Not that we'd do anything else with them, but there are pumpkins to carve into Jack-o-lanterns, 'cause tomorrow is Halloween.

I actually woke up really late, like at almost 11AM. Everyone else went for the weekly COVID tests and to swim lessons. I don't recall anyone nudging me, nor anything since the little little moved around in our bed while it was still dark. There weren't any notes on any of the whiteboards, so I figured they just let grumpy stay asleep.

They came home a short bit ago with a trio of big pumpkins to carve. I was tasked with the knife use and artistic interpretation of the kids' pumpkin plans. I cut irregular holes in the top, so they tops could be put back in, and set the kids to digging the seeds and stringy bits out of the pumpkins. The big little did a fantastic job, and the little little gave up after a reasonably good effort, and his pumpkin was finished by big sister. I set out to find some face suggestions (that I could carve with my skills), and doodled some examples on paper. At the same time, the little little took to his pumpkin with crayon until he got the face he wanted. Make that faces, as he decided to have me carve opposing scary faces, so he could turn his around every time he sees it.

Faces selected, I set into sawing out bits of pumpkin until our designs appeared. The kids wanted a bigger hand in that activity, and they probably could have had, but every time their offer was discussed, arguments ensued with some pushing and mock charging, and I didn't want to introduce weapons into any kind of squabble. I did try to keep them engaged, checking my work as I carved, and offering small corrections or changes as the design and knife and pumpkin disagreed on the possible outcomes. The big little was more engaged than the little little, who just wanted it done.

In the end, the cavings matched desires enough to earn me some thumbs-up and hugs, so the effort was worth it.

The intern also embarked on her first Halloween pumpkin carving. She ambitiously took on a much more complicated cat than a typical Jack-o-lantern. It turned out amazing, and I joked that she should have done the others.

The big little and I made a jaunt to the craft store for some yard (for something else) and LED tea light candle replacements. We set the pumpkins on the stoop, and called the house decorated. The wife pulled some leaves from the ground into bags printed with Jack-o-lantern faces, and replaced the doormat, too. Inside she put a witch silhouette in the window to complete the effort.

I feel prepared for anything!

Everyone's healthy.