Pate's Full Circle: Halloween

So I am now just getting around to downloading our Halloween pictures. This year Grandma Pate bought Ansley a sweet little elephant costume while we were in Albuquerque. Fitting for our family and the time of year! This was the first year that Liam decided what he wanted to be on his own. In years past we have just dressed him the way that we wanted to. But this year he had definite ideas about his costume. And because he is three years old, he changed his mind...a lot. He kept oscillating between Spiderman and Buzz Lightyear. Let me now mention that he has never even seen Spiderman. And it will probably be a few years until he does. But he understands enough to know that older boys like Spiderman. And so it begins! Before long he will probably be asking for Justin Bieber hair or his own ipad. Yikes. However, since I am the parent, I ultimately decided that Buzz Lightyear would be the way to go.

If you look closely, Liam is trying to push the "buttons"on his costume. I think he was pretty bummed that there were no noises, lights, etc.

This year we went to a Fall carnival at one of the nearby churches. It was a perfect Fall afternoon. I use the word Fall loosely. I think the temperature was somewhere in the 80s, the grass was green, the trees were full...you get the idea. This carnival had a ton of bounce houses, handmade games, a cake walk, a firetruck, a petting zoo and the coup de grace, pony rides. Liam, given his recent obsession for the movie Tangled, was beyond thrilled to ride a pony. He even kissed the pony after the ride. Ansley was perfectly happy being pushed around in her stroller and people watching, as was her mommy. All in all, it was a lovely afternoon.

Taking it all in.

Liam's balloon....gun?

Watching the animals from a distance.

A spaceman and his noble steed.

Because I don't have nearly enough pictures of bounce houses and inflatable slides.

Finally, the big night was upon us! I have been working some crazy hours with my new job, but fortunately I did not have to work Halloween night. Eric and I both got home early, fed the kids and got them into costume. We hit up the same streets as last year, but oddly enough it was easier to walk the hills without 30 extra pounds of baby! Ansley actually did pretty well, even though I think she was confused by the whole process. Liam had a great time and totally got into it this year. The best part was that after 30 minutes of trick-or-treating, they were both tuckered out. We got away with giving Liam only one sucker and putting him to bed. We had a great time and look forward to future years of trick-or-treating. Maybe one day the kids will even give into my fantasy to have a family themed costume!