Halloween is celebrated in America (in a big way) on the night of October 31. Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting haunted houses and carving jack-o-lanterns. The term Halloween is shortened from All-Hallow-Even, as it's the eve of All Hallows Day.

Whatever the history or heritage behind Halloween, I think that American's (especially the kids) just see it as a day to dress up in costume (sometimes scary) and collect as much candy as possible.

The wicked witch from the west!!!

We didn't go crazy decorating our house for Halloween like some people but Adam did spend the weekend before craving out the pumpkins. The pumpkins they use are light and the flesh on the inside is very stringy. It certainly wouldn't be good for eating. That said Adam was glad that he was carving an American pumpkin and not a Queensland Blue pumpkin!!!

The blank canvas		Hard at work
The finished product

Around our estate they designate two hours on the evening of 31 October for kids (big and little) to go trick-or-treating. I think we were sitting at the front door for the full two hours handing out candy. Some of the kids went to a lot of effort for there costumes. We made sure they got lots of candy. For those who could have tried a little harder.....well we had to ration the candy to make sure it didn't run out.

We had some Australian chocolate brought over by people visiting for work. Everyone loved this chocolate and it didn't last very long. We'll be making sure we have plenty of that for next year.