Lots of Treats

Well, we survived the Halloween madness. The princesses scored big on candy and I scored big on the exhaustion meter. Yep, one big night of trick or treating has translated to a week's worth of early bed times. Halloween has a few redeeming qualities.

Probably the highlight of Halloween was seeing the kids in their pre-school Halloween parade. The school has a very sweet tradition. The kids make their own costumes. Nothing store bought is allowed. Then the kids proudly march through the play yard while dozens of parents and grandparents snap photos. Of course, my kids didn't cooperate. Maggie ripped off her costume and handed it to me, thus ruining any photo op. And La Nina hid behind her teacher. While disappointing, this was solid progress: It was the first year we didn't have tears.

But let's get real. Halloween is just sort of a harbinger for the holidays that are speeding towards us with the speed of a couple of determined trick or treaters. Before long, we'll be worried about getting a tree, the lights, the gifts and of course, Santa. Hard to believe the holiday season is almost here.