Family Halloweekend

 Where: Jellystone Park Columbus North - Sites 412, 414, 416, 418, 420

When: October 13 - October 16, 2022

Several years ago, this weekend started out with just one family and has grown over the years, now 5 families join in the fun for this Halloween weekend.  

This weekend's theme was Pumpkins and Scarecrows.  The campground is beautifully decorated with Halloween decorations throughout the park but the true decorations are the stunning fall leaves that have turned to bright yellows, oranges and reds.  The weather was on the brisk side but warmed up slightly in the afternoon with the sunshine.

The kids had Friday off from school so we were all able to check in on Thursday to get an extra day of camping in.  Thursday was very quiet in the park as the weekends guests would arrive on Friday evening.  We got camp set up and had dinner, Lindsey made meatball subs with salad.  The group took a walk around the campground and had an evening of socializing around the campfire.

Friday was quiet in the park until later in the day.  For breakfast Erich and Lindsey made breakfast sandwiches and for lunch Sheena made cold cut sandwiches for the group.  We eat well when we're together!

We did a few laps around the park on the rented golf cart which was a necessary accessory in such a large campground.

The kids did a few activities such as gem mining buckets, throwing a Styrofoam airplane, making slime, a hayride, and played checkers and basketball.  They also planted magic pumpkin seeds that grew in the field overnight.   The adults kept warm by the fire.  

For dinner Erich and Susan made meatloaf and comfort food sides which was a huge hit with everyone.  It was almost all gone with only a few leftovers.  We closed the evening with another warm fire.

Saturday was a busy day of activities.  Before the day got started Lindsey went to pick up donuts and a surprise from a local bakery.  

Our group went to the flag raising/pledge of allegiance at the Ranger Station where Yogi, Boo Boo and Cindy made an appearance, gave hugs and took pictures.

The kids went to pick their magic pumpkin from the field and then painted it in the activity center.  Such a fun activity.  We went back later to paint pottery where we painted ceramic llamas, a sugar skull and a jack-o-lantern.  

For dinner Jackie and Kelly made chili while Sheena made cornbread.  It was a nice warm meal on a cold day.

Around 5pm our camp had a special visitor when Boo Boo showed up on a golf cart looking for Erich!  Erich was surprised to find out the visitor was there for him and to give him a birthday cake!  We all sang happy birthday to him and got a group picture with Boo Boo.

The kids went to the haunted castle then we all got ready for the costume contest.  Such fun costumes this year.  Beehive, Baby Bee, and Beekeeper, Cleopatra, Man in the Shower, Kevin and Kate McAllister, Harry and Marv, Little Nero's pizza man, and Thelma and Louise.  

The costume contest was a huge hit, Beehive, Baby Bee and Beekeeper won the little kids division, Harry and Marv won the kids age group, Thelma and Louise won the adult age group, Home Alone won the group category, and Thelma and Louise won the Golf Cart decorating category!  What a great time!  Our winnings were crafts, stuff animals, shirts, free golf cart rentals and free nights of camping next season!

The kids went trick or treating in the park and the adults went to the haunted trail which was scary but fun!

Sunday, we had to pack up and leave which is never fun but the fellowship with family and friends is something that can't be beat!  It's funny how a whole year of waiting/planning/anticipation can be over so quickly in what seems like the blink of an eye but we already booked our sites for next year to do it all again!  

Don't be sad that it's over...be happy that it happened...

Thanks for a great trip everyone!