Halloween

The selection of the halloween costume is an important choice, and Alex considered many options this year before he chose a peashooter from Plants vs. Zombies (a character from an app, xbox game, and comic books that he loves).  I thought it sounded like a great idea until I realize that peashooter costumes do not exist, even on Amazon!  I had to flex my creative muscles and figure out how to make one for him.  Pinterest was helpful with paper mache, but my first attempt was very unsuccessful when the balloon I was using as a form popped and the entire thing collapsed.

 

My second try was much better and much sturdier after a week of adding layer upon layer.  Matt helped with the engineering of the shooter nose (is that what you'd call it?).

After some spray paint, felt, and leaves, it was really taking shape!

Of course, as a potted plant, we had to figure out a way to make a portable pot and it finally all came together!

Ready for the book character parade at school!

Ben was much easier - he chose Little Bear from the Indian in the Cupboard for both the book character parade and trick or treating, and we were able to borrow Grumpy's Indian costume so the work for his costume was minimal.  He sure made one handsome Indian!

I really enjoyed seeing my peashooter at the parade, although I'm not sure he could see much of us!

Little Bear looked great as well and I know he was happy to see that most of the 5th graders were dressed up as well.  Apparently it can be risky wearing a costume when you're 10 years old.

By the time the classroom parties rolled around, the kids had shed all of their costume pieces to make sure they didn't get slowed down on the inflatables.

Peashooter turned mummy with his sweet teacher, Mrs. Rafferty.

Casey didn't get left out of the costume action - she picked out her dinosaur costume with a caveman rider.  She regretted her decision almost immediately.

After a busy day at school, they could barely wait to get back into costume and go trick or treating!

Our neighborhood gang was a bit smaller this year, because some kids are getting too old and other have moved away, but it was much easier to keep track of everyone!

Trick or treat!

It is one of my favorite nights in the neighborhood to see all the kids out and visit so many of the neighbors.  Every year the kids love to stop in this yard for a picture.