Adventure Report: Trick-or-Treating
(Last week's planned adventure at the Nature Center didn't work out. Calvin didn't get a nap, and then was too cranky and whiny to inflict on others. And I'm not taking him on something that will obviously be a disaster just to fulfill the Adventure quota.)
Calvin went trick-or-treating for the first time last night. He was dressed as a fireman, and it was extremely cute. Colin's parents came over to answer our door and watch baby Justin so Colin and I could both take Calvin. He was very good about saying "Trick or Treat!" and "Thank you!" and "Happy Halloween!" He was also very good about asking people whether he could pet their dogs, like we taught him. "I PET YOUR DOGGIE? I PET YOUR DOGGIE? YES? YES?"
He made it to about ten houses, which is pretty good considering only about half our neighbors had their lights on. I really enjoyed the chance to see my neighbors, and introduce myself to some people that I haven't had a chance to meet yet. And in a context that makes me likable, too (I have a cute little boy! dressed as a fireman! saying "thank you" so sweetly! How could you fail to think well of me?)
I'd never really thought about what a big "neighborly" thing trick-or-treat is. But it really is a nice thing that neighbors do for one another. And it takes a critical mass of both trick-or-treaters and candy-handing-outers to make it work. I give a big thumbs down to the recent trend toward trick-or-treating in malls. Candy from the clerks at Sharon's Luggage? Where's the fun in that?
Anyway, Calvin had a great time showing off his costume, petting doggies, seeing people's decorations (some of which were pretty elaborate; high marks for the family with a whole cemetery on their front yard), and getting loot. And I liked seeing my neighbors. I think it was a successful outing. Ask me again after Calvin ODs on sugar.
Next week we might go to the Lego show at Anna's Toy Depot on Saturday afternoon.
Calvin went trick-or-treating for the first time last night. He was dressed as a fireman, and it was extremely cute. Colin's parents came over to answer our door and watch baby Justin so Colin and I could both take Calvin. He was very good about saying "Trick or Treat!" and "Thank you!" and "Happy Halloween!" He was also very good about asking people whether he could pet their dogs, like we taught him. "I PET YOUR DOGGIE? I PET YOUR DOGGIE? YES? YES?"
He made it to about ten houses, which is pretty good considering only about half our neighbors had their lights on. I really enjoyed the chance to see my neighbors, and introduce myself to some people that I haven't had a chance to meet yet. And in a context that makes me likable, too (I have a cute little boy! dressed as a fireman! saying "thank you" so sweetly! How could you fail to think well of me?)
I'd never really thought about what a big "neighborly" thing trick-or-treat is. But it really is a nice thing that neighbors do for one another. And it takes a critical mass of both trick-or-treaters and candy-handing-outers to make it work. I give a big thumbs down to the recent trend toward trick-or-treating in malls. Candy from the clerks at Sharon's Luggage? Where's the fun in that?
Anyway, Calvin had a great time showing off his costume, petting doggies, seeing people's decorations (some of which were pretty elaborate; high marks for the family with a whole cemetery on their front yard), and getting loot. And I liked seeing my neighbors. I think it was a successful outing. Ask me again after Calvin ODs on sugar.
Next week we might go to the Lego show at Anna's Toy Depot on Saturday afternoon.