Happy Halloween!

This is technically Nicky's 1st full-on Halloween experience...last year he attended his school party, but ended up coming down with a stomach virus and missed out on the trick or treating. There really aren't many young kids in our neighborhood, so for Halloween this year, we took Nicky to trick or treat at the Dallas Arboretum. They have 14 "storybook playhouses" decorated to represent various popular children's stories, which promote exploration in reading and imagination. The best part is they offer safe trick or treating, and to top it off, it's in the middle of the day! We loaded Nicky in the car, had a picnic lunch, and headed off in search of fun and candy!

Nicky all ready for his Halloween party at school on Friday...

All dressed up and ready to go to the Arboretum...

Nicky & Momma posing at the "Owl and the Pussycat" house...

Posing in the Pumpkin Patch...

This house is special in that it represents a Russian folk tale "Teremok" (aka The Small Cabin)
Trick or Treat! We "practiced" saying "trick or treat" all morning, and it actually sunk in - complete with the "thank you" after receiving the candy. Nicky waltzed right up to each table, by himself, without much prompting - he must've really wanted that candy!Daddy carrying Nicky to the house made from pumpkins...the ground was a mucky mess after all the rain we've had lately.
Nicky & Momma by the "Peter Pan" house...

After the Arboretum, we came home and got to work painting the patio furniture (as it's seen better days). Nicky, of course, had to "help"...sticking the tongue out is an integral tool to use when going about this type of work. Nicky's been pretending to be his "Pop" lately - coincidentally, Pop's go-to tool when working is the sticking out of the tongue!

Hmm...maybe letting a 3 1/2 year old help paint furniture wasn't a good idea afterall?! But...he sure did have fun!

We all had so much fun, we've decided to make trick or treating at the Dallas Arboretum an annual event. We hope you all had a safe and Happy Halloween!