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Halloween Festivities

November 1st, 2007

This year I was a little weary as to what our plans would be for Halloween.

First, the weather wasn’t cooperating, because a week ago, we had record low temperatures in the 40s. (Yes, I realize it’s common for the weather to get colder in the Northern Hemisphere as fall arrives, but we do live in Texas.)

Second, I didn’t know what costumes the kids were going to wear because of said weather conditions and because Colby is going through a “scared” phase when it comes to dressing up as anything else besides Colby. He doesn’t like playing dress-up, nor does he like seeing anyone he knows in any sort of dress that is different that what is normal. Imagination is not his plaything.

Third, I wasn’t sure what activities we were going to take part in, because Colby’s abnormal napping schedule and Kennedy’s feeding schedule don’t allow for much wiggle room.

Now, with all that said, let me just tell you how great God is and how He will work things out, if we just let Him! What a wonderful day we had on Halloween.
First, the weather suddenly got warmer and it was so pleasant on Halloween day and Halloween night. I almost wanted to go swimming, on October 31st!

Second, I borrowed several costumes for both kids, in case Colby decided to change his mind. (Thanks, G.) Also, in talking with some friends, I was given the idea to dress Colby up in his pajamas, instead of dragging him through the trauma that was Halloween, in his mind. (Thanks, Jill!) So, it was a lot easier to say, “Colby, let’s put on your Lightning McQueen pajamas and go get some candy!” instead of “Let’s dress up like something you’re afraid of and drag you through the town, kicking and screaming.” We kept the costumes in the car, but he really liked his pj’s. We did too. (Although, he moved so quickly all night that we never got a clear picture of him looking at the camera!)

Kennedy was the cutest punkin’ pumpkin I’ve ever seen. This is Geralyn and Evie (dressed as a strawberry!) and me holding the girl. I think her hat looked more like a gladiator’s helmet!

Third, let me say that I’m incredibly in favor of the move toward Fall Festivals/Trunk-or-Treats instead of the “traditional” ringing the doorbell ritual. When Kevin and I were younger, we went door-to-door in our own neighborhood and we really got to know our neighbors better. They enjoyed seeing our costumes each year, and we liked that they liked to see us. (Plus, the Bowers always gave out $1 McDonald’s coupons, and the Dr. Birdwell (a dentist) gave out toothbrushes.) But, things have become unsafe, and kids now walk in the middle of unlit streets in droves. Parents drop them off to scour the neighborhood, and then they’re left waiting on a street corner for someone to come and pick them up.

*stepping off soapbox to continue*

In light of that, Kevin’s work had a tremendous idea to trick-or-treat around the office. Most everyone decorated, and the kids were able to get candy from the cubicles! It was so cute and everyone had a great time.

This is Colby and his friend Bella (dressed as a fish), getting candy!

Oh, and if you haven’t seen Kevin’s hair lately (or lack of), he used it for his costume…. he was a stick of Secret Deodorant. Get it? He also rubbed powdered sugar on his head and then stuck his head in his co-workers’ armpits all day. Yum.

After stopping by Capsher, we went up to church and took part in the Fall Festival. Colby’s favorite part was the jump tent/bounce house. He loves sitting on them and letting others bounce him into the stratosphere. (Pictures are on my camera, we’ll get them up hopefully soon.) Everyone at church loved the kids’ costumes, and Kevin’s as well.

Look at these eyelashes!

And what about Colby’s nap that day? He didn’t take one, but we were able to get around that. At 8 pm, on our way home for bath and bed, he and Kennedy were sacked out in the back seat. Colby then slept until we woke him up at 8 am the next morning. I was a very happy mommy.

Entry Filed under: Colby, Family, Kennedy, Life, Work