Halloween came multiple times this year...

Halloween continues to get a little more elaborate and demanding each year. That's not necessarily a complaint, just an observation. Remember when Halloween was on Halloween and you wore your costumes to school and then trick or treated after and fanito? This year it was nearly a week long celebration, which was nice since Brandon's work schedule didn't really allow for him to be around. It was nice to have something to do and look forward to.

This year Tori wanted to be Merida. We try to encourage her toward characters with red hair, so that we can get the absolute most out of her locks before they inevitably change to ash brown like her parents. I had found a tutorial about Merida curls using straws, so it was nice have a party or two as test runs before the big day. Our first party was with some friends from our old ward. It was an unofficial Manhattan 2nd Ward party, and they did a great job. 

Tori's hairturned out pretty poodle-ish and ended up in an "Irish headband." It should be noted, however, that Tori won Best Kid's costume and Brandon won Best Adult costume. I had gold wrist cuffs and a cape. I mean Brandon got dressed for the day, just saying. 

With Goldilocks (i.e. Sadie)

Our little monster had a rough start at the Halloween season, but it would get better. 

Wonder woman and a surgeon. Saving lives was our theme this year. 

That same day, we had the Manhattan 3rd Ward party, and we were in charge of a trick or treating door. 

They were also giving out cute little polaroids at the photo booth wall.

This was our hairy monster door.

Our next party was with the play area association (PAA), which is a group of the medical families in our neighborhood. I don't really know a ton of people, but the party was held in this solarium which I heard had an amazing view, so it was reason enough for me to go. 

The rumors were accurate. View of the Queensboro Bridge. 

They had live entertainment and dancing. I thought Brighton's stance while he took it all in was pretty funny.

The next day was Tori's school party, which they officially dubbed the "Fall Festival." Tori's class recited a little pumpkin poem they had learned, sported their fall crowns, decorated mini pumpkins, and had plastic egg races. It was really cute, and our first chance seeing Tori in her element. 

Brighton had a blast playing with the plastic eggs and spoons.. 

FINALLY, the BIG day was here. We made plans with friends to visit the brownstones in the 90's for some actual trick or treating. I had to a host just a small photo shoot of the kiddos before leaving.

I think the curls turned out better this time. We did it the night before so they loosened up a lot but still had a little crazy in there. 

En route, and ready for some candy.

And then Merida met up with her bestie Rapunzel. 

As well as the rest of the crew, minus one little monster. 

But I caught him eventually.

The 90's had some fun houses, including this one... 

With an actual princess handing out candy.

And complete with a forest.

Brighton jumped right in on the trick or treating. It was a very "drop me off at the corner" moment as a Mom.

Exploring the Manhattan haunted forest.

He was pretty pleased after getting like 3 pieces of candy and just wanted to sit and enjoy.

I thought this house was pretty. They had sparkly beads draped from the second floor. Definitely not scary, but you know me and sparkly things.

We didn't expect to do any trick or treating with Dad, but he got off early and met us on 78th street, which as far as decorations go, totally killed the competition.

It was a fun way to do our (possibly, most likely) last Halloween in New York. I really just wanted to do it all. No regrets, and finishing the even with Brandon was the cherry on top.