Sunday, November 2, 2008

Halloween Humbug!

I have to admit...I don't really like Halloween...in fact...I might even hate it! But there is a reason for it. When I was a month short of turning 10, I went trick-or-treating with my siblings. We had almost made it all the way around the block when we came to an old widow's home on the corner. She had us in a line and was dropping candy into our bags one at a time. My older sister Becca was right in front of me. I was so excited when I saw the candy drop into her bag and realized it was my turn. But, lo-and-behold, as soon as I stepped to the door the old woman said, "No way honey, you are way to old to be trick-or-treating! Run on home now." OH MAN! I was so crushed. I thought she was the most evil person on earth and vowed never to trick-or-treat again...and I haven't.

Now in her defense, I was a rather large and juicy 10 year old. I was probably 2 or 3 inches taller than Becca and nearly double her weight! Looking back, I can see many reasons why that lady thought it best not to aid my growth with any more candy, but at the time it was quite a blow to the old self esteem.

So, there is a point to the story. Although I was devastated by that lady and have faithfully hated Halloween for the last 16 years, I have found a new reason to like the day of the dead. BROOKLYN! As I dressed her up this year and got ready to take her to the trunk-or-treat (alternative to showing up at creepy stranger's houses) I couldn't help but get caught up in all the buzz. She couldn't eat any candy (even though she did) and she didn't understand what was going on, but she sure had fun! And that of course, made me have fun as well. Here are some pictures of Brooklyn's first Halloween!
As you can see, her nose is crooked and her whiskers are a bit skiwompus because she strongly opposed being drawn on, but to me she still makes a darn cute kitty!
Here is Brooklyn with cousins Joseph, Mason, David, and Maile.


Brooklyn really loved her candy bag even though there was nothing in it.

A closer look at the costumes. Top left: China doll. Bottom left: Kitty. Middle: Missionary Companions. Top Right: Escaped Prisoner. Bottom Right: Gay Missionary Companions.



6 comments:

Allie said...

Do I know that old widow on the corner?? Glad that you enjoyed yourself this year!

Pae and Guy said...

No Tootsie Rolls for you!!

Brooklyn is the cutest little kitty!

p.s. how do you arrange your pictures in collages within your blog? Haven't played with that much but I like when you throw the conglomeration of photos in there!

Love ya sis!

Beccarigg said...

I agree that hoidays are so much more fun when you have kids! Brooklyn looks darling in her cat outfit! Everyone looks so great! What is dad supposed to be though? I love all the costumes. Joseph and David are such handsome little missionaries, and don't you think Maile looks like Grandma Pratt? Also, Rae and Ro as Gay missionaries? um...that's messed up! seriously! But everyone looks awesome and I'm glad you guys had fun! As always, wish we could've been there!

Lisa said...

What a sad story!! I think I trick or treated until my freshmen year of college!! I know, I probably pushed it and that old lady would have definatly told me I was too old but hey, I just love the holiday! Brooklyn is so adorable, little kids are so much fun to get dressed up. I'm glad you were willing to enjoy the holiday for her! =)

Naomi Hanks said...

Allie, I think the Widow on the corner may have passed away before you came into the ward...and if she didn't then it's probably best that I leave her un-named. :)

Becca, I don't think Rae and Ro were really trying to be gay...they just looked like they were!

Chris, If you want to do collages on your blog then download Picasa3. It is FREE online and will put every picture on your computer into the program automatically so you don't have to do so much work. It's pretty cool!

Natalie said...

I thought that was great too since we didn't even plan it. Yah, Sydney can't move very well, which is good, because she wasn't a fan when I was drawing on her face. :)