer and a floating ice hand in a cauldron, a jiggly jello hand, spooky music (with creaky doors and howling dogs) in the background, and everyone decked out in costumes. I’ll be sure to take pictures…it’s going to be a blast! Philip and I are also determined to watch a scary movie tomorrow night, whether we’re the only one’s or the family wants to join in.

To continue in the Halloween spirit, here are some of my pumpkin carvings I’ve done over the last few years: