Our Kid-friendly Halloween Bash - that almost never was...

What a night! After a week of debating to even keep the party as planned, Derek and I decided it was a go. We had been talking about it for a month...having our friends with little ones over for a kid-friendly Halloween party. But after much planning - the party almost never was. For those who didn't know, we thought Derek had the flu a week ago today. After 3 days of what we thought was the flu, I finally got him to the doctor mid-week last week for treatment. Turns out - he didn't have the flu. He had either a severe stomach bug or food poisoning. After a blood test and thorough check up, the doctor gave him some antibiotics and spasm medication for his stomach cramping and off we went. As of Friday - lunchtime, Derek seemed to be much better - although still not 100%...better! So much better that he was able to hang out with the boys for hte first time in nearly a week. That night after playing around with Hatcher and Aidan on the recently cleaned carpets, Derek started to itch everywhere. At first we both thought it was a reaction to the carpet cleaner. So he showered, took some benadrl and went to bed. He woke Saturday with a rash covering every ounce of his body. His skin was welted and red. Clearly something systemic, I told him to go to the ER - immediately. When he arrived they dosed him up with IV fluids, more benadryl and steriods. They couldn't conclusively say what caused it, but that likely it was from either the antiboitics or the carpet cleaner. I felt horrible. I thought, had I not cleaned the carpets - he would be back at 100%. Derek's mother went to the hospital to sit with Derek as Aidan was still asleep. Two hours later, Derek was back home and looking great. He was in a good mood, feeling better and told me, "Let's go ahead with the party." In hindsight, that was the second time we nearly cancelled. So - with the green light on, I was off to cleaning and cooking. Meanwhile, Derek took more benadryl and lied down - to be rested for the Halloween fun. Later we all got ready for the party, put our super hero costumes on and started having so much fun. The party was officially underway...and everyone was having such a great time. Derek, on the other hand, was becoming more reserve and growing paler by the minute and more irritable than ever. He retreated a bit early and headed upstairs. Meanwhile - the party continued.

We had a great turn out...20 kids (ranging in age from 2 months to 4 1/2 years old) and 23 adults. The kids had a blast running around and playing with all the toys. They played on the playground, chased each other in the basement, made art work and chowed on some cheese sticks and chicken nuggets. Towards sundown, the kids all made brownie spiders and each took home a little pumpkin or caldron full of little candy. The adults had fun too - there was plenty of food, drinks and good conversation. I would to have liked to have spent more time with everyone...but so glad we hosted. Derek had fun while he was able - and even said he would like to have another party again soon - when he could enjoy it more! We'll see. I tried to take pictures of all the families that came...and almost succeeded. Here are my favorites:

The Kemmerlins - a family of supers...
WonderWoman, Captain America, Spiderman, and Zoro

The Bayer Family
Derek, Maddox and Cynthia

Half of the Putman Family
Caroline and Sharon - Jay stayed home with their newest addition, Elise

The Coleman Family
Amy, Madeline and Todd

The Franke Family
Ryan, Jack and Michelle

The Egan Family
Audrey, Colman, Fran and Roby

The Morton Family
Little James, James (aka Mort), Debbie and Jacob

The Riley Family
Mandy, Carter, Madison and Brian

Buds and neighbors...
Owen and Ava Mei

The Seoane Family
Victor, Anna, Tracy and Kate

The Estes Family - The Bundys...
Ramona, Neil and Sophie

Little Layman Ladies - minus the newest addition Harper
Brooke and Landon

Girly half of Lane Family
Hadley and Christy...Toby came after the TN game

The Kids - but only half
This shows the oldest 10 kids of the 20 that came

It has to be added - I have several thank you's to pass on:
1. Cynthia and Derek - for coming early to help finish details and finish preparing food with me/for me
2. Neil and Ramona - for also coming early and helping with the food
3. A big thank you to Debbie and Cynthia for cleaning up the kitchen
4. Christy thanks for helping to pick up the playroom after my two sons tore it up BEFORE the party really started
5. Greg and Dave for taking one for the team and not really getting the "break" from your kids during a solo parenting weekend ... instead watching out for more
6. Michelle and Ryan for bringing the non-alcoholic beverages which I totally spaced on
7. Kristin and Kip for bringing those fabulous dips that everyone raved about ... and for keeping an eye on my kids when either Derek or I were MIA

Derek and I are so lucky to have so many great friends. Can't wait for the next party!