Halloween

 This past Thursday, we celebrated with the rest of the country All Hallow's Eve.  Granted, we've really been celebrating for the last few weeks.

 Molly has been testing various costumes.  What she would end up on Halloween was not decided until minutes before we departed for the legalized looting.

Molly elected to attend one Halloween party as a monkey.  The hat was her addition.  I should also add that the entirely pink outfit was all her.  She saw the boys don their ninja outfits and she disappeared for a couple minutes and came back in that get up.

 We learned last year that carved pumpkins last only a couple of days.  If the squirrels don't get them, the humidity and mold will.  Thus, Wednesday night found us carving out pumpkins or painting them in Molly's case.  We may opt to paint all of them next year.

 Though, after about 5 years of doing the intricate tracing and carving, we elected to go with a little simpler and more classic look this year.  (Impressed with my mantle?  Thank you Aunt Debbie and Great Grandma for making it possible!)

 OOOOOOO!!  The next morning the kids came and checked out their pumpkins not unlike they check out the Christmas Tree on Christmas morning.  Though, they weren't expecting presents, they just were amazed the candles were no longer lit.  The conversation between Dom and Will was pretty entertaining as they discussed the properties of wax...

 After the pumpkin carving, we had the traditional goblin cupcakes.  I'm pretty sure Molly dug through hers to get all of the chocolate chips.

 I just loved that expression.

 Then we came to the big night.  Approximately 1 minute before it was time to go, Molly was sound asleep on the couch.  We gave her some costume options, and were not in the least surprised she elected to go as a princess.  I attempted to get her to wear a football helmet (for quarterback princess), but she went with Will's 'I'm a Christian' crown.  Well played, Molly. 

It is really pretty fun to watch the kids.  Molly was actually able to keep up this year.  In our neighborhood, most of the participating households simply sit outside to hand out the candy.  Eric told the kids to sneak up on them like Ninjas.  And they totally did.  They hid behind cars and bushes.  Most of the neighbors played along which was a treat for us and the kids.  Though, in case anyone was confused, Will always explained that he wasn't really a Ninja, it was just a costume.

 This is the best picture we have of the princess in her cape.  She was a pretty big hit.

 The next morning, we naturally have a popcorn bowl full of candy and have continued the festivities.  Molly is now the black ninja.  She was so excited to show me and her bright eyes shining in the mask was something I would have loved to capture on camera, but true to Ninjas, she did not want her face photographed...

Though we did have this cute conversation:

Mom:  Bye, Molly (as she scampered back to play with her brothers)
Molly:  (quickly turning around) Not 'bye Molly!' Bye Ninja!
Mom:  Oh!  Bye Ninja!
Molly:  Bye Mom!

And we've also had multiple Trick or Treat sessions this morning.  But, we are responsible about it.  Notice the toothbrush in the black Ninja's hand.  Such good habits!

PS She is back in her princess gear.