You get extra parental points if your costume complements the kid's.

I live at the corner of trick and treat...seriously, I get 300 kids...and would get more if I stayed 'open' longer.

Every year a family of 4 comes by-all in complimentary costumes. They are the highlight of my candy distribution glee. One year, ghostbusters, the next, the parents were archaeologists and the kidlets were dinosaurs.

I also love the kid who comes by each year dressed as a political statement. I love that boy. Last year he was global warming, the previous year-a Republican page abuser.

This year, I'm setting aside the standbys...Munchkin Mayor or Nun...in favor of huge purple wings and other fairy accessories.

the parents were archaeologists and the kidlets were dinosaurs.

I wouldn't refuse to give them candy, but it'd be damn close.

Archaeologists do not dig up dinosaurs, people! Thanks.

300 kids? Wow. We did it one year and got about 12. Our neighborhood isn't very trick or treat friendly though. It's dark, has no sidewalks, and the houses are sparsely laid out.

This year I'm missing the trick or treaters because I have to be in class. :-(

So today I'm dressing up as a visual design student.

Eastern Market is directly across the street, where truck borne 'hay rides', a real estate office turned haunted house, balloon animals and other such frivolity ensues. So, concentrated foot traffic. Plus, we get actual buses of kids from the less advantaged neighborhoods.

I had one trick-or-treater last year. I'm not turning on the porch light this year. My new neighborhood looks pretty well decorated, so next year will probably be more fun.

Aw, man, kids and dogs and a penguin costume. I didn't stand a chance. So cute, Gud.

The penguin boy took 2nd place in the costume contest. He was robbed though, the winner had a generic Darth Vader costume (his outfit was all just printed on a black shirt).

The penguin is supposed to be "Skipper" from the movie "Madagascar". The "Cute and cuddly boys, cute and cuddly" dude.

I had to box up so many of D's newborn clothes unworn because I put them on once, they were too big, and by the time I got around to trying them again they were too small. Babies grow fast, yo.

SERIOUSLY! We are wearing the too big clothes anyway. BTW, Jessica, a box should arrive from UPS in the next day or two.

I missed the memo that I am supposed to be wearing orange. Instead I have on ultraflattering black pants and a black sweater with pink trim. What EV.

Also missed the memo that said where the faculty breakfast was so I have all of the fruit I bought (mangos, raspberries and pineapple) still. DOH.

We're getting an early start on our potluck and breakfasting on spicy pork tamales and apple crisp.