Halloween

We love our Halloween tradition!  In the past, I've gotten really stressed out about costumes-- wanting to be that mom that makes her children's costumes and not buying a box store model, but never having enough time to really be that mom.  

This year, the kids absolutely blew our minds.  They each came up with their own idea months ago.  We got some ideas online, but they each really put the costumes together on their own.  

Cally made the wrist guards, belt, and headband for her costume.  When the blue skirt with stars did not arrive on time, she crafted her own shorts out of jeans and sparkle duct tape.  A string of LED lights helped make her lasso of truth look alive.  And when I balked at the idea of buying red boots, she came up with her own creative alternative.

Hazey did most of his costume on his own, as well.  Cally helped with the headpiece and John helped with some cutting.  I purchased the lights, but he made it all come to life.

And then John decided to purchase a Kermit the Frog costume while we were in Canada the other weekend.  So I was the only one without a costume this year.

We also managed to hit our favorite "Pumpkin Glow" on Ciley Hill in Jericho the night before Halloween:

Hazey decided to wear his costume both night.  We figured it was safe to have those lights on with all the cars that frequent the glow.

We had a bit of a pumpkin tragedy this year.  John helped Hazey carve a Boston Red Socks pumpkin.  Then he carved an elephant for Cally..... but the elephant pumpkin had a fall on the night of our party.  So Hazey scooped out a new pumpkin for Cally, and John carved a spider in the half hour we had before heading out to trick-or-treak.

We were lucky enough to be invited to ride the hay trailer on Bolger Hill again this year.  The Dowd's invite a bunch of families and the kids have a ball:

One of the flaws in Hazen's costume design was that he could not unwrap and/or put candy into his mouth, because of the placement of his arm holes.  

We ended the night with a trip around the Jericho Center.  The library was giving out books, the fire department was giving out flashing lights, and lots of the neighbors gave out generous amounts of candy.

In the end, the kids got lots of candy.  I offered them 25 cents for every piece that they were willing to give up.  Cally gave me 38 pieces and Hazen gave me 50.  My high school students are going to be psyched!