Halloween

The kids were so excited for Halloween this year. To my surprise, Braden decided that he was going to be a Red Power Ranger. Not because he's really into Power Rangers but maybe because we already had the costume from last year's sales. I'm not really sure. So, I had this great idea to surprise him and make him a Jedi Knight (is that what they're called?) costume. "Surprise" not because I wanted to surprise him. Really it was so I would not disappoint him if I couldn't pull through and make it happen. You see, I have this problem in that I like to sew but I don't know how to sew. Reading a pattern? Not so much. Creating a pattern in my head and hoping it turns out right when I create it? Yep. That's pretty much sums up how I sew. Anyway. I buy my fabric, chalk my pattern that I'm creating as I go, cut, and start sewing. Well, I wish it was as easy as it sounds, but like I said, I don't sew. I think I spent 2 days creating the cloak and tunic (aka the shirt that goes underneath) and had many phone consultations with Kim. I was so excited to show Braden the almost finished product. (I had to have him try it on so I could hem the bottom.) When I showed him the costume he was surprised and happy but then informed me that he was going to be a Red Power Ranger for Halloween. What? Seriously? I was crushed. It was time for bed so I finished hemming it later that night and had it all pressed and ready to go just in case he changed his mind and wanted to wear it in the morning. The next morning he informed me that there were no weapons allowed at school (even pretend ones for Halloween) and there was no way he could be a Jedi Knight without a light saber. (I guess I was a little too busy sewing that I missed the note home about the Halloween Rules.) I assured him that everyone would know he was a Jedi Knight even without a light saber and that he could take his light saber trick-or-treating that evening. He still wasn't sure until I pulled out a brand new light saber (that actually lights up). It was a done deal. He was going to be a Jedi Knight. Bless him. He beamed as I dropped him off at school and all his friends oohed and awed over his costume. Proud moment.

The costume drama continued with Taylor and Ella. Taylor was going to be Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and Ella was going to be Cinderella. The morning of Halloween I was getting the girls ready to go see Braden at the School Halloween Parade. Taylor and Ella were all dressed up in their dresses ready to go. All I had to do was feed Lily. When I called for the girls to come get in the car, Taylor came wearing another dress. A pink and brown striped dress. Not the Princess dress. She informed me that she was Eloise. I told her that she made a great Eloise in the interest of time since we were going to be late. But really, I had to laugh to myself on the drive over. Eloise wears a black skirt, white shirt, and black suspenders not pink and brown stripes. Leave it to Taylor to ooze with confidence and not shy away from telling anyone and everyone at the parade that she was Eloise. As Halloween night drew nigh, Taylor decided she was going to be Super-Girl. When her pink tights didn't match the red and blue costume she faced a horrible dilemma. The Princess dress was so long that it completely covered her pink tights and the Super-Girl costume didn't match. Have no fear. Taylor-the-costume-designer came up with a plan. Me, being past the point if caring what she was going to be, went upstairs to go finish getting dinner ready. Taylor came upstairs with her sidekick Ella to show off their newly created costumes. I was sad. I was really excited for them to be princesses together. Instead, I got Taylor dressed in a Christmas shirt, tutu, tights and church shoes. When I asked what she was, she replied "It matches!" Well, sure it matched but that was about it. My sweet Cinderella had been transformed as well and there was no convincing them to change back into their princess dresses. On the bright side--at least their hair was still curled and cute.

At least Lily cooperated and made a really cute frog. With the costume distractions I completely forgot jackets as we walked out the door. The kids lasted one street until they decided they were cold and done with trick-or-treating. It didn't help that almost every house in the neighborhood had a dog that would 'greet' the trick-or-treaters when the door was opened. They were completely done when a huge dog scared them at one particular house. I don''t know who they were or the type of dog it was (a great dane?) but it definitely concluded our evening. A total of one and a half streets. Done. On the bright side. Our kids have decided that they really don't think they want a dog. We quickly agreed that it was a great idea.

We had Chad, Ashley, and their little boy Logan over for dinner and then we went out trick-or-treating. Luckily Logan just turned 2 so he wasn't disappointed in our lack of trick-or-treating. We had Ted, Tami, and their 2 boys over after and we hung out and the kids played. I think the highlight of the whole day for the kids was being able to answer the door and give out the candy to the trick-or-treaters.