Halloween 2012: The Smallest One Was ........

“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines
Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines
In two straight lines they broke their bread
And brushed their teeth and went to bed.
They left the house at half past nine
In two straight lines in rain or shine-
The smallest one was Madeline.”

Lauren knew exactly what she wanted to be this year. Since June. That is because at her ballet recital, one class of ballerinas performed as Madeline and danced their hearts out. She was smitten. And like her mama, once she's been bitten with the bug, there's no turning back. No way, no how. Pure, unadulterated, steely determination.

I had the fleece coat made for her by a fabulous seamstress I found on Etsy, and we borrowed the hat from one of the ballerinas. Add white tights, a red skirt just peeking out, and her black "high heel" fancy shoes, not to mention her natural auburn hair, and it was simply meant to be.

Of course, as was the case last year, she wanted me to accompany her in costumed splendor. And who better to partner with Madeline than Miss Clavel?

[Yes, my headpiece says "Nun for You." Tee hee.]

All night she remained in character and asked me to pretend like I was pulling her ear and scolding her. A little actress, that one.

Norm arrived early to hang out and trick or treat with us. I would tell you what he was dressed as, but even he didn't know. Trucker Santa, perhaps?


I hosted Lauren's bff Cadence and her sister Lamey from school, plus neighbor kids Karina, Clarissa, and Brooke. A little pizza, a lot of running around, and as the sky began to darken, everyone was ready to hit the road.



First stop was next door to the right at baby Sia's house, where Kostas, er Peter Pan, gave the girls a rousing welcome.


Then next door to the left at the Holtes, where a wicked witch named Suzy handed out plenty o' goodies.


We stopped to pick up friend Faith, and the group of 7 was complete.


Amazingly, despite the complete lack of decorating by neighbors in the days leading up to Halloween, on the night of, they delivered (at least enough of them to satisfy our eager lasses).


Less than 90 minutes later, the kids' buckets were overflowing and their feet were weary. We all started the journey home (a whole 3 culdesacs away), but not before Madeline sprinted to one last house alone, to top off her bounty before bidding adieu to her favorite holiday of the year.


Au revoir.