Really big, long, Halloween Post

In full disclosure, these first pics of the kids in their costumes were taken over a week ago when getting ready to go to a neighborhood party.  Mason was the adorable train conductor which Cameron wore when he was the same age.  Gavin was a ninja and he loved it so much he wants another ninja costume for Christmas from Santa.  Cameron was Harry Potter as he is full into a HP phase and I love it!  I made the cloak but everything else was store bought- phew!

One reason I was so glad that I had taken these pictures early was because I thought our Halloween might look a bit like this:

 And indeed Hurricane Sandy did arrive in full force here on Monday night, cutting off our power for a day and bringing buckets of rain and some really horrifying wind.  Although the above picture is not our trampoline, ours did in fact blow far into the neighbors yard and I believe is beyond repair but we are counting ourselves lucky compared to the damage that others we know sustained.  During the storm schools were closed, work was closed and we were forced to bond as a family.  It was perfect timing, because I was lamenting the fact that we hadn't done much Halloween-y stuff yet this season.  We carved our pumpkins and made caramel apples and had just sat down to watch Hocus Pocus when the power went out.  In 9 years of living in this house our power has never gone out so we were not all that prepared, but were able to find our flashlights and candles and hunkered down for the rest of the night.  Thank goodness for Grandma and Jeff, we were able to chill with them the next day instead of freezing at home with nothing to do.  Others did not regain power until today so we are thankful that we only had to last one day.

 The hurricane did not ruin our Halloween, maybe due to dome earnest prayers from three little boys.  After filling their tummies with a wholesome dinner, we set off to trick or treat.  Unlike last year when Mason was dragging toward the end of just going up and down our street, this year he was wired and full of himself!  He kept telling everyone who he was (even if they didn't ask) and asked what their names were and why they weren't trick or treating.  As always, the older boys went back out with dad to increase the stash, and they did not disappoint!  We had a whole lot of trick or treaters this year which is unusual, lucky for us we had bought enough candy.  Mason took door duty and made sure to ask about everyone's costume before doling out the candy.

 If you look carefully, you can see Mango, one of our kittens in this lady's arms.  He loves his new home!

 Not a bad take!