Truth is, I didn’t pull it together.
Yes, I mended the seam in Xander’s pants and attended the parade and programs, but the decorations stayed in the box and the donut fryer remained empty.
And it was a wonderful Halloween anyway.
Why? Because I didn’t have to do it on my own.
The kids picked and washed and carved the pumpkins.
My stylish and witty neighbor hosted her annual pre-trick-or-treat party.
A pot of soup magically appeared on my doorstep.
We admired the decorations at every house we visited.
One friend fried and served up scones right out of his garage.
Another served nachos.
The house in the gully had a green chocolate fountain.
I chatted with neighbors whom I hadn’t seen in months and got updates on everyone’s health and happiness. Friends called to each other from across the street; hugs and compliments were freely distributed. When the little ones got thirsty we asked for a cup of water along with their Kit Kat.
Halloween may have it’s gruesome, gory, creepy side, but around here it’s all about delighting children, opening your home and handing out your very best.
It’s exactly what I needed.
Stefan and his friend Leisl have been playing in the orchestra pit for Annie Get Your Gun all week at Skyline and stayed in character as cowboys. Now don’t be thinking there’s a romance brewing here. Leisl is simply our very, very cute friend.
Yeah, Ben wore that Peter Pan costume last year.
And when he was six. Stefan was Captain Hook.
I posted this photo last year, but I think we need it again.
Playing it cool.
Erik is a dark chocolate marzipan Ritter Sport. Can’t you tell?
Mary and I bought these in Salzburg this summer. I was unusually skinny when I bought this and could hardly breathe when I put it on Saturday!
Selwyn
That’s an awesome village you have there!
Halloween was huge here in Oz this year – I’ve never seen it so nuts. It was fun, from a ‘open the door and get surprised’ perspective.
Luvies!
jess
loooooove the picture of you and mary. soo cute! sending hugs your way!
jennie w.
I love your dirndl, Fräulein!
Linkous
ok, the one of you kissing your mary girl made me cry. love you!
Reluctant Nomad
Hey! Did you get the dirndls at the outlet or in the city? I’d like to purchase one before I go home. I also have a secret about where you tie the bow and why…do you know it?
Tracy
Oh, I have those same Anthro ruffle yummy boots. They are perfect with your amazing outfit.)
xoxo,t
Annie
love it. Darn cute dirndl. (I kind of love that you have those old photos with the date stamp, too) 🙂
Kim
Love your costume and those awesome Anthro boots! 🙂
Christie
I am glad that you have a village. Everybody needs a good village. Love the costumes, and yes, I was hoping for a romance between that cute cowboy and the cowgirl. Maybe in a few years?
Denise
M,
Usually I think you look like your Dad. But in the pic of you and Mary, you look so much like your Mom. Those are her smiling eyes looking at the camera. Just beautiful! So much of her in you. Don’t want to make you cry — just want you to know that I can see it.
Kisses,
D
Linn
I truly adore you! That last picture made me want to cry. I love good people. I’m glad they are surrounding you and hope you know that you are at the top of the list of good people.
martha corinna
You are a beauty Michelle! And, you must live in some neighborhood, it gives me ideas.
Have I told you before how beautiful your children are?
Kira
LOVE the costumes for you and Mary! Sounds like you had fun this year after all…with not as much effort. I love Halloween as a time to gather as a neighborhood and celebrate together. Thank you for letting us peek into your life again!
jendoop
The one of you and your daughter is beautiful.
What a wonderful neighborhood. Building community is one of the great benefits of Halloween. I’d love to start those type of traditions in my neighborhood.
Jess
You are so incredibly adorable and beautiful, wrapped up perfectly as a how-can-you-possibly-be the-mother-of-six-children-especially-a-senior mom.
Would it be stalkerish to print out the picture of you and Mary and hang it on my fridge as a goal of where I want to be? I need some inspiration and motivation to leave the chocolate ALONE.
Kate
michelle… those dresses are beautiful and you look amazing (you are way to hard on yourself!) And I feel like the biggest flake west of mississippi! I haven’t been to scripture group and one day I offered to have it at my house!!! I can’t believe it! Tuesday mornings have turned out to be busier than I thought! Any how…. I need to call and see how you are doing… Take care. xoxo
Jan Russell
These pictures make me want to squeal! SO MUCH CUTENESS!!! Mary’s expression in that first picture! The non-romantic westerners, your crew of kiddos in their costumes, YOU in your costume – CUTE, CUTE, CUTE!!! I wish I lived in your village!
JaNeanne Dazley
Awww, thanks for sharing. I love living in our village, even if I’m the idiot at times.
You are the most talented photographer I know. I have it on good authority that you are self taught. Hard to believe. You take amazing photos. I love viewing them.
Melissa
I want to trick-or-treat in YOUR neck of the woods!
Your costume/dress is adorable Michelle. It totally suits you. 🙂