This year’s Halloween was extra special for two reasons. First, there were two days of “trick-or-treating.” Second, the kids got to spend it with very good friends.

The Costumes

While hunting around for age-appropriate versions of “Spider-Man” for my Spider-Man-obsessed kids, we discovered a real gem from my own childhood — Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. Upon the first viewing the older three assumed the roles of Spider-Man (Sean), Iceman (Nathan), and Firestar (Annalise), and began having adventures fighting numerous bad guys (usually Mommy or Daddy).

When it came time to pick their costumes for this year, the decision was unanimous. Good thing Mommy is very creative, and has some talented helpers available (Kathy and Lisa). The Spider-Man costume was in the bag — Sean has 4 already. So for Iceman and Firestar, Suzy purchased some sweat suits and had Kathy dye and draw “muscles” for Iceman, while Lisa helped with the Firestar flames.

And here’s the trio, with Emma completing the cast as the trio’s dog, Ms. Lion:

Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends -- with Ms. Lion

Trick or Treat in Downtown Naperville

The first of the two-day festivities consisted of trick-or-treat in downtown Naperville. Dean and Suzanne, parents of Sean’s preschool classmate Laila, and far and away our kid’s favorite playtime friends (Laila, Luke, and Ben) organized a group of preschool families and friends to meet for the annual event. It was quite the group and the crowds downtown were incredible.

The crew in downtown Naperville

Luke and Sean

Annalise and Laila

The Main Event

The next night, Laila and family joined us for Trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. The kids had a blast, racing from house-to-house, a marked difference from the previous year of getting in and out of the wagon as we pulled them between driveways.

…and what Halloween night would be complete without a giant chicken?

The Halloween House

A house in our neighborhood goes “all out” decorating for every holiday (even Easter). This is the first year we’ve actually visited the house on Halloween. A lot of work, but way cool….

The result — 8 pounds of candy! (donated to our troops overseas, after taking a small cut!)

Happy Halloween!

Last night they both proved our fears unfounded.

The white belts were tested last, which meant sitting around for the first 20 minutes or so.

Waiting their turn for testing to begin

I loved the large banner hanging in the space

Master Tony guides the white belts through their forms.

Annalise and Sean (mostly) paid close attention to the others during their tests. During stretching, Sean was typically the loudest “Yes, Sir!” in the bunch — which was unusual and provided early indication that he in fact was eager to work hard and do well. Following their kicks and forms, it was time for each to break a board. The kids have been looking forward to this for some time. Sean got his on the first try. Annalise hesitated a bit at the end of the swing and needed a second turn — which resulted in breaking her board into three pieces. Most surprising for me was the fact that the hit obviously stung a bit, but our typically very sensitive Sean picked up his board and moved as instructed without comment or complaint. Way to go, buddy!

Breaking boards

And here are our two yellow belts breaking their boards…

Mom and Dad are incredibly proud of both of you!

A few weeks ago we enrolled Annalise and Sean in Taekwondo. They’ve enjoyed earning the tape on their belt, and by coincidence, the very week we decided to celebrate Annalise’s 25th green ticket, they both earned a green tape stripe on their white belts. Two things to celebrate!

Thus was born “Green Ticket and Tape Day!”

Green Pancakes

The celebration began with our traditional Sunday morning pancakes — with a twist. I threw in some green food coloring and we had green Mickey Mouse pancakes.

Riverwalk Picnic

Next up, a picnic on Naperville’s picturesque “Riverwalk.” We realized today that the last time we picnic’d there was days before Nathan was born. The riverwalk has since undergone substantial renovation, however the path is basically the same and lovely as ever.

Feeding the Duckies

We brought along some old bread and, against admonitions stamped into the concrete walkway, fed the numerous ducks gathering at the water’s edge. As usual, the kids then spent some time running in circles around the amphitheater and generally having a great time enjoying the mild fall weather.

The Bouncey Place

Annalise choose “the bouncey place” for her celebration treat. So next, we headed out to Airtastic for an hour or so of jumping, climbing, and sliding down inflatables.

"Nate" by Dean Thorsen

…and in case you didn’t get the full picture from the photo alone, here’s Nate and his older brother and sister playing with a musical greeting card from Grandma and Grandpa.

And so we made a day of it.

Butterflies

Our first stop was actually to the butterfly garden. Annalise has been anxious to see the butterflies, but the exhibit wasn’t open the last time we visited. This time, we got a chance to see the butterflies and even a couple emerging from their cocoon.

A butterfly emerges from its chrysalis

The Kratt Brothers

The first show was set to begin at 11am, so we headed over to the open area where they had setup the stage. The crowds were huge and the 1/2 hour stage show the Kratt’s put on was entertaining…the kids had a great time.

Annalise enjoying the show

the crowd was huge

Face Painting

After the show, Aunt Bethie got in line for autographs (still a few hours away!) while we took the rest of the kids around the zoo. Annalise and Sean had a great time painting their faces outside the Hammill Family Play Zoo (Nate decided to be grumpy).

Meeting the Brothers

After their second show, the brothers sat for autographs and pictures. The odd bit was they had set up separate lines for Chris and Martin — and folks started lining up hours before the signing. Beth was able to reserve a spot for us fairly close in Chris’ line, but we wound up a couple hours back in Martins’. So it was a very long wait and a very long day. I think it was worth it.

Meeting Chris. Chris and Martin had separate lines, and long waits for each!

Meeting Martin after waiting in line over 2 hours! (Nathan was still grumpy)

Here’s our little princess on her first birthday…

the Birthday Girl!

Here’s the video:

And the original:

Sean asking for a Spiderman web shooter

Smiles!

Emma sitting in for a quick shot

Well, almost all of the kids sat with Santa. Nate wasn’t having it!

Nate wasn't so keen on the whole Santa thing

Thanks, Santa! And everyone in the group that organized this event!

on the move

We’re not sure she’ll beat Nathan’s walking by 8mos., but she’s giving it a strong effort! Go, Emma!