My husband tells me that some people let their kids throw together a disguise just minutes prior to trick-or-treating. The parents just let them be whatever they want and don’t get involved.
No discussions. No agonizing decisions. No hours devoted to creation.
To me, that means NO FUN at all.
You see, I love any opportunity to play dress up. I could be considered a costume geek. I am not nearly cool enough to just let the kids just go out with dirty faces and be a hobo, or wear their team uniform and be a football/soccer/baseball player.
In my past lives I worked as a costumer on a number of college and community theater productions. In this motherhood chapter of my life, school plays, Halloween, and the occasional 80s party are my only opportunities for costume design. (I am aware that I should probably get a job – but I assure you that “part-time costume designer with limited experience, no Spanish needed” does not often appear in the classified section of the San Juan papers.”Untrained cook, Illustrator, Old Lifeguard, English Speaking Waitress, Photographer, Event Organizer, Race Director, all working only the hours of 8-2″ never appear in the want-ads either.)
Early September is when the Halloween talk starts in hot and heavy. The discussions usually carry on for a few weeks and then I demand commitments prior to any purchasing or creating. The kids were pushing for a group theme again this year. A few of our finalists included: The Addam’s family, Ninjas (guess who was campaigning for that one?) The Wizard of Oz (remake of our 2005 version) and Smurfs. (The last was quickly abandoned when I made it clear that no one would be allowed to stain their skin blue.)
Final decisions have been made and The Zoo costume production is underway. Check back in about 5 weeks for the end results.
Over the years we have gone the individual route and the group. While I am always happy that the kids want to express their individuality, I can really get behind a theme. Here are a few shots of years gone by:
Bumble Bee
Not pictured – a big stinger on her bottom. It was only visible when she got on all fours.
Wicked Witch
At six months I could pretty much plop Victoria down anywhere and she would sit for photos.
Ballerinas
At 6 months Victoria already understands the concept of Halloween Loot.
Cruella & Dalmation
Notes – an 18-month-old does not enjoy face paint or things on their heads. The ears only stayed on long enough for this shot. They do however really like cookies. Her mouth is covered in crumbs.
Cinderella & A Black Cat
Not pictured – My prince had to dress up as Cinderella’s King and Little Grace was also a baby black cat.
Fairies & Ladybug
Grace’s first trick-or treat experience. Caught this shot from the back as Caitlyn and Victoria went off to their first school dance.
Disney Princesses & Engineer
I was away for this Halloween, so we went really simple with purchased costumes. Why I didn’t include Harry into the concept, I am not sure. I really missed out on a cute frog opportunity.
The Wizard of Oz
This was the year that little Grace piped up with her theme idea. She planned the entire cast and continued to be the family’s Halloween leader for a number of years.Grace and Victoria had purchased costumes, but I had many needle pricks from constructing both Caitlyn and Harry’s costumes.
A Circus
The clown, ringleader, trick horse rider and talking monkey.
Peter Pan
Tinker bell, Captain Hook, Peter Pan and Wendy.
A Director and his Movie Stars
Thank you Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan for inspiring this one.
Random
This was the year they abandoned the theme idea and stopped trick-or-treating together. We had: “A Cowboy WITH A GUN,” the gun was the most requested portion of the costume. “A Drama Queen,” believe it or not, this was pre-toddlers and tiaras, “A Monarch Butterfly” and a “Funky Witch.”
A Band of Pirates
The gang got to dress up twice that year, as we turned our car into a pirate’s cove at the base Trunk or Treat party.
Random Again
“The Spider Whisperer,” “Marilyn Monroe,” “80′s Girl,” and “Funky Witch Again.”
So here it is, September 25th and I am scouring, collecting and sketching out the makings of a Panda, a Leopard, an Owl, a Gorilla, and 2 Zoo Keepers. I really miss Michael’s and Hobby Lobby as I wish for bits of fleece, feathers and glitter. It will all work out in the end, and my weeks of work will only be worn for a few hours. But for the time being, my projects will keep me off the streets and out of trouble.
September 25th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
I see a lion among the pictures that looks familiar…it’s come off the hanger twice already this week for Connor to try it on. He was especially excited about the tail, and he’s been chasing Nathaniel around in the costume, roaring at the top of his little lungs. All the work you put into that costume will once again be appreciated.