Halloween Fun 2010: The Haul

Mama's office always throws a nice party. Last night's annual "tricker treat" was no exception. Especially because, after four years of attending, the kids have the swing of things: they can spot bowls of candy on desks from 5 cubicles away! Thankfully, they've also mastered the actual "tricker treat" and even the thank you, plus only taking one piece of candy from each bowl proffered. Which might make us sound strict, but they probably stopped at 75 bowls and came home with large pumpkin-fulls of candy. Even so, most co-workers pressed handfuls of candy on them. Sis got good at finding the Tootsie Rolls and at avoiding peanut candies. They would even both stand still while we talked to the other adults instead of sprinting to the next bowl! And, for the first year, they weren't scared of anything, "Mom, decorations can't scare us!"

Sis was a firefighter, eschewing her oxygen mask and fire extinguisher this go-round but carrying her ax. Bud was a Jedi. Yes, I know, that wasn't his original plan. But he latched onto the idea so strongly that I went looking for and found an Obi-Wan Kenobi costume yesterday (and, to be fair, we offered Sis the option of adding to her costume, but she was happy). He was thrilled to wear the brown cloak and belt to hold his lightsaber. And everyone could easily identify him (and you should've heard the men--yes, mostly men--reliving their own childhood Star Wars fantasies!). And liked how they were both strong rescuer-types.

After almost 2 hours of trolling for candy, the kids were wiped and . . . so we thought it was a good idea to go for dinner! Barbecue at a crowded, loud restaurant. Perfect for overstimulated and exhausted kiddos. (And mommies who didn't want to cook!) Who nonetheless revived with brisket and ribs and were able to enjoy walking around outside in the dark, admiring stars and the river. And going for huge cupcakes for dessert.

On the way home, I regaled them with stories of my elementary-school carnival and trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. And, while I'd like to say they fell into a candy coma, they did not fall peacefully into slumber on the drive but did get to bed pretty much right when we got home.

So they can be ready for another party tonight!