Okay, everyone. I've been told our family tradition is to go around the table and say what we're thankful for. I'll start...
We're thankful for food.
We're thankful for health.
And we're thankful for friends.
Alright, let's go clockwise around the table. Who's next?
Captain Dynamite and Kid Kaboom take a break from fighting crime to set up their yard for Hallowe'en.
Kid Kaboom figures the skeletons would be scarier if they moved a little.
So she gives the skeleton a good shake.
Ready and set, we stand admiring our decorations and waiting for the trick or treaters. It doesn't take too long for them to arrive so we take our places next to the candy.
The highlights of the evening were any kid dressed as a dog (of course) and when our friend Max showed up dressed as Max the Bunny. At one point a kid walked up dressed as a Care Bear and Chimpy growled at him. He must have been at least a year older than Chimpy, but he backed off and hugged his mom's leg.
Here's Kid Kaboom giving out candy with the devil.
After 40 minutes, Kid Kaboom decides she has enough. She did so good all night and laid in her crib with wide eyes for about 30 seconds before conking out.
Checking the damage the next morning.
"Hey, you complainin' about the late Four Picture Friday? C'mere, I'll rap you with this here hammer."
Yes, we've been busy with a lot of preparations. Besides making a pop-up tombstone (above) there has been Grandad to help...
Wigs to try on...
Giant pumpkins to pressure test...
And candy to count. There are yet a few more things to take care of so Kid Kaboom and I better take off. We hope your Hallowe'en is spooky and fun.
Chimpy overcomes her fear of Hallowe'en decorations.
Plumber Chimpy: It's a good thing you called me in. Whoever started this project didn't know the first thing about drains.
Plumber Chimpy: Let me just tighten a few of these nuts and you'll be set for the inspector.
Inspector Kitty Cat: The sink mount looks good, but I'm going to have to get my colleague before signing off on that bathtub.
Inspector Kitty Cat: What do you think?
At best I figured it'd be a babypalooza with playpens, ball pits, etc. At worst, I thought it'd be a bunch of clubbers and hipsters trying to prove they could be both parents and cool.
It turned out to be an uncomfortable mix of the two. The real problem, though, was it was way too loud for little ones (it welcomes kids 6mos to 7 years, but should really be for 4 year olds and up) and a little hyperstimulating, too. It didn't take long for the scene to wear thin, so the papas suggested we move the party to Foley's Irish Pub around the corner. Twenty minutes and two pints later our nerves were much restored.
Chimpy: Is that mom wearing a gold halter top with leopard-print platform shoes?
Sis: Get your mom's BART tickets and we'll blow this joint.
Final verdict... Baby Loves Disco: thumbs down, Hanging out with Sis: thumbs up!
Working with Mama.
Playing with Daddy.
On our way to Chimpy's friend Sis' house, we picked up some rice for Chimpy's dinner. Chimpy got into it en route.
Here, Chimpy and Sis share a banana and race to see who can eat it fastest.
