My Husband's cousins and their friends throw an awesome Halloween event each year. They have held it for about 5 years now and it grows bigger and better every year. It is quite an undertaking.I am not sure how it started, but I am sure glad that they have invited me.  This year I was able to help in the end part of the preparation and the actual night of the event. What a blast!  Above you see  the results of the first night of many nights of carving. In all, 80 pumpkins were carved.

Friends and family come over days before to carve . It takes lots of people and several days to prepare the pumpkins. In the end, power tools were used to speed up the process. The Sawzall was used to cut the tops off, the power paint stirrer was used to hollow out the "guts" and the cordless drill was used to drill holes to make interesting designs in  the  pumkins.

 

By far the most popular activity of the night is the haunted trail. Tour groups are led through in the dark, if they dare.  I am sure it takes days for the trail to be thought out and executed. It is so well done, sure to frighten even the bravest of participants. 

While out on the trail, you never know who or what is going to pop out at you. There might be a hairy big foot like creature or a crazy guy wielding a chain saw.

The trail winds through the wood in their yard and the yards of the many involved neighbors who also delight in making the night a success. No flashlights allowed as you are led through the trail by old fashioned lantern light held by the trail guides.

The amount of work that goes into this event is amazing. Hats off to everyone involved. The kids and adults all had a great time. I know I did.  i can't wait until next year. Thank you so much to everyone involved!

Rosie is all grown up. I remember when she was just a little giggling girl. She is now a high school senior and planning for college. She still giggles. We had so much fun tromping through the woods near the lake in town. Her mom and aunt came along. I was so glad they did. It is always helpful to have someone else along to help and have fun.

It sure was a beautiful day, very warm for the fall. The lake water was surprisingly low.

I love the way the light filters through the trees on this one. It gives such a soft look to the portrait.

I love her freckles and the green shirt. They bring out her beautiful green eyes.

This was the final shot of the day. We had a blast!  I love my job!