Last week I went to the Halloween Spirit store and I almost threw up. I had my kids with me because I needed to get them some costumes, and I told them to keep their eyes down. That was the fastest Halloween shopping I've ever done; 20 minutes total including trying out the costumes. It wasn't that I was scared of them, although that was one of the reasons I didn't want my kids to look around. Mostly, I didn't feel comfortable being there. As an adult, I understand what is real and what isn't. So, it isn't the lack of knowledge that causes fear. It is plainly the desire not to have anything dark in my mind or heart. Now, a good costume party is another thing, and for that I'm grateful we have church parties where kids and adults dress up and you wouldn't feel uncomfortable.
That said, our Halloween celebrations started early this year and continued throughout the week-end. Jefferson scout pack had a party on Thursday, and Jefferson was so happy to attend and finally wear his costume. Jefferson changed his mind many times on what he wanted to be, but he ultimately set his heart upon being Anakin. His friend, Jack, matched his costume by being Obi-Wan Kenobi.
On Friday morning, I took Charlton with me and went to cheer Gillian on receiving a medal for performing excellently in Star Test last year. Charlton kept calling Gillian's name when she went up on the podium. He cried when we had to say good-bye.
Friday afternoon found us getting ready for our ward's Halloween party. Gillian hadn't had a chance to wear her costume yet, so she was really thrilled to try it on. As I had mentioned in an earlier post she had chosen to be Cleopatra, and believe me it was a good choice. She looks stunning as the Jewel of the Nile.
Jefferson and James had decided to stay with Star Wars theme this year, Jefferson by being Anakin and James Obi-Wan Kenobi. I had planned for Charlton to wear one of the costumes the older children wore at that age, but Charlton is a very independent child as well as a younger brother who wants to follow in his older brothers' footsteps. He also wanted to be someone in the Star War saga. There wasn't any time to go and get him a new costume, so I put on him a very big Storm Trooper costume. He didn't care that it was big; what mattered was the fact that he matched with his brothers. (Elijah thought he looked more like Princess Leah than a Storm Trooper, but we won't tell Charlton that, yet.)
At our ward party, we were served some good food, the children were entertained with various games and activities, and the rest of us socialized. The children, of course, had the most fun playing with their friends, and filling their buckets with candy in the annual trunk-or-treat. Charlton didn't know what to think about the fact that mom was letting him have candy in abundance.
Saturday started by having our friend from our ward and one of the leaders in the cross-country running program bring certificates and trophies for the kids. They were ecstatic with joy, especially Jefferson who also got an award for the most improved runner. Here are their certificates with their running times for each meet. I'm so proud of you children. You did awesome!
Later in the afternoon, the children escaped their chores and went to celebrate Halloween at one of their teachers' home. Sister Drake, James' s Primary teacher, throws this fun party each year where the kids carve their pumpkins, eat good food and cookies, and play games. My kids couldn't stop talking about the fun they had. Thank you Sister Drake for a great party.
Today all four of my kids had a party, but believe it or not I didn't attend any of them. I was so tired from the long week-end, and truth be told I couldn't take any more Halloween parties. I felt bad the whole day, but I attend all their field trips and volunteer plenty that I was able to take that guilt and throw it out, especially knowing that I was going to be with them tonight as they trick-or-treated from door to door. That's another thing I don't understand, the trick-or-treat and my kids with buckets full of candy. What do you do with kids who think just because they have a bucket full of candy they also have the right to eat it?! I know, I know it's an American thing that us foreigners don't get. Tonight, however, was my favorite part of the whole Halloween week-end. Some friends of ours in our ward had mentioned something about meeting at her house at about six in the evening and having the kids go together trick-or-treat. Her neighborhood is children friendly and my kids were excited to share this last part of Halloween with their church friends. I was running some errands, so we were a bit late, but when we got there I couldn't believe my eyes. There were about 30 kids (with ages ranging from one to ten years old) from our ward walking together and stopping at each door. It was so funny and sweet at the same time. Many people at the doors would go back to refill their bowls so they could have enough for all of them. Charlton kept saying "More candy?" He couldn't believe that he was actually allowed to have candy and that people were giving it to him. That was so much fun. Kids truly bring joy into our lives, and turn a holiday such as Halloween into something sweet.Too late to be out and about for the Little Red Riding Hood:
Checking their booty out:
Ah, the joy of being a child!
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