halloween

We celebrated Halloween for the first time with Eli, since last year we were moving to Portland at this time and didn't have the energy for anything else. Like most toddler-aged people, Eli is totally into animals, and we were so excited when we found the perfect koala bear costume for our little bear. Even though he hated wearing the head and feet of the costume, we got him in it using candy bribes and old fashioned muscle, and headed out to beg candy from strangers in our neighborhood (known in some circles as "neighbors"). It didn't take long for Eli to figure out the system: ride in the stroller, find a house with a porch light on, hop out of the stroller, climb the stairs, knock on the door, and say "chirt teet," get candy and clap and squeal with delight, say "day-doo," and move on. (For those of you not up on your toddler lingo, that's "trick or treat" and "thank you.") He was the most adorable koala on the block and charmed every kind person who dropped crack - I mean candy - into his bucket. He even invited himself right into some of their homes to see what else they had to offer. Ben and I got into the act - Ben as a super smooth 70s dude and me as a Disney princess, complete with the woodland creatures who dress me every morning. We had a great "first" Halloween, and I can't wait to settle in for an awesome sugar fest and prepare for the gluttony of the upcoming holiday season. Happy Halloween!