Happy Halloween!

When you have kids, suddenly Halloween is not just a day, but a season. Last weekend, I went to two adult Halloween parties as a belly dancer. I chose the costume because I already had most of it, and I wanted an excuse to buy a veil. Note to self: Next year, choose a costume that doesn't require you to hold your stomach in all night.

Ben started his day with a Halloween parade at day care. Kids in his class were little pigs, and the teachers were the big bad wolves. They paraded past the retirement center on the grounds, and some of their "grand friends" came out to cheer. The sight of the older adults made me feel suddenly sad; I was reminded of how these days of intensive parenthood will pass, and one day a glimpse of children will be special.


Tonight, Ben dressed up as Elmo. (Longtime readers will notice that I have abandoned nearly all of my qualms about licensed characters, as long as they're on Sesame Street.) He loved getting candy, and he even followed the St. Louis tradition of telling a joke (as his trick). He didn't tell the joke perfectly every time, but it was a noble attempt.

Ben's Halloween joke:

Knock knock.
Who's there?
Boo!
Boo who?
Please don't cry!