BOO!

We won't be trick or treating; we haven't made any costumes; Ella was grossed out by the insides of the pumpkin and disappointed she couldn't do the carving; the cookies were a big hit; and next year she wants to make a haunted house cake and have a party; it's a work day and I didn't get any photos of the cobwebs Sandy inspired, or the ghosts hanging from the kitchen ceiling and the pumpkins lining the hallway; we've collected and washed the pumpkin seeds but still have to roast them.

A scarey 31st to you all.

Flour and water

makes glue, if you're doing papier mache absolutely old school. Smells like an untricked up pancake batter and dries like, well, something else all over your hands.

Not as much fun as I remember, I must confess, but I don't think tissue paper is the best paper to use, the glue doesn't really soak in, just lays on the surface, but it saves on painting at the end. Ella got fed up after a couple of balloons, we both agreed it was a little boring and we wanted it to be tomorrow when they'll be dry and ready to turn into black cats, pumpkins and ghosts. When Leila woke she wanted a turn and I have to say, for one so young, she is very methodical in her approach to activities. She came away pretty clean and very pleased with her work.

On the table for tomorrow - start to decorate the house, finish off these treats, Halloween cookies, a jar of experimental goop, and whatever else is added to the list in the next few hours.