Halloween 2011

Another Halloween has come and gone. And this year we were ready for it. Everything from the decorations, costumes and candy were checked off the list long before Hallow's Eve.

Our candy purchases were epic. We hit Target with a reckless abandon--loading up on candy like it held the key to immortality. When we got home and dumped out our sugary booty, we wound up with a 20 quart tub full of treats. Oh yes, we were ready for the onslaught of grubby-handed toddlers, hungry-eyed parents, and moody teenagers.As for the decorations, we lugged the ol'storage-tote out of the garage. We brought forth a few knick-knacks, hung a few lights and staked the glowing skulls and creepy tombstones in the flower bed. With the new addition of a full-size skeleton that I luckily only had to throw a minor-tantrum for, our front yard was set.

We also picked our costumes several weeks before the big night. We were the Munsters. I was Herman, Tee was Lilly, and Camden was going to be little Eddie Munster but we just went with a hooded bat cape--something "easier." But no one really got it, so I just called myself Dan-kenstein and Tee was some kind of kooky, witch-lady.

On the big night, the baby was less than thrilled with having to wear his hooded cape. Tee's extremely long wig was jettisoned within an hour and my Frankenstein head gear was trapping my head-heat something fierce. The trick-or-treaters were plentiful but not as abundant as we expected, so we now have about a 5 quarts of candy left.

On the upside, our neighborhood had a good show. The people going house to house were pleasant for the most part and could be seen on almost every block. People were sitting out in lawn chairs, some handing out candy some just enjoying the night and having a drink with friends. Several homes were nicely decorated with spooky sounds and fog machines. Some even dressed up like leather face or Freddy Kruger.

It was a great night in our little neighborhood. We had a great time, but as with all good things, it was over much too soon. Oh well there's always next year. Unless a better idea comes up, we plan on being Star Wars characters. I will be Darth Vader, Tee will be Princess Leah, Camden will be Luke, and the dog (with help from some creative cardboarding) will be an Imperial Walker. I can't wait. Is it October yet?