Like I ever go anywhere without my camera attached to my wrist.

We went trick or treating despite the iffy weather. We don’t go out around our own neighborhood because there aren’t many houses lit up and there aren’t many kids either. We go with friends around a subdivision where 75% of the houses are handing out candy and the streets are packed with kids all dressed up; it’s much more fun when you aren’t the only ones in costume. It was raining a bit when we got in the car to drive over there but by the time we arrived it had stopped and it wasn’t even that cold. Then again, Canadians know to pick their costumes based on whether they can fit over a warm coat anyway.

Hayley was, of course, Little Red Riding Hood. One woman gave her two loot bags just because she was so pretty.

Last year when Breanna was born, we got Hayley a “big sister” gift and it happened to be a Cinderella costume since she was really into watching the movie several times a week and having the book read to her every night before bed. It’s supposed to be a knee-length skirt but it ended up working as a full ball gown length on Breanna. Since Hayley grew out of it many months ago (hello, growth spurt!), Breanna was free to dress up as a tiny Cinderella for Halloween.

Breanna rolled around the neighborhood in the stroller and did really well. She eventually got antsy and I carried her the remaining block, and then she had fun running around while we did some visiting. Hayley got a ton of candy and George and I are both grateful for that because it means that when the kids are asleep we can eat our weight in lollipops and rockets and mini chocolate bars.

As for me, it’s well documented that I love Halloween. It’s my favorite holiday and I’ve always loved dressing up. Even when I didn’t have a real costume, I always at least put cat ears on my head. Last year I was still hugely pregnant and long-time readers will recall that I dressed my ginormous stomach as a fish bowl.

This year I spent the evening of the 30th and every spare moment of the 31st finishing up my Gryffindor scarf (finally – I only started knitting it over a year ago); there may have been cursing. It still needs more fringe but it was good enough to use. Then I pinned a black tablecloth into a robe, wore grey pants, a white button-down shirt, and a black v-neck sweater, carried a “wand” and copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and I went as Hermione Granger.

Halloween should be a week-long holiday.