This year for Halloween, we decided to forego the trunk-or-treat at church and let Wesley go on an actual trick-or-treating spree with his cousin Ryan. Now I know that this holiday is really all about the kids, but I honestly had the best time Wednesday night watching my son experience his first doorbell-ringing adventure. I don't even remember having this much fun when I was the one bringing home a bag full of Smarties and SweetTarts.
What made it so great was my son's natural enthusiasm for (1) finally getting to wear that Buzz Lightyear costume that had been hanging for a month in the closet, (2) going to see Ryan, and (3) the idea of all that candy. Even though Spider-Man and the Transformers (very small action figures and coloring books only) have been creeping into Wesley's web of heroes, Buzz Lightyear still reigns supreme. The first night the costume arrived, I let him try it on and the only way it came off was through careful compromising that he could wear his wings whenever he wanted, but the costume itself had to hang in the closet until Halloween. This worked wonders and kept the enthusiasm alive for the big night when he was able to sport it proudly alongside Ryan, who would save the night from terrorists as Captain America.
Watching those two little boys race--and I do mean that literally--around the neighborhood is something that quite possibly could have won us the grand prize on America's Funniest Videos as the night went something like this:
"Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!" Ring doorbell. "Happy Halloween" (instead of the usual "trick-or-treat"). Bucket out, candy in. Zoom! "Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!" And so the cycle begins again.
Laughter is always good for the soul, and I certainly had plenty that night as I watched Captain America run from house to house with his shield held in front of him and Buzz Lightyear, wings and arms out, chase after him. Even better was the stop two doors down from our final destination, where Ryan rang the doorbell and then both heroes sat on the porch swing, worn out, to await their treats.
There is something to be said for goblins and ghouls on All Hallow's Eve, but there's even more to be said for the excitement such a night brings to children and parents alike. Even after they had dumped out their pumpkin buckets to examine their treasures, Buzz and Captain America battled it out on the living room rug with wrestling matches any hero would be proud of. Needless to say, the space ranger costume came off only with the promise of pajamas and sleep, something Wesley has learned to appreciate after a full day. Now Buzz runs through the house at his leisure, practicing flying, firing lasers at Zurg, and driving big trucks over the playroom rug.
Halloween is over, but the fun is still being had. Who knows if that costume will last through the holiday season?
And really, who cares?
