happy halloween!

• Halloween is always a busy crazy day.  This morning started at 6:30 with hair and makeup.  Katie, you dressed up as one of your favorite YouTubers (Dan of Dan & Phil).  Jane, you were an actor in the haunted house at your school, so you dressed and had your makeup done there.  I wish I would have gone to see you because you washed it all off before you came home.  You said it was pretty cool though!
• Lila, I'm the class rep for your division at school.  That means that I organize the parties.  It was actually kind of fun.  I came to your class at noon and set up all the food.  You loved having me there.  You helped me with the juice boxes.  You were such an excellent little assistant.
• Lila, you wore the costume that I sewed for Katie when she was in kindergarten.  I loved seeing you in it.  Katie, I remember you in that dress as clear as day.  You were adorable.  
• Jane, it's Tia's bday today, so I took you over to her place after school.  She asked me to take some photos of her in her costume.  What a delight to take photos of someone who actually wants their photo taken!  We went to the side of the parking lot at her building.  The light was magical and Tia, even more so.  You hung out, then went out for birthday dinner with her family.  
• Katie, you trick or treated with your friends from school.  I took you over there at 5:30.  I'm happy you decided to hang out with your friends.
• George, you were terribly excited about trick or treating.  This is the first year you understood exactly what was going on.  At the very first house we went to, they gave you candy, and then when you didn't say thank you, I asked, "What do you say, George?" to which you enthusiastically shouted out, "MORE!!!"  I laughed so hard.  
• Lila, you were full of good manners as we trick or treated.  Every single house we went to, you said "Happy Halloween!" and "I hope you have a nice day!" and "Thank you sooooooo much!"  You commented that Mrs. Bellet would be so proud of your friendly words.  Mrs. Bellet is working wonders with your manners.  God bless that woman.
• George and Lila, you were finished after about an hour and asked to go home.  Daddy and I were delighted to oblige.  We came home, had a treat, and you were in bed by 7:30.  It was great.
• I enjoyed a bit of a quiet evening, then at 9:00 watched the fireworks.  Every year there is a tremendous fireworks show from Colony Farms.  We have a perfect view from the fourth floor.  This is the very first year I watched it without any kids.  It was kind of lovely, but I missed oohing and ahhing with you guys.  Our neighbors joined me, so I had good company.
• Katie, you arrived home around 9:30, and Jane, shortly after.  I enjoy watching you create relationships outside of our family.  You're such nice kids.  Your friends are super lucky.  I miss you when you're gone, but at the same time, it makes me really happy to know that you're beginning to make a life for yourself.

Lila, this is Katie in 2009 in the same Halloween costume  Also, at her kindergarten party. Look at your plates. Both loaded with veggies and fruit. Lol.