Halloween Not So Sweet Treat

Around midnight was when I finally opened my Saturday paper.  My kitchen was dark so when I first tore off the rubber band and flipped it open...the golden glob in the middle perplexed me.  I bent my face down right in front of it to get a good look and then immediately and SLOWLY backed away after realizing my top news of the day wasn't the sad home loss of the Suns, but:

 ...in over 9 years I finally get to experience the joys of having a scorpion.  So thank you, Arizona Republic for sending me a very nice treat for Halloween.

Murdering for Fun on a Saturday Night

The Cast:(The Stevenson's, The Allen's, The Smith's, The Mitchells, The Fechters, The Calhoun's, The Barry's, The Tanner's, The Harris', The Pritchard's, The Jordan's, The Pribyl's, The Kellis')
In the past 9 years, this was by far the biggest murder mystery dinner party we've done.  There were things I loved about a big group and some I didn't.  I loved the ability to have so many involved and see the interaction between everyone.  I have realized, with bigger parties, our objectives don't allow the privilege of interacting with some of the other characters as often because there are so many story lines going on at once, some of which I didn't even know about until speaking with others AFTER the party.  I realized after the fact that it would've been better to interview or question everyone...not just the ones I was directly meant to for the game's sake.  Live and learn for next year.
Our theme was 'Cruising For Murder' set on the Mystery of the Seas cruise ship.  There were good characters, but it was more challenging for costumes this year not being set in a specific time period or huge diversity in the actual characters background's.  Our guests still managed to do a great job and I was blown away with how quickly they get into character...upon entering and throughout dinner.  I have to say that make believe is even more fun as an adult.

Having rained for a few days in the week, I was worried for how wet the ground would be or if we'd even be able to be outside, but it was perfect out for the evening.

I appreciate everyone who put time and effort into getting into their characters roles...it's only as fun as what people put into it....and it was so entertaining.  Many thanks!!

A.J. Service & Carrie StublingA.J. was a prescription drug ring lord ( obviously) and had me busting up anytime I even looked at him.  Carrie was a spoiled daughter of the Captain.  Anytime I saw her she was barking orders, giving someone the cold shoulder, or chomping her gum. 

The Barback and Margarita Rocks.  Margarita came away with Best Performer gift certificates to Ultrastar for her brilliant acting and singing skills.  She had several show tunes she performed occasionally through the night for money.  She left the crowd speechless.  The Barback couldn't take his eyes off Margarita and was  putting out fires...literally.

Buddy Call and Amanda Rebound.  Buddy could origami a towel into about anything.  My favorite was the bird of paradise.  As runner up to Best Performer I was disappointed that as the towel boy he didn't come in only a towel.  Amanda was on the prowl with her fantastic dress.  Whether setting romantic dinners or moving on to the next man...she carried herself in a way that let me know I never want to be on the rebound.  

Captain Stubling & Samantha Simpson.  The Captain led the evening and was an emotional wreck after the death of his love interest.  Samantha was an amazing ambassadress contestant.  So proper in every conversation and action...she walked with grace and told a handful of lies.

Charlie Charge and Dakota Wild.   Charlie never ceases to amaze me.  Last year, it was the silk white shirt...this year I was hypnotized with the fit of his white cotton pants. Dakota was everyone's favorite since she was the travel critic...especially since she acquired the most cash.  As the night's wealthiest player she went home with a half a million dollars (in shredded Federal Reserve currency).  Take note, she must be very skilled in blackmailing(?).  She obviously also got a bit of a sunburn on the cruise.

Dexter Handley and Liza James.   Dexter was Margarita's number one fan and had to be the winner of yelling out random things throughout the night.  Liza, having just graduated, was sailing with her father and fell in love with the towel boy.  Ok, who knew Candy Cann was her mother???  

Jeffery James and Kristy Marie.  Never had to interact with them.  Bummer.But, Melissa is always so innocent, right?  She was another ambassadress contestant. Poor Jeffery was widowed.  Again...Candy Cann's husband...who knew??!!

Officer Bullet and Passenger 'B' (from Corporate Office)The Officer had all guests under control with his cap gun while 'B' was so intense during the investigation, I thought for sure she would know who the murderer was.

Passengers Eddie and Danielle.  This was their first year and I think we confused them and they probably felt they were in a different dimension...nevertheless...they kept up and looked way too good for a costume party.

Penny Drop and Passenger 'C'.  Penny, another ambassadress contestant, somehow picked up a drinking problem.  I started to wonder if apple cider was the only thing going down the hatch.  Penny is hilarious in general, so this wasn't much of a stretch.  Again, Passenger 'C', no interaction...but anyone who has Penny on their arm HAS to have a sense of humor.

Tom Collins and Candy Cann.  While you may think Tom was the Chippendale dancer, he was actually the bartender and did a fabulous job serving the guests.  He won Best Dressed with a gift certificate to Babbo restaurant.  Was I the only one holding back from wanting to grab his chest??  Candy was on every woman's bad side for the night with the attention of every gentleman.  Candy didn't shy from performing on command.  

Wilbur and Wanda Wed.  Celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary on the Mystery of the Seas.  Wilbur spent much of his time with Candy and tried to profess his love to me through song and dance.  He was paid to stop and never do it again.

Gold digger.

The Victim...Candy Cann.  She was more upset that all her money was stolen at death rather than being killed.

The devil herself....the murderer.  Out of 26 people...only 2 suspected correctly.  Good job Jason Jordan and Lindsey!!
Until next year...

Minor Cost...Big Impact...SOMOS LIBRES!!!!!

We look forward to Halloween every year....it is one of my favorites.  I think we might spend more money on Halloween than Christmas.  Mostly, it's hard finding great deals on Halloween garb, not to mention, we usually have at least 4 different Halloween events and our costumes are different for each event.  I wish I could say I come up with good ideas on the fly but unfortunately, they usually come in the way of a sarcastic remark.  Case in point: this year's Halloween costume.  

Jason and I planned to follow Kelley's theme of Thriller and be fresh from the grave.  I was at Michael's on Thursday night buying the moss (fresh ground cover) to cover our clothing.  I ran into Megan and asked what she was going  as.  She seemed stressed, not knowing yet and contemplating NOT going.  That wasn't an option.  So I told her to make it easy....go as one of the rescued miners.  We joked about a couple other things and went on our way.  So as I'm driving home, the wheels start turning and next thing I know I'm talking to Nicole and we start working out a plan.  How I wish we could've got 33 people, but 11 wasn't bad for last minute notice:

Rescued Chilean Miners:  Adam and Anya Barry, Ken and Amanda Blakely, Joey and Megan Fechter, Melissa Jordan, Matt and Nicole Pribyl, and Jason and I.

Seriously, the cheapest costume ever.  My monkey suit was a goodwill buy from my trucker outfit from an earlier post, Matt got the construction hats and sunglasses, Kellis' offered the headlamps, $2 mustache, and free dirt and grime from my car tires and homemade Chilean flags.

We came in chanting and hollering....epic.

Kinda ironic after my previous post:

I really DO like trophies...and Kelley did an amazing job with them.  And heck, we earned it.

Chilean men are HOT!!

I must say, I did pretty good as a dude.  I heard many people question my sex as I walked past.  Some of my good friends didn't recognize me.  And looking like Nicole for the night confused Jason. 

Where all the sarcasm starts :

The Stevenson's costumes were awesome and won 2 trophies.

Scary Ghouls

Jake and Elwood...Janice even had the harmonica going.

Brett Michaels....our MC.  He was fantastic.

As usual, Chris did a fab job on D.J.  We danced the night away.

When I first saw Napoleon Dynamite, I thought...this is old news.  But once the dance came and he did it perfectly, I busted up.  Nope, it doesn't get old.

THRILLER

I missed out on many photos...too much time dancing.  Also my flash wasn't cooperating so I had lots that didn't turn out...so as others add to their blogs, I will be stealing and adding to mine so stay tuned.  If you ever need good Halloween costume ides...come to the blogs after a Smith party for all the pictures.

Alice and Laurant from Twilight.  No comment.

The beauty of Smith parties is that you don't really have to 'be' anything.  Anyone can come and win.  No one knew what this was all about, and yet he still somehow went home with 2 trophies:

The "What??" Costume and The Penny Pincher Costume

Lindsey and her Mom.  Coolest 80's zombie ever.

The talented, wonderful, hostess of the night...Kelley.  Thanks so much. XOXO