From Pumpkin To Jack O' Lantern

We had the annual carving of the jack o' lanterns a few nights ago.  Each year it keeps getting easier and easier to carve with the kids.  They both helped get the insides out (one with less noise than the other) and designed their own faces.  Mark drew the faces on in pencil, then we got started with the carving.  Cole was able to do a good bit of his and only asked me to help when his hand got tired (and I'm sure it did because he had to put such force into each stroke that he wasn't able to go quickly).  Kara really wanted to do her own cutting, but the rind was really thick and hard to cut through.  She did a few token cuts at least.  Lots of fun leading up to the big night!

Note the look of apprehension on his face (and the tongs in his hand).

Kara goes in bare handed!

Contemplating whether or not to reach in there (he did and touched about three seeds before screeching and pulling his hand away).

Playing with the seeds and guts as if it were Play Doh!

What concentration!

She gets by with a little help from her Dad.

Kara's cute pumpkin!

Cole's awesome pumpkin!

Twas the night before Halloween, and all through the house...