Our Little Ghoul

Actually, our little girl was not a "ghoul" for her very first Halloween. Not a Princess. Not a fairey. Not Little Red Riding Hood. Instead, Kristina was a Dragon! Papa was shopping at his favorite store (yes....you all know it....COSTCO!!) and found this costume about 6 weeks ago. He grabbed it knowing if you pass something up at Costco, you'll never see it again. It wasn't quite the costume I imagined but oh....she looked so cute in it! "Grrrrr" ~ the sound we heard all last week as Kristina practiced her new identity.

The holiday started out Friday with a party at school where Kristina wore her costume out in public for the first time. Since it was quite bulky and warm, I brought it along with the hopes that the teachers would put it on her in time for their little party. When Kristina saw all the other kids dressed up, the teachers had no problem convincing Kristina to put hers on. Kristina even came home with an award in recognition for having the "Scariest Costume". Scariest? You judge for yourself!

On Halloween, Kristina was with Nana and Grandpa D for the day since JD and I both had to work. There was a Halloween Carnival at a local park so they took Kristina there. Kristina had lots of fun but when Nana and Grandpa felt that it was starting to get a little too overstimulating for our little one, they took her home for her 2-hour nap. Afterall, a dragon must rest in prep for scaring the begeezus out of everyone that evening!

Nana guiding Kristina to play a bean-bag toss game.

When I got home at 5:30pm, Kristina was engaged in carving pumpkins with Papa and Grandpa. As usual, Kristina has to have her hands in everything!

Kristina supervising Papa and Grandpa carving all the pumpkins!

I had to lower myself to bribing our daughter in order for her to donn her Dragon costume for Trick or Treating. "Please, Kristina --- you'll get some candy!!" I can't believe I had to succumb so low but I was really worried there for a moment as Super Gaby, Cinderella Kira, and Pirate Maiden Andrea awaited Kristina outside! Nana and I even brought out the back-up pink tu-tu ballerina dress, but with no success. Finally - our dragon was all dressed up and ready to hit the streets (minus the dragon head [hood])...

I do have to say that this was by far the best Halloween in a long time. It was so much fun watching Kristina evolve from being the naive one lagging behind everyone to the one leading the group to the door and saying "Tick or Teat." After making it home, Kristina got as much joy out of handing out candy as she did in getting it.

We are so appeciative to JD's parents for taking care of Kristina on Saturday and helping her enjoy her first Halloween. It was great having them here and only wish my family in FL was here, too.

Now, does anyone know how to get a 2 year old down from a candy high?????

Ok, girls -- level with me...does this dragon costume make my butt look big???

Kristina went to Rose and Marc's house (our next door neighbors) for her first candy. Yes - Kristina was already eating a Snickers by the time we left their house. Wipes --- stat!!!

Started out hanging behind everyone....

...but not for long! Headed to the front of the line ~ thumb and all!

Self-serve Halloween candy...what has this world come to??????

Walking through the neighborhood turned into running when learning candy was being handed out FREE! Geez, America is great!

"Look, Mama --- you match the big pumpkin on the lawn." Thanks, baby....

"OK, Tina's tired." (Kristina just started calling herself Tina within the last 2 weeks. No more Tee-Tee....)

"Whew...this Trick or Treating is a lot of work!" Rest break!

Alright, Mama -- check out my stash so I can start test-tasting!

Sugar......I need sugar.....muhahaha!!!