This is Halloween... This is Halloween

This past week, we've all had a chance to come together and celebrate the true meaning of Halloween (which is, of course, candy).

Chris got super optimistic about the pumpkin carving this year. We made a deal. He would carve up the squashes and I would make some pumpkin pancakes for dinner. It started off looking like a fair deal. 

But long after the pancakes were eaten and being digested in the bellies of our sleeping children, Chris was dremmel-ing away on the jack-o-lanterns. 

The end result (not witnessed by the kids until the following day) was well worth it. At least from my perspective. Darth Vader was Emily's choice. Puss in boots was Jane's.

This year may be one of the last that Emily wants us to attend her school party, so attend we did. It was everything that a first grade party should be.

Later that night, Emily and Jane both dressed up as Rapunzel (Jane idolizes Emily and wants to be just like her. Once again, this year may be one of the last that happens).  Now, all kids love trick-or-treating, but if you watch my kids do it, you'd think their next meal depends on those little bags of Skittles. They stayed out for two and a half hours. (Mommy switched off with Daddy mid-evening. Neither of us have the dedication or the stamina to make it the whole night.)

They were rewarded richly.

It will be interesting to see how their loot increases in the years to come as their legs get longer and their speed increases. This year, we were only able to cover about four blocks. Next year, come what may, we'll make it five.