Love-Hate Relationship with Halloween

Overall, I would say Emmett enjoys this holiday for the candy, but finds it confusing and scary. We talked numerous times about how "monsters are not real". Our gym threw a "Monster Mash" the Friday before Halloween and I told Emmett we were going. After I tucked him into bed, he called me back in his room and asked, "mommy, are there going to be monsters at the party?" I felt awful as I could tell he was sitting up concerned wondering what kind of party is my mom taking me to?! I mentioned it to the gym and they said, "oh, maybe we need to call it something else next year." Good idea.

We went trick or treating with the Bertrams in Lake Forest Park. It was a repeat from last year after having a great time and this year was even better since the kids were older. Some of the houses go all out and frankly, made me scream. We showed Emmett this one house and told him everything would be okay. Other toddlers were turning around, but our boy wanted to push through the spookiness as his eye was on the candy prize. After getting his treat he proceeds to walk out with his eyes closed and ears covered. I realize this was a rookie parent move on our part and maybe next year we will skip this home.

This is definitely the last year I will have a say in his costume. So sad. I was so happy all of us played the part in our Arnold Pumpkin Patch. One day, Emmett will think this is totally uncool and then hopefully one day, he will appreciate it. Kudos to Justin for playing the part well of Daddy the Scarecrow!