Happy Halloween

It's Halloween time again and it is one of my favorite holidays of the year. Though I no longer don strange attire, apply grease paint for effect, and attend the many parties put on by friends. I can honestly say, in all humility, that I was always very imaginative in creating very unique and mostly off the wall getups for my self. Later on, as a father of two, I applied my imagination and, with my wife's very capable assistance, our kids would sally forth into the neighborhood in style. On occasion we would dress up as something strange as we escorted them on their rounds.

That part of Halloween is now, regretfully, a thing of the past. Our kids are grown now. I miss it too. The traditional journey to a farm somewhere down state or in a neighboring state, to find the perfect pumpkins to carve, and coming home with apple cider and, sometimes, fresh baked goods and apples. It was actually more fun than the annual hunt for the perfect, cut your own Christmas tree. The hay rides, the petting zoo, and seasonal games and attractions, make for a full day of fun.

I still look forward to the holiday though, but now as a spectator rather than a participant. I'm the old man behind the camera, following the little ones around, and recording their wonder and excitement. This year my daughter and son-in-law, took the kids to an orchard not far away; but in a neighboring state. Kids in costume got special treats in various parts of the grounds made up for the holiday.
Little seven month old Brianna, decked out as the cutest little lamb that I ever did see, was experiencing her first Halloween. She calmly rode around in her stroller, taking it all in; not understanding any of it. She looked very, very cute in her little lamb costume and received many admiring looks accompanied with all manner of oohs and aahs.

Grandson Bradley, however, was a different ball of fire all together. As a Mutant Teenage Ninja Turtle, he was ready to take on the world and save the day. At nearly four years he was more able to understand and enjoy things than his little sister. He rode a pony, petted and fed a passle of goats, and partook of a hay ride. By the time that every event was covered, Turtle Boy was ready for round two while us bigger and stronger adults were ready for naps. However, a good time was had by all and I got pictures and film to prove it. Even though I have been relegated to the roll of spectator in this, one of my favorite holidays, I still get a good deal of satisfaction and pleasure watching the little ones as they take up were age has made me leave off.

Happy Halloween.