Halloween

This year was the first year that we've done something Halloween-ish with the kids. We've always done something for Carl's birthday and last year on Oct. 31st we were driving home from Calgary. Our plan was to attend our church's carnival, but when it was cancelled last week, we were wondering what we would do. Joel and Kezia really wanted to dress up, since all the kids at school were talking about their costumes. So on Tuesday night, I packed up all three kids and headed to Target. (I normally wouldn't do something that crazy, but since we all had long afternoon sleeps, I knew that spirits would be good).

When we arrived at Target, we first picked out some cards and birthday presents for Carl. Looking back, I think the card selection greatly influenced the costume preference. The costume aisle was packed with frantic parents and whiney kids. But thankfully, Joel saw his costume right away and so I grabbed it and headed out of the chaos. Picking Kezia's outfit was a bit more of a challenge. She was overwhelmed with all the princess dresses and I was trying not to insist on a costume that I wanted, but let her pick her own. After a few minutes, I picked out three and let her choose. Of course, she picked the one that was a dress, the cheetah dress. Oh good, I said to myself, let's get out of here. But then the kids said, What about Asha? Who ever thought a 3 month old kid would need a costume? Well, Joel found a very pretty angel outfit and said his baby sister would look so nice in it. I had to agree, it was much cuter than an orange sleeper. So I bought my baby a costume.

.

.

That evening once we got home, the kids really wanted to try on their costumes. I got them all dressed and then Carl came home from class. The kids just about went into orbit with excitement. It was pretty hard to get them to go to bed. It was probably 11 p.m. before the whispers quit.

.

.

The next day after our afternoon nap, I got the kids ready. Carl had spent time the evening before making Kezia her kitty ears. Joel and Kezia were proud as punch in their new dress up clothes. We took a few pictures and drove out to Reedley. We had a nice simple supper with Danny and Beth and their kids Elijah and Sara. After supper we went to their church's Halloween carnival.

.

.

There were many people there at this free event. The kids enjoyed jumping in the bounce house, checking out the police car and the fire engine too. We stopped in to decorate treat bags and play a few games of football toss. The highlight of the evening was probably the train ride. Carl stayed behind with Asha and the rest of us had a fun ride around the church grounds.

.

.

The carnival ended at 8 p.m. and then we headed back to Danny and Beth's for pie. Around 8:30 we headed home and decided to knock on a few doors in the courtyard. Joel and Kezia had no idea that on Halloween you knock, say trick or treat, and expect candy. They just wanted to show everyone their costumes. So when they got more sweets, Joel said to me, "I think we have too much, we probably should give some away". What a kid! Once we got home, we changed into pajamas, washed off faces and sent the kids to bed. I think the kids enjoyed themselves.