trick or treat... a little early

Here in the city different business districts will have trick or treating for the kids around Halloween. Yesterday we went with friends to one of these areas to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

Here's Clara in her unofficial costume...

(does turning 8 make you pose like this?!?!?)

Her "official" costume isn't finished yet so we threw some things together to dress her up yesterday.

The hat was so cute....
... but a huge source of aggravation :-)

Clara giving me "the look"...

After I had finally finished taking photos, we headed out to her friend's house...
Clara and her friend...
There were TONS of people out, but the kids had a great time anyway. I'm so glad the girls are old enough to trick or treat on their own (with us moms watching of course) because those with little ones were having quite the time maneuvering toddlers and strollers through the crowds.

After working our way up one side of the street, we stopped for a treat...
Can you believe that it was warm enough to eat ice cream OUTSIDE while trick or treating? With how chilly it has been already this fall I wouldn't have thought it would have been possible.

After a while the girls wore out and the businesses ran out of candy so it was time to head home...
(notice how neither girl is wearing their hat... guess who was in charge of those about 15 minutes into this outing)

One last shot of the girls...
If you were wondering where Alex was.... he opted not to go. The 4th and 5th graders had a Sunday School class exchange that morning at church and his group went on an outing to another church. He didn't get back until after lunch and by the time Jeff picked him up he just wanted to relax at home.

Okay... busy day ahead... gotta run!

Happy Monday!