Halloween!

What a day! It started about 1:30, with a big dessert reception that Mom and Dad threw to celebrate Mom passing the bar and getting sworn in. Nana and Grandpa came over first and then about 20 of Mom and Dad's friends came over, too, and there were so many desserts that Carmela didn't even know where to begin! There were cupcakes, Rice Krispie treats, an apple pie, some fudge brownies, lots of donuts, a cake, fruit and cheese, crackers and breads, and a great big bowl of champagne punch. There was lots of coffee and plastic forks and napkins, too. Carmela got to share lots of fruit and cheese and crackers, and her Uncle Jack might have given her a Rice Krispie treat, but Mom only let her have a couple of little bites before taking it away.

After the party, Carmela put on her rat costume and went to visit the neighbors (but not before some of her neighbor friends stopped by on their way out trick-or-treating). She got to say hello to all the kids and a few friendly grown-ups, got to see all kinds of kids in great costumes, and even got to fish her hand around in a few big bowls of candy (even though no-fun Mom wouldn't let her eat any).

Before long, Carmela came home to have some dinner and answer the door for all the trick-or-treaters — she had lots of visitors this year! Then a bath, some playing, and, finally, off to bed.

Happy Halloween!

Tiny looks longingly out the window. He's not allowed outside on this night because of the mischief some older kids might get into with a black cat on Halloween.

Carmela in her rat costume. Mostly it's just a tail, which Mom sewed last night. The top is a sweater that's very cute actually, with two white polka dots on the front and some bows, and a pair of black pants. Notice how long her tail was! It was funny actually: Carmela definitely did not like having her tail follow her around, and several times tried to grab it and pull it off, or to run away.

Mom and Carmela with all the pumpkins.

Daddy and Carmela.