From Foothills to Fog: A Pumpkin Carving Letter

Today's prompt is to write a letter! I had high hopes for doing something fun with this one, but with the week I've had and the party today I feel a bit drained. So, I decided to write a letter to the boys about our annual Pumpkin Carving Party! (Which is today). I figure it may be fun to read years from now, maybe I'll keep it in their boxes or put it in a scrapbook.

October 25, 2024
Dear Graham, Jack & Charlie,
Today is the day, pumpkin carving day! It's always one of our most favorite traditions during Halloween Time. This is the first year that I think Jack & Charlie are excited to carve a pumpkin, you have been asking if "today is pumpkin carving day" every day this week. Graham has been worried if the party would happen, since Jack and Charlie have little colds, but we're forging ahead. I'm so glad we started this tradition years ago, it's so fun and low key. We invite our friends over for a big dinner and carving celebration.
Do you remember this tradition? I hope we kept it up for years to come! We started it back in 2020, and we've continued it every year since. In the past, the Dad's have taken charge with the pumpkin carving portion of the activities. Coco gets very into the creative side and has made so many masterpieces. I think my favorite was Olaf from Frozen! Last year he made a train with several pumpkins required to assemble it.
This year, we've invited our usual group of family friends, as well as a few friends from school. Isaac and his family, as well as Dean's family. It will be a big group! Dad is using the smoker to make pulled pork for tacos, Mom made her usual festive Rice Krispie Treats for dessert. We'll have a coloring table, stickers craft and of course pumpkin carving. Thankfully our backyard is fun for the kids with the play structure and trampoline. Who knows, maybe we'll even end the night with a spooky movie! It's going to be so fun!
Last night we looked at what types of things we would carve. Of course it's no surprise. Graham wants to do a cat. You had the most clever idea to use toothpicks as whiskers! How did you ever think of that? Then Jack wants to do Spiderman, of course! The past few weeks you have worn your Spidey suit every day! And then our little Charlie, doggy obsessed boy! He wants to do a doggy bone!
A lot of work went in behind the scenes of these parties, and I hope that it was magical for you three. Graham you were so sweet yesterday, commenting on how nice the house looks "getting ready for the party." We love to make holidays and events special. I hope you grow up with so many warm memories of nights like tonight with your friends, family and lots of laughter and fun! I promise I'll always try to do these special things for our family, no matter how old you get!
Love,
Mom

Here are some photos from pumpkin carving parties of the past four years!