On Monday, we were pleasantly surprised with a spooky package from Grandma. Inside was Jack's most beloved treat--books! We got Biscuit's First Halloween, Jack's Halloween and Five Little Monkeys complete with a Monkey Mitt. Jack also found a plush Frankenstein in there. Naturally Jack's favorite was the one with his name in the title until he opened to the last page. Frankenstein starred Jack right back in the face with big googly eyes and gave a spooky growl. Yikes! Once Daddy and I were able to show him it was just pretend and actually really funny, Jack was soon joining in the giggling. Afterwards, he opened the book to that page about 15 times and would peel into laughter. That was followed by turning to every page and repeating "eyes" as he pointed to each of the characters giant googly eyes. "Yes Jack, those are eyes" was the phrase of the day. 
The excitement didn't stop there. On Wednesday, we were invited to a Halloween play date hosted by Heather, mother of Meg and Kate. Don't ask me how she did it. With a two year old and a 4 month old, I would have been lucky to get Jack in his costume, much less host a party. But, she pulled it off and it was fabulous. We arrived with our hands full of a diaper bag, cowboy hat (that Jack refused to put on his head), and a gruesome snack of cheese fingers complete with finger nails. In between bouts of play, Jack spent most of his time eating. His full course lunch included 2 slices of pizza, 2 spider cookies, and 2 string cheese fingers . I got 2 very dirty diapers out of the deal in less than 2 hours. Lucky Mama! Heather, the hostess, had an adorable art project for us too. It involved Jack getting his foot painted black and then pressing it on a tile. Add two googly eyes and a ribbon and it was a ghostly trivet. Heather even took time from her own toddler to decorate it with his name and the year for me...thanks wonder Mom! The busy Moms tried to catch up and get pictures of the little ones. Neither task was very successful. After trying to get a group shot of the dressed up kiddos, Heather said it best..."it gets to a point that it's not even worth it". You'll see what I mean from the group shot below. The most important thing was accomplished though, fun was had by all. I took a a very tired cowboy home with me for an afternoon nap. Droopy eyes weren't my only clue he was exhausted. Oh no, Jack ranted "off, off,off, off" the entire ride home as he pulled off his boots, then his socks, and finally his scarf. When we arrived home, I was surprised that I didn't have a naked cowboy in the back seat. Ahhh...the joys of toddlerhood. 
And the day of all days finally arrived--Friday October 31st--Halloween! Jack started his morning with school where he had a party and carved a pumpkin. Unfortunately, no Mommies allowed at this age in an effort to avoid sobbing and wanting to go home. So, I had to hear all of the gory details from Jack and his teacher. When I picked J up, he immediately showed me his class pumpkin. Miss Angela told me how he giggled during the entire carve, but refused to have any pulp on his hand. And boy do I believe it, my cowboy hates dirty hands. I'm assuming this is a phase? After nap time, we suited back up in his Halloween costume for the 3rd time and prepared to hit the streets. Since before we even moved in, all I have heard about is how our new neighborhood is Halloween crazy. I was starting to get the picture when on October 1st 80% of the houses on our street were already decorated. But, nothing could have prepared me for the chaos to come. We arrived a couple houses down the street for the Pre-Halloween party around 5:00ish. Jack sat at the kiddie table and enjoyed a light dinner of chicken nuggets, grapes, and cheese. He was actually too mesmerized by the costumed kids to clear his plate. Most of the kids completed their meals and were running through the yard and our Lone Cowboy watched in awe from a distance. By the look on his face, I really thought "he's not going to get it yet", you know the whole Trick or Treating thing? I was imagining hitting about 3 houses and then calling it a night. Well, promptly at 6:00 the house to house hunt began. We loaded hatless Jack in the wagon, grabbed Cosby from the house, and we were off. Our first stop was to one of the corner hot dog and beer stands that adorn the neighborhood. And guess who decided they were hungry now? Yes, our wide eyed cowboy. Hot dog in hand, we were really off this time. It only took two trick or treat stops and I couldn't believe it, but Jack "got it"! And he loved it! All he had to do was walk up to the house, stand on the door step, flash his shiny badge, and someone would put a big bowl of candy right in front of his face, too easy! As sweet as could be, he would so carefully choose 1 piece of candy each time, look at me, and then put it in his bag. As if to say "am I doing this right?". Oh, how I wish I had brought the video camera. So our 3 house expectation turned into the entire street. Each time we left a house, Jack would jabber on and on and on in excitement until we reached the next door. He then would fall silent and follow his pattern of choosing, looking at me, and then putting his candy of choice in the bag. Watching him each time was priceless. However, my best memory of the night was seeing J at his favorite house. It had a green cackling witch on the front door and he was in pure amazement! Since then, when we pass the house he says "witsh, witsh" and I picture his sweet face standing at that front door. Oh, it could make a Mommy's heart melt. But, of course, everything wasn't perfect, close, but not completely. Somewhere in the night we lost Daddy, which means we lost the wagon somehow, and Daddy lost Cosby. Luckily, Jack and I eventually found all three back at the house about an hour later. At that point, Daddy and I tag teamed--he took J out for a few more houses and I passed out candy. Carrying a 28lb cowboy up and down the street is not easy on the feet. As much as I enjoyed it, I had to take a break. Remind me to wear tennis shoes next year or better yet, how about Daddy doesn't get "lost" with the wagon again. My little Halloweiner, Cosby complete with a Halloween collar, helped me greet the last trick or treaters until Jack and Daddy returned. A few scary barks didn't deter those kids! We actually went through 10 large bags of candy. We were all exhausted shortly after night fall. Jack got a super quick scrub down and hit the crib. Clay and I followed close behind with all the lights out at the Cibula house by 9:30. I think that is a first for us. The last thing that I said before going to bed was, "that was the BEST Halloween ever" with images of little J in my head. And thanks to my friend Amy, who pointed out that there are never pics of Jack and I together, I made sure to get one of the two of us on Halloween night. I'm sure it will make me smile for many years to come. Happy Halloween to all and I hope yours was the best ever too!
