Halloween is Approaching!

And you know what that means?! It’s time to get pumped for the fall festivities! As I’ve already established I’m a huge fan of everything fall—including Halloween. So, in celebration of Halloween, I transformed a picture of my daughter, Brynn, into something—well, kind of disturbing.

Before

After

And in case you are wondering, I WILL be printing this photo and hanging in my home for the remainder of the month. Yeah, I already know—I’m obsessed with Halloween.

So, in honor of autumn, I’d like to post some of my favorite activities to do around Halloween time.

Selena’s Favorite Fall Festivities

1. Arizona State Fair

The fall would never be the same with going to the Arizona State fair! I love all the bright lights, crazy rides, and most importantly Indian fry bread. YUM! I simply cannot miss going to his magical place every year. If you have not been, I urge you to GO! Even if you are weary of their sometimes rickety rides—go simply for the pleasure of people watching. You WON’T regret it.

This was from last year with Brynn.  As you can see it wore her out!

October 2007 is when Russ and I started dating.  So the state fair is a little magical for me.  Look at how cute and young we are looking here!

2. Haunted Houses

Yes! I LOVE haunted houses. They get your adrenaline pumpin’ and heart racing—well for most people. I usually end up laughing the whole time. Yeah, I don’t scare easily. But, I do get a kick out of all the creepy creatures, spooky music, blood and guts—oh and the chain saw man.

I’m pretty sure I am scary enough to BE IN a haunted house.  I know, why do I like to dress up like this?  I don’t know why.  But I love it.

3. Pumpkin Patch and Carving

I love going to pumpkin patch. Not only is it a great place to let Brynn run around, but it’s a place that I used to go to as a kid. And, it’s a tradition I want to continue with my own family. Plus, picking the perfect pumpkin to carve is the best! Pumpkin carving is serious business in the Sorensen family. We don’t mess around when it comes to carving creepy faces into our pumpkins.

Here is Brynn from last year at the pumpkin patch in Prescott.  I can’t believe how much she has grown!

Russ carved the bat pumpkin and I carved the monster.  I love carving pumpkins and cooking up the pumpkin seeds!

4. Family Themed Costumes

I love dressing up! It may be cliché, but I can’t help but coordinate my family’s costumes. Last year, Brynn was a bumblebee, Russ was a Beekeeper, and I was a flower. Come on, how adorable is that! This year you better believe I’ve carefully planned our costumes. So, get ready to see what this Sorensen family with be sporting this Halloween!

This was in the pre-baby days, but this was one of my all time favorite costumes.  If you don’t watch X-files, this is Mulder and Scully.

I also loved going to the Witches Night Out at Gardner Village up in Utah wear we all got to dress up like witches!  So fun!

5. DECORATE!

Decorating is essential for creating the ultimate creepy atmosphere. And let me tell you—I’m not talking cutesy Halloween decorations. I embellish my house with zombie babies, and decapitated heads. It’s no wonder my niece and nephews are scared to come over in October.  Hopefully, Brynn and Summer will learn to love my disturbing Halloween style.

This is the current state of my living room right now.

6. Trick or Treat

What would be the point of dressing up if nobody sees you? So obviously, I will be going out with the family taking Brynn to get some candy! It the main event on Halloween night.

Here is our family last Halloween with our themed Halloween costumes going trick or treating.  Brynn was only a year old so you better believe we ate her candy.

7. Halloween Music and Candy

“This is Halloween. This is Halloween!” If you don’t understand my reference it’s a song from The Nightmare Before Christmas, which is one of my all time favorite movies. Yes, I know—I’ve established this—I’m morbid. But, Halloween just isn’t the same without Michael Jackson’s Thriller or Monster Mash—music is a must! Oh, and eating candy. I love splurging on some sweets. Doesn’t everybody?

I hope this has inspired everyone to get out of the house and get festive! I sure will.  And in case you need help kickstarting your fall festivities—I’ve provided helpful links below.

Enjoy your fall!

Arizona State Fair— http://azstatefair.com

Rawhide— http://www.rawhide.com

The 13th Floor—http://13thflooraz.com/index.html

Fear Farm—http://www.fearfarm.com

Freeman Farms—http://www.azpumpkins.com

Tolmachoff Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze—http://www.tolmachoff-farms.com/index.html

Schnepf Farms pumpkin patch – http://www.schnepffarms.com