Birthday #3, Part 1

The end of October is of course Halloween, which means lots and lots of parties, including my own birthday. The week before the big day, the 4 of us went to a big party at a classmate of Ella's. Felix wore one of his costumes, Thomas the Tank Engine; Ella was Super-Girl; Jim was a cowboy and I was a "green neverland fairy". The kids decorated cookies, painted masks, decorated miniature pumpkins, got lots of temporary tattoos and went on a treasure hunt around the garden, and we all enjoyed a very vegetarian-friendly potluck (including a delicious kamut salad).

I took the day off work the Friday before Halloween to attend Felix's preschool costume parade. This time, he was dressed as a pirate. Here he is with his friends "Dorothy" and "Spider-Man" (1 of 2 at the school that day).

Then off to Ella's costume parade, after which there was a carnival with game booths, baked goods and face painting.

The kids had another chance to wear their costumes on Saturday morning, to Dutch School, and finally on Sunday, the day itself arrived! My friend Jen and her daughter M (same age as Ella) came trick-or-treating with us while Jim had door duty. After one hour around the neighborhood, Felix's little legs got tired, so he and I stayed home to hand out the candy, and Jim went around with the others. Ella and M hauled in quite the collection of candy - this is just what Ella got!

After about a week letting them gorge themselves, I was able to convince them to sort through it all, keep a small box for themselves each and donate the rest to the soldiers and the children overseas via Operation Gratitude which is run from the National Guard depot near our house. Seeing as candy is dearly beloved and coveted by our two, I was very proud of them for making the sacrifice.