Hallows' Eve

This year we had 138 trick-or-treaters, down from last year's 159, it's a recession.  Yeah, have I mentioned that we live in one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and a neighborhood with a ton of young families?  

Our tradition has been to hand out "Bats and Jacks" pretzels.  1) I'm a teacher and I'm trying to help out fellow teachers, I know what those kids will be like the next day after all that candy.  2) I'm trying to fight childhood obesity one trick-or-treater at a time.  (Although if all trick-or-treaters run as quickly as ours do, I should hand out ice cream bars!) 

Here a few memorable quotes from our neighborhood children... as we wish you a Happy Halloween!

"Ah, man, pretzels."

"Ah, sweet, I like these pretzels!"

"Some people are handing out weird candy this year."  Does that mean I'm not the only one in the neighborhood with the childhood obseity fight?

Middle school kids: "Are you a dentist?"
Me: "No, a teacher, I know what you'll be like tomorrow."
Kids: Chuckles, "Yeah"

Me to a little girl: "You're a scary cheerleader."  Little girl: "I'm a Zombie cheerleader"

Little boy (approx. 4 yrs. old) and his buddy:  "I have to use the restroom." (Insert tinkle dance)
Me: "Where's your mom?" 
Little boy: "Over there." 
Mom comes into view. 
Buddy:  "He has to use the restroom." 
Mom: "You'll have to hold it."  Wheww, he was about to walk into my house.

Little Hulk Hoggan with padded muscles, and darling smile: "You can feel my muscles" With a flex.  I squeezed his little are and said, "Impressive!"  He smiled and ran off.

Little boy jumps out of our bush: "Boo!" and runs away. 
Me to his brother:  "Does he want a treat?" 
Brother: "No"
Me: "He just runs?"
Brother: "Yep"

3 little girls - One little girl approximately 6:  "Do I know you?
Me: "I don't think so, do I look like someone you know?"
Little girl: "You look familar, maybe you're a twin with my cousin.  Do you have any pets?"
Me: "No"
Little girl:  "Do you have any babies?"
Me: "Ah, No"
Little girl: "How come, it's just you and your husband?" (I'm thinking - who have you been talking to?)
Me:  "Yes"
Little girl:  "How come you don't have any pets?"
Me: "Where do you live?"
Little girl:  "Up the street"
Me: "Do you have any pets?"
Little girl really excited: "Yes, 2 dogs and a hamster!  I used to have 2 hamsters, but one died."
Me:  "Ok, stop by next time you're on you bikes."
Little girls:  "Ok, thank you!"


And the favorite costume of the night, a little brother/sister/brother combo (maybe 4, 3, and 18 months old) dressed as Gnomeo, Juliet, and an owl.  It looked like mom made the costumes, they were darling!  The little owl loved C and was about to come in the house before mom stopped him!  We would have kept them, they were pretty dang cute.

Happy Halloween from Cloud 9!
B + C