Fall Festival 2014

We had our 2nd Annual Haynes Fall Festival party on Halloween. We call it our "Redeeming Halloween" party when we explain it to our friends over here. I think it's very important for us to explain ourselves to non-believers - and even sometimes to other believers - when we talk about things that they may not understand. Halloween has been distorted, just like so many other things in our society today. It's perfectly wonderful to celebrate our children and to dress up in fun (not scary) costumes and to have fellowship together. And that's just what we did! We had 42 children and adults come from several different countries this year. It was a wonderful time!

My boys had a Batman theme this year.

 We couldn't have done it without our amazing friends, Mr & Mrs P. They helped us clean and set up and decorate...HUGE thanks to them! 

 Game Preparations...

 My ice queen Elsa. 

And I made her costume! It was labeled as a "simple one afternoon sewing project." Let's just say it took my a bit longer than one afternoon! And thanks to the help of a tailor for the finishing touches of a zipper and hemming the cape, it turned out wonderfully! She loved it! 

 The Frankenstein Monster decorating station

Party prep...

 Batman wasn't so happy about his cape being pinned on.

 Let the fun begin! 

India, Germany, Austria and several states represented!

 And Will finally let Mrs P hold him!

 Growing up, we had a Fall Festival at my home church. To get candy, we had to go around and say Bible verses. So...that's what we do at our Fall Festival! Adults bring a bag of candy and kids say their verses! Lucy SANG hers, of course. Just like she did last year. I wish I had it recorded for you. She's a great singer! 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

 My Super Heroes!

 The adults went outside to prepare for the games and I had the kiddos do a parade of costumes. 

 We are blessed with a HUGE yard area!

 My sweet friend from India is a fashion designer. She designed this amazing costume for her little girl. Doesn't she look amazing??? This was with only 4 days notice of the party!

 Will is a BIG fan of Halloween candy!

 Bobbing for apples turned out to be the favorite game! The kids loved playing in the water after the apples were gone.

 Go Fish

 Pin the Tail on the Camel

 This big tub is Will's bathtub. He really wanted to get in! We had to watch him all night near the water!

 Musical Squares.

 Decorating Pumpkin Spice cookies.

 Creative food!

 Some of the spread. It covered two counters!

 And we ended the night with the kiddos watching Room on the Broom. It's a British story of a friendly witch who makes room on her broom for all these lonely animals. Very cute and child friendly.

 This little German princess's first Halloween celebration!

Happy Reformation Day!

Happy Halloween!