Halloween and Fall

Well Halloween has come and gone. For those of you that know Gracie, you know this is not her favorite time of year. Last year's post. I've always kind of pushed the fun parts about it on her....the candy, the celebrations with friends, the fun of seeing everyone dressed up, getting dressed up in pretty outfits (give the kid something sparkly and pretty and she's all over it), the pumpkin patches, cider donuts, delicious apples, etc. I mostly push because I want her to enjoy the fun of it and not miss out. We also like to encourage her to face what she's afraid or cautious of. Usually we talk her into giving it a try....she's sees it's okay...and is glad she gave it a try when it's all over.

But, this year I felt like every time I got her excited about it we'd see something that made her turn and give me that "see, that's gross or there's another scary mask, why am I supposed to like this holiday?" look. For some reason, more so than other year's, it seemed like everywhere I turned there was some "dead type thing" staring at me. .... the large headless man with blood dripping out of his neck at the craft store, or the countless vampires, mummies and body parts strewn through out the stores, or the skeleton holding a large hatchet in one hand and the head of another skeleton in the other. I guess if you really think about it...why would I ever want her saying ..."that is so cool, I love it". But, I don't think we're really meant to think that deep into Halloween. You're just supposed to get what you can out of it and think of it as the fun fall, dress up holiday where you get candy.


Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the gory stuff shouldn't be around and we shouldn't get the enjoyment out of it (that would be pretty hypocritical considering I love an excellent get your adrenaline pumping scary movie or a good screamfest at a Haunted House) but, I'm pretty okay with Gracie not liking masks and Halloween. I'm proud of her for trying to enjoy it, as her fear is real, and hope each year she gets better with it and realizes more and more that it's just silly fake stuff that some people really enjoy.


Here are some fun fall pictures.....

After much coaxing, we got her out to Trick or Treat. I'm so glad we did. As you can see she loved it once she was out there!



Grace and her auntie Rach.