Annual Lighten Family Halloween Party

Every year the Lightens throw a big Halloween Bash.  

My kids look forward to it every. single. year.

It has become a wonderful tradition in our family and the perfect beginning to the Halloween festivities.

It is always hosted at Grandma and Grandpa Lighten's home.  We have been blessed to be living there this year and last - so my kids have been able to help with all the preparations.  It is neat to see how much they enjoy this part!  They truly love getting everything ready.  

Anticipation = Heightened Excitement

The agenda is always the same.  

Creative/Crazy/Cute costumes

It looks like Abby is kissing him, but she thought it was a speaker that you talk into.  So she is asking him what he is supposed to be...WWII hero.  Nailed it! :)
  

We also had Hercules show up to match our little Greek Goddess.  Cutest couple ever in my opinion...plus she has a major crush on Lawson so it was perfect!

Katniss Everdeen in the flesh!

And grumpy, sick baby skeleton.

After mingling the Spooky Games begin.

THIS is the Candy Canon hosted by Uncle Dallan.  Always a MAJOR hit! :)

Grandma always does the Sugar Cookie Decorating station.

I am the self-appointed family historian, so I take the pictures and also announce the costume parade.

Then at the end we do an "Ancestor Spotlight" to honor our family who have passed on.  A little nod to "Dia De Los Muertos."

I wish I had pictures of this because it was so cute to see the older cousins and adults get so into this part.  We talked about Jill's grandparents.  Her grandfather was a farmer, Mayor of Orem, and even served on the Utah State Legislature.  He and his wife, Reba, were high school sweethearts.  Her mother crossed the plains with the pioneers at age 12, and she began milking cows day and night at the same age.  How different our kids lives are today.  Morgan is almost 12.  

Uncle Dallan also told about how his family is related to William Shakespeare.  His mother is a Shakespeare.

Brittain told how the Domgaards have great, great grandparents who were slave owners - but known to be kind and loving to them.  When they joined the Church they left their comfort and abundant lives, along with the slave-owning, behind to follow a prophet of God.  They were well aquainted with both Hyrum and Joseph Smith.

Uncle Rich shared how we have recently found the link to more family in England.  More Lightens!

The ancestor spotlight is truly becoming my favorite part of this annual party because it brings the spirit of Elijah into the room.  The joy and pride shared about our ancestors was so neat.

A true turning the hearts of the children to their fathers.

Loved that!

Now I am headed to the kids school Halloween parade!  Let the celebration continue...