Trick or Treat!

One of the perks to being back in the real world is being able to take the girls out for some real trick or treating. While in Alaska, we were hampered by the dismal temperatures (it's 23 in Fairbanks right now) and because we lived in a remote place on post. Too cold and too far to walk around mooching candy. We were a bit worried that our neighborhood might be a tad quiet tonight since there are so few children around. But I talked to one of the only other moms in the subdivision this afternoon and she told me that they had gone around last year and had fun. That was good news because I had spent the past few days scoping out other neighborhoods around in case we decided to bail and try someplace else.

Ellie was quite aware that we would be going out to get some candy. Campbell was just thrilled to be dressed up. It was kind of sweet when Ellie asked us if we were going to drive to the hospital for the candy. At Ft. Wainwright, the hospital turned itself into a giant trick or treating party with each department's staffs handing out candy and decorating their floors. I was surprised that she remember that. Once we explained that we got to go for a walk and visit our neighbors, she was gung ho and ready to go. Ellie was standing at the door telling us that it was time to go. As we walked down the driveway, she was pulling and tugging on me to hurry up.

The weather cooperated today and we had pleasant temperatures and no rain. Ellie was her usual shy self. When we approached a house, she would hang back but once she saw the bowls of candy that were being offered she got a dose of bravery. And as we walked from house to house, she was happy to tell us about how much she loves chocolate. And sweets of just about any and all kinds.

Campbell was a lobster and Ellie was happy to reprise her role as a lion. Both of them really enjoyed getting dressed up. After 8-10 houses, Ellie informed us that she was ready to go home. We were concerned that she was scared of being outside in the dark or maybe from meeting new people. No, she wanted to get back inside and eat some candy.

We only saw one other group while we were going door to door so we thought maybe it would be a quiet night. But within a few minutes, we had a few kids come by. Over the next 45 minutes, we had 30-35 trick or treaters and each time, Ellie and Campbell were thrilled to greet them at the door and check out their costumes. Lots of pirates this year. And there were several costumes that I'm not really sure what they were going for. And while we thought not many people would be giving out stuff, I'm pretty sure that most of the kids who came by didn't live in our neighborhood. Evidently, word is out that the Danbridge subdivision gives out good candy.

Jennifer's mom has been in town for the past two weeks but she leaves tomorrow. It's been great having her here. I got to have a few breaks during the day and my kids have been able to eat some real cooking a couple of times since she's been here. I don't mind cooking but Linda makes some things that I could only dream of doing as well. It has motivated me to expand my repertoire and try some new things. The girls are relatively adventurous eaters and if I screw something up, making a grilled cheese sandwich is always a quick alternative. We'll miss having her around. I keep trying to convince her that she needs to stay for another week or four.