As the newbies at a new school I wasn’t really sure what to expect for Halloween. 

The kids took their costumes to change in to for a whole school parade in the afternoon. The girls each had parties in their classrooms and I volunteered to help with Gwyneth’s. This was a pleasant change from the last two years where parents were not invited (not welcome, really) to attend the holiday parties.  I love seeing the girls at school with their friends and I adore all the creative costumes. I’m not a big Halloween fan, especially once the costumes get scary and gross, but my girls are keepin’ it on the cutesy side and cute I can get on board with. 

Gwyneth was her usual silly self and Annabelle was too cool for school. 

All the teachers dressed up as super heroes. 

Look how happy Annabelle seems to see me:

There were lots of volunteers for Gwyneth’s party. I was responsible for snacks, which seems a likely choice since I fancy myself a baker. Unfortunately we are only allowed to bring “store-bought” food for the parties and birthdays. I suggested that my cupcakes are actually made in a store and don’t have preservatives or artificial coloring like store-bought cupcakes, but I don’t want to be the difficult new family at the school or Gwyneth to be labeled the kid with “that” mom. I bought my store-packaged, school-approved veggie tray and fruit-tray and quickly wondered why I worry about home-made, often silly details that don’t even really matter to the kids anyway? I saved hours of my day and Gwyneth could not have cared less about homemade treats and was just so happy to have me there to hang out with her and her friends. Sometimes I really have to regain focus and not be “that” mom or I may just make myself crazy. 

Gwyneth loved the donut game and was fearless. Some of the other girls were a bit more reserved, but not my delicate little flower. She got right in there and did a bang up job. She had all the kids around her cracking up. I truly could not be more proud. 

Gwyneth tied for first place for the scavenger hunt! The girls were so excited to claim their prizes. 

Annabelle’s class party was a bit more reserved, a bit more quiet, a lot more third grade. Such a difference a year makes. They played more brain games and had treats and Annabelle had absolutely no complaints. This class has been a great fit for her.

Tired girls after a full day of school and partying!