B.Y.O.P

Fall is my absolute favorite season. I know you know all of this already because I am NOT shy about it. However, this fall was a little slow going for me. I didn't get decorations out until a few weeks ago, and I felt like it was slipping by without me really enjoying it. So I decided to host a little pumpkin painting party to celebrate. I did it sort of on a whim, which is totally unlike me, but it was SO much fun! I'm so glad I decided to do it.

I had fun shopping for supplies, planning the menu and setting everything up. The guests had one requirement - B.Y.O.P (bring your own pumpkin), oh, and some creativity. The designs came in all shapes and colors, and if I ever doubted the creativity and fun of our little group, this certainly proved me wrong. This was the perfect activity for a rainy day. However, that did pose some problems for getting the still-drying pumpkins to the car! Or not in Michal's case... :)

Before we do a picture recap, let's talk fall food for a second. I tried a few new recipes that I found on Pinterest, and I was very pleased with both of them. They were easy enough and yummy, too. I would highly recommend them both.

 

Here are the pumpkin streusel bars Kyle can't get enough of. Note: I added Cool Whip because it's just unnatural to eat pumpkin desserts without it.

 

Here is the hot spiced cider that could warm up any day.  

Now onto the party pics. 

 These supplies pretty much got us through, well these and the abundant amount of brushes not pictured here. This was PLENTY of paint for 10 pumpkins. The guests also brought some other tings like rhinestones to add a little glamor. The adhesive that worked best was hot glue.

 Joan's French friend made this pumpkin and she did pretty dang good for someone who doesn't celebrate Halloween. I do remember her name, but I'm sure I will butcher the spelling, so I'm not even going to try. 

 Kim was ambitious and came with 4 pumpkins! She got three of them done at the party but my favorite was this little one that got a mustache. 

 I think these were definitely in the running for cutest pumpkins. They turned out to be pretty adorable.

 Joanie did that free-handed! Can you believe it?! I am so jealous of her MANY talents. That woman can do pretty much anything. 

 And then we have Asher's. It was a little more abstract, but beautiful all the same. 

 These boys upped the cute factor quite a bit, and I was so glad they got to come. They behaved wonderfully, especially considering the fact they'd been inside all day and had a bunch of women fawning over them. My favorite moment at the party was when Hudson and Henry were playing in the living room. Asher walked by and said, "Don't worry, kids. I'm going to wash my hands but I'll be right back." Who does he think he is?! :) 

 Mom's adorable little pumpkin. I think this one was my favorite.

 Stacy's 

 Asher's 

 And finally, my pumpkin, which lost its stem. Poor thing!

 

 Kyle came home early so he and Asher watched the OSU game after everyone else left. He wanted to do just what Kyle was doing...

 except for smile at the camera...

Well that pretty much sums it up. I wish I could have included even more people in the fun, but my house only holds so many. Maybe when we buy that mansion... :)