@icedchai: Oh wow - the last time I carved a pumpkin was years ago with the kids! We should do it again, but that's not likely to happen.
I can't weigh in on cutting out the bottom versus the top - it sounds like an interesting idea. Maybe it'll work better as the pumpkin decomposes...?
Really, as long as you have fun cutting and carving and enjoying the results of your adventure, that's all that really matters, IMO - you can make it as complicated or as simple as you want, obviously, but sometimes, trying to make it more complicated only adds stress and decreases the enjoyment factor, IMO. I'd love to see pictures of your finished pumpkins!!

@icedchai: LOL! I'm so glad you had fun with your friend! You still have time to carve a Halloween pumpkin - and if you don't get to it, maybe it becomes a Thanksgiving pumpkin!! XD

@icedchai: i never get to make the seeds delicious so i just did it once xD Yeah i cook the seeds and the flesh of the pumkins for a brough and than i cook a hokkaido pumkin in it to made it smooth and tasty!