We have a pretty standard schedule when it comes to Halloween. First stop is Grandma Bertha's "hotel" (as the kids call it). The residents make a large line, sitting in their chairs with candy ready for the kids. Some of them are dressed up, and all of them have something to say to the kids! They all really liked Joey's costume, a WWII soldier (with a real helmet, no less). Grace was a cute cowgirl, so they loved that. Andrew they had a little trouble with, not sure how to identify him. He was a pirate, and most of them finally got it. Matthew, however, was a red Power Ranger. The majority of the residents called him a "spaceman", which he was not too happy about. But they gave him candy, so in the end he was very happy.
Being in the trick or treat line downstairs is not Grandma's cup of tea, so as soon as we've collected our share (Grace and Matthew collected more than their fair share -- the first man in line let them take two, so they thought that was the standard for the rest of the line, until we whispered in their ear that they should probably just take one unless otherwise instructed), we went up to visit Grandma.
Grandma always has extra treats for the kids, including non-chocolate ones for Joey. The kids stuffed their bags, visited with Grandma for a little while, and gave hugs to say goodbye.
Next stop was to the Kazmierskis for another chance to grab armloads of candy. Then we went to my parents' house for more candy and some pictures.
Before we went home, we stopped at Momma Harris' home, where she had special treats ready for the kids. We posed for our annual photo, and then off we went to the house to begin our neighborhood trick or treating.
Last year Grace speed-walked through the neighborhood, leaving us all in the dust. This year she was tired after the first block, and wanted to go home. Really, she just wanted to hand out the candy, which is much more exciting to her than collecting it herself (plus, her bag was nearly full anyway).
Matthew was very full of energy until his bag started getting heavy. By the time we were on the second block, it was dragging behind him. Ben and I would carry it for him between houses. By the time we circled back to our house, he was done. The big boys went to the next block, and everybody was in bed by 9:00!
