Halloween 2015

For Halloween this year, James was Pacman and Miranda was a bumble bee. There was an accidental yellow theme. Because both the kids had dress up Halloween parties we spent a week alternating between singing "Pacman fever" over and over, and singing the Blind Melon "No Rain" song over and over.

James-Pacman (4.5 years) and Miranda-bee (1.5 years)

James remembered the concept of Halloween from last year. He even remembered his costume from last year, though he has seen pictures and even videos of last year. But he didn't specifically remember the experience of trick-or-treating last year. Miranda was just a little costumed-blob in the stroller last year, so this was her first year to rake in some candy.

Busy dancing bee

Family picture (timer propped on car)

We went to our neighbor friend Carol's first. She was in a full unicorn costume herself which was deeply awesome. She seemed to have special treats for my kids in particular or perhaps she spends a small fortune on the holiday?

James-Pacman and Carol-unicorn

Sadly, Miranda was a little overwhelmed by the whole thing. When people gave her stuff she eyed them suspiciously. It was funny but not terribly efficient. So I would take it and thank the person and then hand it to her to put in her bag. This worked for about 1 or 2 houses before she decided that she wanted what was inside her bag NOW, and because we've been sleep-training her/ preparing her for Daylight Saving time ending, she had a fit when we didn't let her. Torn bag, candy in street, and just like that Miranda got sent home.

Meeting the next door Minion

I would like these now.

But James and I ventured on. We had a careful strategy of hitting the houses with a lot of Halloween decorations. We practiced courtesy before leaving the house and exercised it diligently outside the house. Our rules: 1) Say trick-or-treat, 2) Take 1 piece if handed candy bowl, 3) Say thank you even if you don't like what you got. He was so sweet in only taking one piece that people kept offering him more. Finally I told him that if they offered him a second piece he could take it. He was so sweet and adorable. This is my favorite age. (Except Miranda's age is also my favorite because she can't speak so she can't say anything mean yet.)

Our neighborhood takes Halloween really seriously!

No joke.

We radiated out from the house in two directions so we'd never be too far if we had to go home suddenly. When we passed our house I let him jump into the fray and trick-or-treat at our own house. He gave away our secret by calling Kevin "Dada" though. Haha.

Trick-or-treating at his own house.

Finally, I was getting cold, his bag was heavy with more candy than he could eat in a year, and it was dinnertime. I gently brought up the idea of going home, he negotiated for four more houses (his favorite number), I agreed, and we did.

Eating his riches after dinner

We had our sugar-fueled afterparty at the house. Miranda stole James's Pacman costume and slid it over her own head. We put on music and danced and took pictures and possibly snuck more candy.

Miranda-Pacman

Pacman fever!

A very very good Halloween.

• Halloween 2014 - James 3.5 (doctor), Miranda 6 months (bunny)
• Halloween 2013- James 2.5 (pirate)
• Halloween 2012- James 1.5 (tiger)
• Halloween 2011- James at 6 months (monkey)