But not in today's world.
The Halloween season started about a month ago when Kathy entered us in Plum Market's scarecrow competition. The winning prize was a trip to Disneyworld. Having never built a scarecrow before (I know, can you believe it?), I think we did all-right. We chose a Hawaiian theme in memory of Mom/Grandma as this month marks 3 years since she passed away. We still miss her like crazy. Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote. We came awfully close. But in the end, some brat from Derby Middle School won ...check out her winning entry!!! Are you kidding!?!?!?! That's not even a scarecrow!!! It's a stack of junk leaning up against a stick. OK ...but since my kids might read this some day ...I'm a good sport. Congrats, bratty girl.
Next up in the Halloween season, a fun gathering of old friends at frat brother Paul Schmid's house. The man bought some land in the country, had a couple of kids, and has been keeping himself busy building his entire house himself. He and wife Karen invited us all out for the Spartan game, cookie decorating, a hayride to the pumpkin patch, fun, and laughter. Yes. We basically spent a Saturday in a Norman Rockwell painting. I kinda hope this becomes a tradition. My kids had a blast, as did we.
Moving on ...Zoo Boo. The Detroit Zoo has a nice event through the zoo with candy stations and cool pumpkin displays. Grandpa Mustache joined the Dave & Don Kowalewski families and we got in, got out, and got candy all before the rain really started coming down.
And lastly ...actual Halloween and trick 'r treating. If you can't tell from the pictures, Marylin designed her own costume. She likes butterflies. She likes princesses. So, what better than a Butterfly Princess? I told her to tell people she was from Ice Cream Land and that her house was made of marshmallows - I mean, as long as you're combining all the things you like, right? Why not? She didn't appreciate my patronizing her. But she told people and it made her smile even bigger and brighter, so I smiled bigger and brighter. Jimmy was Lightning McQueen's Pit Crew Guy while Ada went with the standard Pumpkin Elf get-up.
Once again, Uncle/Granpa Jerry and Aunt/Grandma 'Nise came over to have a spooky dinner and help with Ada while we took the older two around the neighborhood. Did this year's Pumpkin Hamburger Pie out-do last year's Brain Peppers? Hard to say. I'm going to call it a tie. Kathy and Aunt/Grandma 'Nise have set the bar quite high for future Halloween dinners.All the pictures from the entire Halloween "season" can be seen here.
Have a scary one!
