This year Brenden wanted to be Thomas the Tank Engine for halloween. I asked him several times and gave him a lot of choices and every time he said Thomas. I also let him pick Emily’s costume with a choice between a fairy or a lady bug. He wanted her to be a lady bug, a choice I’m pretty sure she was not happy with.

We got a very short Halloween story to read this year and Brenden was all ready to say, “Trick-or-Treat. Trick-or-Treat. Give me something good to eat” just like the little girl in the book, only with a please tacked on. He was very excited and couldn’t wait for the day he could be Thomas and Emily could be a lady bug.

This was a very exciting change from the boy who didn’t even want to put his Bob the Builder costume on last year. The boy who didn’t even want to go up to people’s doors.

We had planned on going to a city sponsored event for little kids on Friday to ease into things, but Brenden came down with an ear infection Thursday night so we skipped it.

I guess our neighborhood starts trick-or-treating much later than I would have though because there really weren’t many kids out when we were. But we made our way around the block and stopped at any house that looked inviting. Brenden didn’t manage to say anything to people but he was very brave about going up to the doors and holding out his bag. Maybe next year he’ll speak!

Emily was tired and not at all thrilled about not having her feet free. But she sure looked cute.

Getting excited to get into his costume.

Casper the friendly ghost.

Waiting for it to get dark enough to set out.

Afterwards, watching the greatness that is The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.