- I'm not wild about the candy consumption.
- I don't like scary costumes or themes.
- I wondered if we'd be 'doing' the next Halloween with Matthew's new siblings.
As I anticipated Halloween this year, I'd have to say that I was thinking similar thoughts. I'm sure, sure hoping that next year I'll be able to cross at least one of those things off of my list...and I know that you know which one I'm talking about!
Sunday's Halloween was a bit different than in previous years, however, and points #1 and #2 were largely dealt with. We decided to go with friends to a Halloween party, being hosted by a nearby church. Our friends had gone last year, and it had been a good experience for them; so we gave it a try, too. It was a fun evening!
The church hosted an impressive slew of indoor and outdoor games, and every time the kids played one of the games, they earned tickets. With tickets in hand, they were able to choose their candy selection and, essentially, buy the candies of choice. Matthew was bouncing and jumping and dancing with excitement, and darting from one activity to the next with incredible energy and joy. It was lovely. He earned 130 tickets, which bought him a selection of about 15-20 candies...a perfectly respectable and ample amount, if you ask me. "An ample sufficiency," my British mother-in-law used to say. When we got home, Matthew trick-or-treated the five houses surrounding our own, so that we could say hello to our neighbours. By the time those houses were done, he was 100% ready to go home.
As per previous years, we let him empty his loot in the kitchen and simply eat whatever he wanted to, in whatever quantity he wanted to (knowing that moderation would follow the next day). Knowing that he'd eaten a substantial and healthy dinner before the evening's festivities meant, quite frankly, that I didn't have to worry about how much or what he'd consume. Sure enough, given my lad's smaller-than-average appetite, he consumed several of his goodies and then called it a day. Most of the time we sat there was spent marvelling at his treasure and picking and sorting his favourites. It worked well for another year.
Anyway, here are a few pictures of Halloween. I thought I was dressing Matthew up as a dragon, but he told me the next day that he was "sorry to tell you, this, but that was a dinosaur costume, not a dragon costume. Dragons have wings." Hmm. As I think about the differences between dragons and dinosaurs, I think he's actually right! Sigh. I suck at this stuff...and yet I call myself a h/schooling mama.
I made a few little goodie bags for Matthew and his two buddies, including the pirate chocolate that contained an oreo cookie inside:
looks like a lot of fun. Many years ago, we went to a similar thing at a church and there were a couple dozen kids. The following year, there were hundreds and I felt uncomfortable keeping track of everyone in the crowds.
ReplyDeleteMatthew looks adorable (but I would have guessed dragon myself!)
Looks like fun! I would have thought that Matthew was a dragon as well :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not big into the candy consumption either (unless it is ME eating it), but fortunately every year so far, Sarah has had a few candies Halloween night, and by the next morning has forgotten that there ever was candy in the house, and Kaitlyn is still too young to even know that people actually EAT those pretty toys she gets :)
Looks like Matthew had a great time! OK, you must share how you made the pirate cookie thingy. It looks amazing! I am wondering if that is something I could make with my K class (with a parent helper...) maybe with a Christmas theme. Care to share?
ReplyDeleteClaire
The oreo cookies were a HUGE hit... even with I!!!
ReplyDeleteThe treat bags were a fantastic plus to a great evening. As usual, an evening with your family has added bonuses!
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