Halloweenies.

IT'S A HALLOWEEN MIRACLE: BOTH OF MY KIDS TRICK OR TREATING WITHOUT TEARS!

Please remember, last year Adam cried all down the first street, saying that no one was giving him candy (well, you're standing on the driveway in tears, don't know what to tell you) and then finally got in the game, and even consented to wear his costume. The year before, he cried in the driveways and then eventually trick or treated... as a boy wearing a tee shirt and shorts, no costume. But this year, right to the front door and every door after, happy as a clam, ready to say trick or treat and also thank you.

A little black cat and a big truck man

Our motley crew. Todd was the real champion of the night - he'd get the kids to line up at each house, then yelled at them to "attack!" waited for them to come back to him, counted to make sure everyone was there, move forward and repeat. Made it much easier for those of us wandering and nursing our drinks.

The neighborhood we were in has one street that's basically a carnival. The kids received: a hot dog, some popcorn, a donut, a bottle water and a scoop of ice cream with chocolate syrup. It was awesome! We had a really good night overall - started earlier, got home at a more reasonable time, and as the kids get bigger, the strollers were basically a place to throw jackets and empties.

Bargaining with Todd over treats.

The public schools are all off today, taking a teacher in service. If I was a teacher, I'd much rather been in a professional development setting, versus having to deal with a bunch of overtired, sugared up children. We all slept in past 8 today, and then I dragged them to the Y (bribed them with candy) and then we joined Gigi and the ladies at lunch, which is a great treat as well.

Lastly, remember,

Once a trash kitten, always a trash kitten.