Halloween Preparations

We are getting ready for the big (big if you're a preschooler, that is) Halloween Carnival at preschool. This is probably the most fun day of the school year for the children. The kids don't have to perform their rehearsed programs as they do on the other big holidays, it is just plain fun. The 6 or so classes rotate through a series of activities according to a schedule. Having observed this event last year, I have to say the school's director has developed a foolproof formula for fun. There is an award-winning storyteller in the big gathering room, pony rides, face-painting (while they wait their turn for the pony), and various little games of skill like fishing the duck out of the inflatable swimming pool. Everyone's a winner, every time.
Parents are encouraged to bring goodies, help with setup, and enjoy the festivities with their child. Last year I stayed for only an hour, but this year I'm going to play hookey from my job search/consulting activities and stay for the entire event.
I let Mia choose a costume from her array of dress-up gear. Her dress-up bin contains mostly gently-used princess costumes bought at the school's consignment sale, plus some leotards, tutus, and other girly-girl stuff she has received as gifts. Of course she wants to be a princess and of course she wants to wear the blue princess gown, which is the only garment that needs mending. (A couple of days ago I finally gave up the fantasy that I'll be able to mend the torn and fraying puffy sleeves and asked a seamstress friend to bail me out.
I know I've said this before, but once again I am realizing that one of the joys of being a parent is getting to relive my own childhood. Halloween was different back then - we wore costumes to school during the day (no carnival) and traipsed miles (or so it seemed) through the neighboring subdivisions collecting as much candy as possible. I remember that it was stressful deciding what I would "be" for Halloween. One year I was so visibly depressed that my Mom took me to the fabric store and let me pick out a pattern and fabric for a Little House on the Prairie cotton print dress and bonnet. Given my Mom had four kids and a part-time job, I have to say that was a supreme act of love. Oh, what I would give to be able to show that outfit to Mia!

P.S. Oh, Mia, I hope that someday you enjoy reading these little snippets about your life, and your Mom's life before that.