While I am still uploading and sorting photos for the birthdays, I thought I'd begin chronologically with the Halloween that wasn't--- since there are only two pictures for that occasion.
We opted out of Trick Or Treating... because of the aforementioned busy-ness; because the Big Kids are big now; and....because we're not pagans.
Relax- I'm only teasing.
:)
We also opted out of our church carnival (a.k.a. the "Christian Tee Shirt" version of Trick or Treat). (See above reasons.)
But, we did have a spot of pumpkin pie:
 |
| (15= First Date 15 years ago, Halloween Night 1997) |
We decided to spend our evening inside, hanging out as a family. I started the birthday cakes, we watched a movie together and just relaxed. But then...there came a smirk worthy twist to our evening.
But first, a smidge of background.
In the week prior, several neighbors had asked if the kids would be trick or treating, so that they could have candy on hand, if so. Our complex isn't a local trick or treating destination and -our kids make up more than half the adolescent population. We have heard many times
"How nice to have children around here... we were becoming a retirement home"
Having received a "probably not" when asked if they should expect our kids at their front door, I thought perhaps I sensed some disappointment...but...this one time, I was accused of over-analyzing stuff, so I didn't really give it a second thought. ;)
UNTIL....
The Reverse Trick Or Treating began.
It started with a knock on our door.
"Who is it?" met by "Trick or Treat!"
I opened the door to our landlady, dressed as a friendly witch, holding out goodie bags for each child.
On her heels came the complex's security guard, carrying a bowl full of apples, cupcakes and goodies that he and his wife had put together.
Next up was our next door neighbor to the right with M&M's.
Then came our neighbor on the left, two doors down- he brought Reese Cups.
After that, more candy from our neighbor directly to the left - More M&M's.
I've never seen anything like it.
It is a hard thing for me to accept kindnesses and thoughtfulness extended in my direction.
Of course, the kindness and thoughtfulness were really extended to our children, but- to me, same difference.
I tend to want to pay kindnesses back...endlessly... until what was meant as a small gesture, turns into a huge nice-off (and often involves an insane amount of baked goods exchanged)
But in this case, we had not prepared for trick or treaters...I couldn't even match them candy for candy. All I could offer in exchange for their treats and thoughtfulness was a smile, a heartfelt thank you ... and, I don't know...
"...do you need some soup or something? Let me go see what I have in the pantry... surely there's something in there I could send you away with... "
:)
(I'm not serious, though it MAY have crossed my mind...)
Thank You Again, Neighbors!
We really appreciate your thoughtfulness.
 |
| Reverse Trick Or Treating Sweets |