Trick-or-Treat!!

We originally planned to drive a short distance to a neighborhood with lots of kids, since Cynthia and Jay's neighborhood doesn't have many, but we changed our mind and stayed local. We first walked down their street and knocked on a lot of doors without an answer. There were a few folks handing out candy though and all the houses were so inviting. We then walked to the next street and it was like a different neighborhood! There were kids and adults dressed up and all over the street, home owners on their front lawn handing out candy (and beer!) and every house was very friendly.

Sofia was a pro! We'd talked earlier about ringing the door bell or knocking and then saying "Trick-or-treat," which she can say clearly. So once she was at her first door she didn't hesitate when the owner opened the door up! She also learned that if she lingered she normally got another piece or handful of candy, so she had a lot in her bag by the end of the night. She couldn't quite reach the door bells and her knocking isn't loud enough, so CK or I would knock for her, then she would work her "Trick-or-Treat" magic! However, by about the eighth house she'd figured out that candy was coming her way regardless so we had to start prompting her on the "Trick-or-Treat" part. She used the Frankenstein candy bag that our neighbor Anne gave her because it is soft sided and was easy to pack. I planned on bringing the plastic pumpkin from last year, but just didn't have room in my suitcase. She dragged Frankenstein along the road and he was pretty soggy by the end of the evening. She also carried a flashing light stick that her Grandparents gave her earlier in the day and we had the pumpkin flashlight they gave her last year. The only problem (not really, though) with the monkey costume was that most people thought she was a boy! They would open the door and say "Oh, my goodness, how cute!! Look at this little guy!" I guess most girls get dressed as princesses.....

It was so much fun and I got a little choked up watching her and CK walk hand in hand down the street. She's growing up so fast and I couldn't believe the changes from the year before and honestly can't imagine the changes in the year ahead!

The hood is on - with Papa!


And with Mommy!


Walking down the street toward Sofia's first "Trick-or-Treat" house!


Climbing the stairs!


Her first candy!


WIth Papa helping her along to the next house


Waiting at the door after knocking


Candy!


And the linger....and more candy!


Sofia and her Papa with Uncle Jay and Cousin Chandler


This is the picture that makes me realize how quickly she's growing up!


The next house


Walking with Papa


Waiting patiently for someone to answer


Getting a lift from Papa to the next street


Last smile with Mommy and her monkey - the end of the night!


Papa monkey and Sofia monkey!


Playing with Chandler on her favorite toy of his - the Mickey Mouse airplane! Notice the ring of chocolate around her mouth!


And a flashback - Sofia at her first house last year...