Oh what a night!

Growing up my family never participated in Halloween. I mean never. When Fall Festivals became a hit we got involved in that which my sweet tooth was forever thankful for. I don't feel slighted in the least at not having that as part of my childhood. My parents and many others at the time felt they were doing what was best, and for loving me enough to say no, I'll be fGorever grateful.
However, as I have grown my outlook on the day has changed. For years I have put together something on Halloween for kids whose parents would rather them in a safe place than out on the street. Honestly, there was part of me who did did it for the little Melanie's who might not get candy otherwise. My thinking came from lets take what the world intends for evil and use it instead to bring glory to God. Through the last few years there has been something pressing me even further. Last year I read this lovely post and it stretched my thinking even more: http://mamamonk.com/2011/10/31/its-halloween-yall/
Shouldn't Christians take every opportunity to reach out to the community around them? What better way to meet your neighbors than over cute costumed kids and candy?
So that's exactly what we did. We took the kids to some trunk and treats then headed back to our neighborhood.

My favorite moments of the night:

-The excitement when it was costume time and the imaginative play that came with a wolf hoodie and a nerd girl (inhaler in a lanyard was my idea-the rest all Katie's)
-Brancent posing proudly with his nerd girl and putting it on Facebook for all to see.
-The look on Jacob's face when people dropped candy in his bag (that he didn't have to potty for!) and hearing his tiny voice say "thank you" as he looked at them in awe.
-Seeing my 3 yr old about to bust with excitement seeing kids come to our door knowing that he was gong to get to put blow-pops and in their bags.
-Seeing my 13 year old more excited about giving away candy than getting it and explaining to her brother exactly what to do "Don't run out into the yard, wait for them to get to the door"
-Meeting a young family down the street.