The Big Reveal.

I know that alot of people get started on their Halloween costumes way early. But with Anna's birthday being so close to Halloween, I try not to think about anything Halloween related before we celebrate her birthday. It keeps me organized and focused on one thing at a time.

So, we finalized our Halloween Costume decisions about 10 days ago. Which put me into a frantic search for all the right parts and pieces. I have to admit that I'm pretty darn proud of myself. I made Miles's costume completely from scratch... no pattern. (A big shout-out to my Mom who walked me through the pants.) And everyone came out looking fairly well like what they were supposed to.

A rundown. With picture reference because I'm sure quite a few of you will have no idea who our obscure costumes are supposed to be... we like it that way.

First up:
Anna - She waivered back and forth so wildly until finally settling on "cowgirl." I couldn't have been happier. We had most everything to pull that off, but I didn't want her feeling slighted by not having any special mom-touches. So. I added some white felt fringe to the bottom of the skirt she picked out. I made her a pink lasso out of braided yarn, and I glued ribbon onto her cowboy, er... girl hat.


As you can see, she wasn't really pleased during this picture. It's because she wanted me to take this picture first:


And a fun close-up of the boots/lasso/fringe.


Next up was Miles. He insisted for the longest time that he wanted to be a "bad guy from StarWarstheCloneWars." Yes, that's how he says it. Considering that he's never seen it, or any of the other Star Wars franchised movies, etc we were a bit baffled. Good job Lucasfilm marketing geniuses. We managed to sway him to dress as something more interesting, albeit obscure.

Enter Totoro:

(He's the HUGE grey dude.)

And well, here's what you get.

And you'll never believe it, but he did actually get recognized a couple of times. But only at Matt's work (aka Nerd Kingdom).


A better shot of the hat, which slayed me.

Next up: Abbie.
Do you watch PBS? Or your kids? If you do, you might know Word Girl.

And yes. She loves words.


You will not believe how hard I tried to find maroon gloves for kids. (That didn't have to be shipped to me.)



She really loved her costume. And again, a rather obscure costume, but she was actually recognized several times. But never by adults. Other kids LOVED her.

And you may not know this, but Word Girl has a sidekick.

Cue Lukie:




Freaking riot, I tell you. Not a single person knew who he was, but that was fine with us. He was making us giggle ALL NIGHT LONG. Especially with that ridiculous antenna, which I couldn't quite make look like an antenna, and not a horn.



But seriously. Hilarious.
And finally, Matt & I.








Just kidding. We don't do that.