Halloween Fun

Our Halloween Festivities began on Thursday with Benny's first of two school Halloween parties. Since he goes all 5 days to school, he is technically in two different classes, so they have parties for both groups. Thursday's group was boy dominated, as they only have one girl in their class. Sophie and I stayed to help with the party and we brought cupcakes and sugar cookies. It was fun to watch Benny play with his school friends. He is a natural leader and seems to direct a lot of their free play. We were able to help out with a Halloween craft and Sophie tried to color one too. She really was more interested in taking her crayons out her cup and then putting them back in again. Eventually, we had to head for home to take a nap. When Sophie gets tired, she becomes destructive, and I was having a hard time keeping up with her dumping things out in the classroom. We came back for the last few minutes of the fun, and joined in a little on Friday's party too!

Benny really, really wanted to be a Clone Trooper from Star Wars for Halloween. I was hoping he would change his mind to a costume that was a little more original, or for one that we could make at home, but he wouldn't give up on the idea. After weeks of discussion, I finally caved and bought the costume. He was thrilled, and couldn't wait to put in on for school. Originally, I wanted to dress the kids as some sort of theme. I wanted Sophie to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (we do live in Kansas you know), and Benny to be either the Tin Man, Scarecrow or Cowardly Lion. He didn't agree, and wondered why Sophie couldn't order the baby Yoda costume he had seen in a catalogue. I didn't want my sweet baby dressed as Yoda (although it could have been cute), so we decided that our theme idea wouldn't work.

So, I set out to make Sophie a Dorothy costume. Yes, I said make! I have only sewed burp cloths and goody bags for the single soldiers, so my experience is very limited. I have never attempted clothing of any sort. I went and picked out the fabric, and the most simple pattern I could find. I procrastinated for weeks, talked it over lots with my mom, and eventually bit the bullet and put it together. I had a few slip ups, but it really did turn out cute. I have plans to make her a polka dot dress out of the same pattern soon. It was really hard to get her to sit still for a picture, and as usual, the overpowering sun washed out most of the pictures. She would only leave the bow in just long enough for us to take a photo. She has a cute little dog that went as Toto, and she carried one of those famous Poland baskets! Oh, and of course she had ruby red slippers (which she loved!)!

Thursday evening we headed to downtown, where the kids could participate in a Halloween Parade and then Trick or Treat at the local businesses. It was so much fun to see everyone dressed up. There were hundreds of children and parents, and even dogs in costume. Sophie loved to see the dogs and would wave frantically from her stroller at them.

Nick was able to meet us there on his way home from work. I was grateful to have the extra set of hands to help. Eventually, the crowds were just too much for us, and we headed home to carve pumpkins.

On Friday night we were eager for the Trick or Treating to begin. Ben's friend Taylor and her mom, Jennifer, joined us. We all went Trick or Treating to a few houses on our street, and then Nick headed back with Sophie to hand out candy at our house.

He's all ready to go!

We tried and tried to get a picture of all three kids, but we couldn't get the older two to calm down and Sophie just didn't want to cooperate. She wanted to put all of our candy into her basket. She had recently discovered the stash by the front door and was very intrigued by it. After some tears by Sophie, we were able to get away from the basket and make our way down the street.

She's off to see the Wizard!

This Halloween was really fun, because Benny finally fully understood the process. He said Trick or Treat and thank you at every house, and didn't fuss when people put candy he didn't want into his basket. Sophie mostly observed, but did walk up to a few neighbors houses. Her fun came later when she handed out candy with Daddy at home. She delighted in all the kids in their costumes and loved putting candy into their baskets. She threw another fit when Nick tried to take them inside. She wanted to sit on the porch and watch and wait for the trick or treaters. She was also very intrigued with the jack-o-lanterns we had carved the night before. She even learned a new word-hot!

Sophie was thrilled to see us when we came home and was ready to dig through Ben's candy. She even helped herself to a sucker!

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!