This year for Halloween was a little different in a few senses. First, because this was going to be the first year we attempted trick or treating with Cameron. Second, because I somehow managed to convince my husband to do a bit of a “matching costume.” And third, we are still in the middle of moving and aren’t quite settled so we had to figure out a plan of action since we are not really familiar with the area and all of that. Throw in a little bit of rainy weather and it makes for one fun Halloween.
This is Cameron’s third official Halloween, even though my husband says her real first one doesn’t count because she was only 9 day old since she arrived 3 weeks early and we didn’t have much other than a first Halloween bib and a pumpkin to celebrate with. But you have to improvise when things like that happen and so yes, I consider that her first. Where we used to live in CA, had no kids in the neighborhood so Halloween wasn’t much of a big deal there anyway. In the 3 years we lived in our house we maybe had 2 trick or treaters. So being in a sort of limbo state at the moment, I’m trying to make all of her holidays until we move into our home as best as possible.
First up we had to figure out costumes. Because Cameron is only 2, she is still in the age where I have more say over her costume. I’m sure by next year that will change entirely. So because she’s been very much into tinker-bell and all her movies I decided that’s what she would be. Then at the last minute I decided that my husband and I should sort of compliment her costume, but I didn’t feel like paying a lot of money since we were entirely sure what we were doing yet, so we went with pirate-esque looking shirts. Even though tinker-bell didn’t really hang out with Captain Hook it worked for us.
As I’ve mentioned before, we are sort of in limbo with where we are living at the moment since we are in the process of finding our own home and are currently living with family in an area we don’t know much about. So we weren’t sure of the neighborhood and it’s likelihood of decent trick or treating. Not to mention, yes Cameron is 2 so I understand she was not going to need a ton of candy because she really can’t eat much if any of it anyway. I did some research to see if the city itself was doing anything and saw they were doing a trick or treating event in the main town square. Perfect, this is right up our alley. Then of course, the weather decided it wanted to try and rain on our parade and the forecast showed it was going to rain all day long on Halloween.
If we knew the area and knew of other neighborhoods to venture to, or if she was a bit older and this wasn’t her first try and trick or treating the weather probably wouldn’t haven’t bothered me as much. But I wanted to try and make this first outing for her as best as I could so that when we look back on it, it reminds us of a good time. So I decided, unless the city canceled the event we would go rain or shine. Luckily the city had my same thought because they said they would host the event no matter the weather.
The event started about 5pm, which was also perfect for us because we could get everything done and still get her home in time for bed. Most of the businesses in town seemed to participate. Cameron did seem a little unsure at first, but then she was happily taking the candy and shoving it into her basket. Sometimes she would hold it in her hand, or try to put it on the next table, but everyone thought that was adorable. We got there shortly after 5 and left about 40 minutes later and that was perfect. She got just enough candy that it made it worth while, but not to much that we will have leftovers until thanksgiving. So it was nice that she got out and got to see what trick or treating was about. Everyone thought she was adorable and when we explained it was her first time out they thought that that was precious too.
All in all I think an event like this is perfect for younger kids because everything is in one general location and to me it felt a bit safer. Next year I think we may try a trunk or treat event, as well as normal trick or treating since we should be completely settled into our home.
