Halloween 2011

As always, Amanda made the children's costumes. This year, after toggling between being a knight, a digger, an excavator, a cup of coffee, and a dinosaur, Callum decided on being a nutcracker--not merely a 'toy soldier,' like some thought--but, rather, a nutcracker from THE famous ballet...which he loves. He also decided that Maira would be a "pink" nutcracker. What vision. I took this paper on Sunday night at around midnight or so, as Amanda was finishing the costumes.....

Ben, Betsey, Polly, and Brownlow came by to Trick or Treat--although I wish they had time to stay longer and have some of the great chili I made! Polly was an adorable ladybug, and Brownlow was a monkey.....please note Callum's "things" he brought with him: his sword (obviously), his pumpkin trick or treat bag with his name on it that Nannie got him (obviously) and his stuffed puppy named Teddy (obviously).....
Here's Amanda and our adorable, pink, chubby little nutcracker....she loved being dressed up and laughed all night!
I would say we got close to three hundred kids again....we went through seven and a half bags of candy. Callum and the kids started at five (and were done by 5:15) and then we had the rush hour from about 6-730. By 8 the place was a ghost town. I only had two drunk/under the influence of drugs kids this year. My friend Dave can vouch for that! A good year...haha
Bill and Terry across the street gave Callum and Maira their own customized little bags....very cute and thoughtful! Inside Maira's was a box of shortbread butter cookies, which she LOVED. I know someone else in the house--who isnt Callum or me--who also loves these types of cookies....like mother like daughter.....
Our friends Dave and Muriel came by, as they did last year. Unfortunately, in the tumult of putting the kids to bed/eating dinner/cleaning up, we didnt get any pictures of them. Too bad! But we were happy to have them, as always!

Here's me and my wonderful kids as we prepare to go rape the neighborhood of candy......
Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday in Nov.....why can't Halloween always be on a Saturday?? Who says?? Mondays suck for kids and candy.....