Tuesday, November 1, 2016

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

November 1 means one thing to me: blogging day!

First, the punkins. Quick! Everybody gather 'round Patrick's cat pumpkin that's rapidly melting into the porch!

Astute observers might note the mold and rot and ridiculous state of our jack-o-lanterns that are a mere one week old. Or extra-observant readers might see that tiny fourth gourd... Have I mentioned were adding another Scully?!???!??

At any rate, let's get back to the important stuff. I made my veggie pumpkin for our annual dine-with-neighbors-before-the-sugar-rush-in-some-brave-soul's-garage party. NOW the holiday may officially begin!

And now the really, really important stuff. The costumes!

First up, Elliott, who first insisted he was far too old and mature to Trick-or-Treat. I asked if he'd like to stab me directly in the heart, but the question had no effect. Then, he got invited to a costume party, and look who wanted to un-stab ol' Mom!

So, here's Elliott, a true tough guy. A soldier, who's obviously a little battered and bruised.

Ripped shirt (because, duh, battle), a black eye, a bleeding lip and last-minute dog tags that really complete the look, I think.

The gun was important because, if at all possible, his every costume idea includes a gun. Now take a good look because this is the point where Elliott disappeared to a friend's house for pizza and Trick-or-Treating into the this-is-work-NOT-fun, 600-pieces-of-candy range. (Also, he'll be mad at me for not getting an accurate number into this post. My apologies. Please follow-up directly with him for the final candy count.)

Next up, Detective Patrick!

I gave the child a little direction, and heck if he didn't nail it on photo No. 2!

I mean... I just lowered the camera and said, "We're done here."

Plastic magnifying glass aside, IS HE NOT a nine-year-old Humphrey Bogart??!

Inspiration came right from the hat. Even though I asked if he wanted to be Jason Mraz several times, he seemed lukewarm on the idea. So! A detective (in fancy clothes and a borrowed Ladies' medium trench coat) was born! And, ToT-ing with his best bud commenced--

So that leaves us with one guy: Woody! Just LOOK how well trained my boys are! Even at age 4, James is serious and acutely aware he must hold his bucket at the proper angle.

How'd we do with THIS inspiration?? We kinda knocked it outta the park, I'll just say it.

It's all in the details, right? As my generous neighbor asked, "Is that our baby cow costume??" (Repurposed! That's flattering, right?!)

You don't want to know how long I spent thinking about and trying to get these spurs just right. Yes, he's basically wearing felt leg warmers because I didn't feel like buying cowboy boots for two hours of wear. But the spurs! How I LOVED the spurs! Those are clips from our bags of coffee with two glow-in-the-dark stars Liquid Nails-glued on!

Aaaaaaand they survived *almost* to the end of our driveway. Sigh!

Remember when I said how serious and well-trained my boys are? Well, THIS is what happens when he thinks he's done with Mom's photo shoot, steps outside and notices his reflection in the glass door. Cowboy faces, maybe?

Luckily, his bestest buddy, Wonder Woman, arrived and snapped him back into the important task at-hand!

These two were no-nonsense!

Occasionally, they mixed up when they were supposed to say "Trick-or-Treat!" and "Fanks!" And pretty consistently, they stood directly in front of out-swinging doors. But these are silly little details! They did great and had a blast!

Wonder Woman even collected donations for UNICEF, which was wonderful and selfless, but also left a fading (and spur-less) Woody to rest in between houses...

But ya know what cures low blood sugar levels, dontchya? The discovery of candy bracelets, that's what! Yummmmmmmm!

And then Detective Paddy returned with his weirdo friend who would trade the world for all the Almond Joys. (Coconut! Blech!) They made an unbelievable journey, I'd estimate two miles from our house, to the one family they KNEW hands out full-size candy bars. Ded-i-cation, people!

Counting, sorting and trading are all part of the expected series of events. But when this mysterious, inflatable dinosaur showed up, it made me remember why I love Halloween: ANYTHING is possible!

Another one in the books! Happy Halloween 2016 from our soon-to-be family of SIX!!! :O