Halloween is really not one of my favorite holidays, but Gerrit definitely showed an interest in it this year for the first time. Since we were invited to a friend’s house for a Halloween party, I actually put forth some effort into getting us some costumes this year too!
Since the dinosaur obsession is still strong in this house, and I have a super cute crochet pattern for a triceratops hat, I wanted to do a Jurassic Park family costume theme circa 1993.
Now I thought this would be an easy thing. But apparently, denim shirts and salmon button-downs are not as easy to come across now compared to 25 years ago. Especially if you want them cheap and last minute by rummaging through thrift shops and discount stores. Nevertheless, I did my best:
We looked a little goofy, but Gerrit LOVED his dinosaur costume, so it was all worth it! We only brought him to the party for 45 minutes or so (it was only 2 houses down from us), then I walked him home so my mom could get him ready for bed. It was fun to be kid-free for a couple of hours!
The day before Halloween, we finally carved our pumpkin from the corn maze we went to in early October. It was Gerrit’s first experience with pumpkin-carving, which was fun for all of us! 
He definitely was wary of the inside of the pumpkin! He had no interest in helping to clean out “the guts” with Andrew, despite how much he enjoys getting dirty.
After awhile, he did come over to touch the seeds and pulp. It wasn’t until the very end of cleaning it out that Gerrit actually stuck his hand down in the pumpkin though!
I was given the honor of carving the pumpkin. I don’t think I’ve carved a pumpkin since I was in college, so I opted for a simple, traditional jack o’lantern:
All in all, I think Gerrit enjoyed his first pumpkin carving! Hopefully next year we can get him a little more involved and maybe try one of the carving kits. I’m glad we kept it simple for this year though.
A bittersweet thing about this Halloween? I’m pretty sure it’s our last time staying home to hand out candy. Gerrit wanted to go trick-or-treating, but he and I got sick with a cold ON Halloween, so I let him put his costume on and help me hand out treats. I don’t have a problem going trick-or-treating, I just dread all that sugar coming back to my house! I know, I know… don’t be a party pooper, Nicole…. he’s only a kid once! So next year I’ll just have to give up my control freak ways and let Halloween happen. I hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween!
On An Even Kiel 