Halloweenies

THIS is what almost derailed us. Seriously, Elisa?

Halloween 2014. Not our best effort, but somehow we pulled it off once again. Learning from last year, I didn't force the issue of costumes-I-thought-we'd-decided-on (Draculaura and Clawdeen from Monster High). Nope. I went along with whatever last minute decisions the girls made (Ariel and Sofia the First) and we mostly got ready without issues. It didn't help that Elisa came home from school already grumpy and picking fights with Nacho. It was Friday afternoon, after all, and the week has been a long one filled with Carolina's head trauma and lots of other little bumps in the road. But shouldn't Halloween and the thought of trick-or-treating perk up a 6 year old? I would think so. But then, I'd be wrong. 

So we plowed through Elisa's bad mood and made it to to the Gardens around 5:00 p.m. The first few mews along 44th Street were pretty quiet and not many folks home. But that didn't deter the girls from trudging up and down them checking every door. When we finally crossed the street and spotted some friends, things should have picked up, but instead Elisa continued to do her own thing. Oh well. I knew we weren't going to last long, so I tried to finish strong with a new street cutting over to 45th and making a bathroom pit stop at Carmen's.  By then Nacho had rejoined us after going back to get Elisa a heavier coat (which she never even needed) and we were almost ready to pack it in and go to Jessie's for our pizza party. Bumping into the Lefers was a nice surprise though and so Elisa and Birdie and Carolina and Jasper all got to make the rounds for a few minutes before we called it a night. 

And after that, things almost mellowed. The kids had their candy loot and started digging in at the Andersons' house. We had pizza and chili and lots of spiked cider to keep the night fun. So while the kids went absolutely ape with swinging swords and toys and too much sugar, we grown ups had our own little party. It was a nice way for Elisa to get some chill out space which actually helped. At least I didn't hear about her being a pain in the ass to anyone else.  And Carolina was mostly good all night except for pooping in her pull up (after two days of consistent peeing AND pooping on the potty) which quickly spread up her pants and onto her Sofia dress. Yuck. So one more costume change and we were about to head home by 9 p.m.  Yes, another Halloween down, and just in time. I'm wiped out.  So glad we got to spend it with friends and in a place we love. That's all that matters. Oh, and maybe tons of chocolate.