Some Very Happy Toddlers

Halloween must top every other day to a kid. It might be even better than Christmas in their eyes. We had a fun-filled day, that all led up the grand finale. Here’s our Halloween low-down.

We started off by letting them put on their costumes first thing in the morning. They were beyond thrilled, and couldn’t get those clothes on fast enough (you’ll notice Alex’s pants are on backwards). They even, by themselves, lined up for a picture! Can I tell you what a development this is?! Seriously, they have never done such a thing voluntarily. Love the bed-head. And love that we got away with pajama costumes for another year. Grandma Robinson is to thank for those, thought I don’t think she realized how easy she was making my costume decision when she bought them.

The morning was filled with coloring Halloween pictures, and watching Halloween episodes of their favorite shows. Then it was off to Costco and Wegman’s for some regular errands. But aren’t those (sometimes) more fun with happy kids in costumes? Bennett, also known as Sticker-Face.What? All sitting peacefully at a table together?! Only for a few minutes, but I’ll take it!

The vending machine buttons kept them plenty occupied while I finished eating.

Yes, I sanitized both of those cars before we sat in them. I keep my own wipes handy at all times.

After a nap (I got one too, of course), I broke out the chocolate skeleton pieces I made with a mold KC’s mom sent in a little package for the kids. The chocolate got a little scuffed up in the bag I put the pieces in, but I think it adds to the creepy effect. We put the pieces together like a puzzle. All, except Bennett, did very well not eating the pieces until they were done with the project. Mr. B ate them as he went. But soon enough all the pieces were wiped out anyway. As long as they had fun, right? Oh, and in case you’re wondering why they are out of costume, I had to do a mid-day wash, to get them nice and clean for the big night. One person might have been a little distracted by all the fun to make it to the potty in time. Plus regular toddler messes. Alex insisted on wearing his rash guard. Why not?

We got dressed up again, and the excitement was even more than when we put them on in the morning. Love when these kids are so easy to please! Then we just had to wait for KC to get home, and we’d hit the streets. Grandma Robinson can also be thanked for those awesome hats. They definitely completed the costumes. They kids love them.More voluntary posing! Are these really my kids?!

It was a beautiful night. Especially considering the weather we’ve had this past week. They were non-stop chatterboxes as we made our way through the neighborhood. KC and I were cracking up the whole night. This was definitely the first year that this activity really clicked with them, and they have really been looking forward to it. They were the perfect trick-or-treaters, commenting on the awesome decorations (“Wow! Ah-right! Look at the beautiful lights! Cool Ghosties! Pumpkin patch!”), saying “Trick-or-treat!” with much enthusiasm, and never leaving a door step without saying “Tank you so much!” about three times each, sometimes even giving a thank you specific to the treat given (A sucker! Yay! Tank you!, Fruit snacks! Tank you!, Alex looking at a peanut butter cup, “ooooOOOOooo, tank you!”) and wishing everyone on our path a “HAPPY HALLOWEEN!” And  my polite little ones needed little reminder to only take as many as they were told they could if given the option (something I can’t say for some of the little greedies we had at out house). I was even surprised to see that they didn’t even ask to eat one piece of candy until we were done. We were out a little longer than anticipated, but they they just kept on going. They were definitely getting worn out when we were finishing up, as was I, but protested going home as they started recognizing the houses on our street.

But as soon as they got inside, they realized the fun was just beginning. So began the candy binge. It was making me a little queasy just looking at all the sugar they were consuming. Bless the sweet lady down the street who gave coloring books and crayons! Alex was very happy about that. We’d sneak handfuls away, until there were only a few pieces in each bucket left. We tried to feed them a little dinner of pizza, carrots and clementines, but only Ruby participated. At least I tried. We finally got them into bed around 8:30 or 9 after a thorough teeth-brushing, and KC and I crashed as we appropriately watched a couple episodes of The Walking Dead. Glad it was after we wandered around the dark streets.

It’s moments like this that make this parenting thing feel real. Like it was something I always pictured doing with my kids, and it actually really happened.  It’s just so great to see the happiness and discovery in their faces. I may have been completely exhausted, and they may have eaten their weight in candy, and we may have let them sleep with their pumpkin buckets (with all choking hazards/edible trinkets removed, of course), but it was a night I won’t forget. These darling kids make life just so, so great.

Now, what EVER will we do with this triple-load of candy…?