the Halloween coverage continues...

(Super Rack has an amazing power to be in constant motion - thereby preventing any photographers from capturing him. He also drops his shoes super fast, giving him better foot-griping power with his barefeet. So I'm told). Calvin was sooo excited to read all of your words yesterday. He says Thank You. So does his Mama -you were very nice to him. I loved watching Super Rack evolve - I have such fun watching him when he's in the middle of a process like that.  We kind of 'get' each other, which is of course, all at the same time super amazing and super challenging. Definitely fun, though.

So for the rest of us. Ezra was a Song and Dance Man, as you can see. Ezra really IS the Song and Dance Man - not quite rocker, not quite hippie. In fact, he's somewhat of a cross between Bob Dylan and Huey Lewis. If you can imagine that. He's his own dude and a really really fab one at that. His harmonica tunes and accompanying jigs were livening up the streets last night, I tell you.

Whenever we talked about Halloween the past few weeks - of course, a pretty vague concept for her - Adelaide said she wanted to be a Pirate Fairy. Consistently. Despite hourly attempts by Calvin to get her to be Super Baby (a character of his own design, for which he had the costume all planned out). She can TOTALLY stand her own, man, and so a Pirate Fairy it was. The clothing choices? All hers. That girl has some FIRM ideas about things, let me tell you. I'm ridiculously proud of her for that - even if it makes me pull my hair out sometimes.

And Mama? Well this was the first year as an adult that I've dressed up in a really long time. At 3pm yesterday, I started squirreling away pieces of a costume to surprise the kids with. Pippi's a pretty big deal to these three people, and I thought I could pull it off enough with what I had on hand to at least make it semi-recognizable. They all did immediately, and their laughter and giggles about it all nearly busted my heart.

For someone who is so passionate about family tradition, ritual and holidays, I will admit that Halloween is the one I have the most mixed feelings about - the one I drag my feet on the most. But slowly, our own family traditions are evolving, and at the same time we're embracing some of the traditional ones that I never thought I would. Yesterday was a little of both. It's all about the balance, I'm learning. And really, who can't help but fall a little bit in love with a day that's all about creativity and imagination and dress up?

I hope you had a magical day, too.
 

Comments

[jean]

what a perfect Pippi. Happy November.

[grace]

Great costumes all of you. I have mixed feeling about this holiday too. But, creative costuming can't be all that bad.

[Kelly]

I can't decide which costume is my favorite, yours or Ezra's. And of course, having the story behind Calvin's and Adelaide's endear them to me, as well. Seriously, the jumper and the braids are adorable! Very stylin'.

[emily]

i'm right there with you on the mixed feelings - all of the junk food and scary stuff - but like you said, there's the imagination, too. you were a great pippi! and all 3 kids had such creative, inspired, perfect costumes. looks like a wonderful celebration. and that front door - stunning.

[Dee]

What great photos - yesterday was the first time we have ever gotten into halloween - a real last minute decision to join a friend and her children for trick or treating and I cannot believe the excitment and joy the kiddies got out of the experience - it has me starting to come round a little about the whole holiday!

Dee
x

[gnarly nanny]

i love that your costumes were all homemade, with stuff you already had. way too many plastic masks around here, if you ask me. the kids look charming!
p.s. i was pippi too!=)

[gnarly nanny]

i love that your costumes were all homemade, with stuff you already had. way too many plastic masks around here, if you ask me. the kids look charming!
p.s. i was pippi too!=)

[molly]

i love surprising my children. I can only imagine the squeals and giggles....

[julie]

What a perfect post with such beautiful photos! I love the creative costumes on all of you... and you really put into words my feelings about Halloween too!

[Viv]

Glad I'm not the only one with such mixed feelings on this holiday, but you know what, you make a great Pippi!

[Tere]

I love this post, and what you did with "your Halloween". I've often thought, seeing Adelaide's expressions in your posts, that she exudes a confidence beyond her years : ) Is she giving the peace sign in that photo!?

[Pam]

Oh, I loved all the pictures of you. It takes me back to the days when I had little ones. Something to remember is that your little ones view the day as you spoke about it -- without the trappings of what it might be when laden with other beliefs. It's a fun day and one not to be missed or spoiled by adult interpretations. When you look back at photos thirty years later, you'll be amazed at how much this day has meant for all the right reasons.

You inspsire me to be a better grandmother when that day arrives. Cheers to you all!

[Amy Curran]

Great pictures. I LOVE the pirate fairy. She is precious.

[Maria]

My small boy (who I think is just a few days older than your Adelaide -- and, btw, also a Person of Conviction) ran around the block announcing to the neighbors "look! got my Halloween on!" Looks like you all got your Halloween on in style.

P.S. Are there clues to the origin of the "Rack" in Super Rack?

[Anne]

The costumes are sweet and creative.

Calvin, I love the Super Rack costume-my kind of superhero!

[Deardeedle]

First - I LOVE the picture of the Four of you walking down the path. It is Magical and says so much about Halloween as the family friendly holiday it CAN be! What a great shot.

Second - I love Ezra's costume. I think it may be my favorite I've seen of anyone's all year. Kudos to him!

Although Calvin and Adelaide are DEFINITELY giving him a run for his money.

[emiy]

no costume for PapaSoule?

[colleen]

me, too. i love that picture of the four of you walking toward trick or treating. wonderful! (i have absolutely no mixed feelings about halloween -- love it, love it, love it!) i can't believe how cool you all look -- what a fun mama you are!

[Nikki]

You all look so cute.

[Carrie]

What a sweet post! Everyone looks so cute! Was PapaSoule taking the picture? Was he dressed up?

[Stefani]

They all look exactly right. And you, adorable Mama, where the icing! Glad you all had a Happy Halloween!

[Sarah Wellmeier]

I also love the costumes, but my favorite is the entry way photo. It just says home!!

[Melissa!]

Is Pirate Fairy giving you bunny ears in that one photo?!!!! ;D

[esmerelda]

Ha, I love how Ada is trying to give you bunny ears in the middle one. Something she picked up from her bro's, perhaps?

[Sharon]

Your kids are so talented! And what a wonderful mommy to nurture that!
My son was Black Spiderman--I know, I know, but I will say that OUR costume was the best because I made his shirt--with his help!!! The spider web free-hand and the spider with a freezer-paper stencil! And his mask was the best! We went to San Antonio a few weeks ago to visit family and got a Lucha Libre Spiderman costume! Our Black Spiderman had a cape.
My little baby girl wore a Princess dress that I MADE! Wee Hoo! I am very proud of myself and of my kids enthusiasm for Halloween!
I will say, that it is a bit distasteful to beg for candy, but I see it as a practice in manners. I made sure the kids ALWAYS said "Thank You" whenever they were given the candy. Fortunately my kids routinely say Please and Thank you, but in the excitement of Halloween it takes extra effort!
Sorry so long!

[heather]

amanda, there is a 9 year old girl in this house that neeeeds to know, how did you get your pippi braids to rock out to the side like that? you all look amazing, the lighting is beautiful.

i too have a girl who is, um, firm. when emily turned two i began the subject of potty training. "no thank you, when i am three i will be potty trained." (she was quite verbal at a super young age)okay... i'd broach the subject on and off that year, as there was zero interest exhibited from her, then she turned three. i'll never forget that day. at some point early in the day of her third birthday, i mentioned the potty training thing as she was now three and all... "oh yes, i am potty trained now." and damn it, she was. 100% from that day forward. the little whippersnapper had it in her all along, it just had to be her deal. gotta love those fiercly independent young women. looking ahead, i can tell you that this type of girl at just nine years old will inspire you and take your breath away. it is a joy to see her in the midst of her peers and see that she clearly knows who she is, i was not that little girl. there is so much to look up to in them. even if they can never, ever be bribed. that's right, mama's secret weapon doesn't work on these girls. it just may insult them though! ;)

[SOULEMAMA]

Oh, heather, i love hearing that. I do think that's our future. We call her our whippersnapper, too (and actually, that was one of the names Calvin wanted to give her before she was born!).

And you can tell YOUR young whippersnapper that I used two pipe cleaners per braid. I braided them right on into my hair as if they were strands of hair. I have a LOT of hair, but amazingly, those two little pipe cleaners per braid did the trick - held those braids right in proper Pippi position. ;)

[camerashymomma]

oh sweetness! i love everything about this post! i see ezra step out of the 1940's in that costume, too. and pippi was apparent right off the bat. i think that is possibly the best family photo i've ever seen. dig the peace sign! and your home looks so cozy and welcoming.

[Martina]

Great costumes and pictures. I hear you about the mixed feelings, and finding your own balance. I left my six-year-old daughter to outline the face on her pumpkin, and when I returned to carve it, discovered she had spelled out "L O V E" for the mouth. It was the friendliest little jack-o'-lantern ever, even with flickering candles inside.

[Analicia]

I smiled! My son when he was four insisted on being a pirate/lion/fairy! and he was. Beautiful pictures.

[beetlegirl]

What a precious family.

[Nessie]

amanda, thank you so much for so much inspiration. I know you probably hear that all the time, but I really.
When I have children (something i am patiently waiting to happen) I hope that I can have such a wonderfully creative home as yours.
Thank you...
hope your day was sweet!

[julia]

oh amanda these costumes are all so amazing! i was thinking yesterday how i'm really not that into halloween anymore, but that maybe once i have kids and are inspired (as it seems you are) by their creativity with their costumes that i'll get back into it again. and that maybe then we'll start establishing new family traditions for this holiday.

as always, the soulefamily is completely inspiring and giving me hope that someday i'll get excited about halloween again. thanks! (to all of you)

[Sefchen Coho]

Song and Dance man... Its just perfect.

[Anilia]

I think you are all so inspiring. I stumbled onto your blog just a little bit ago and your brand of family just makes me so happy. You are all delightful- even to a complete stranger. Thank you!

[Leah]

Pirate Fairy?

Best. Character. Ever.

You guys are so adorable.

xxxx

[Dawn]

Love that Pippi costume...how did you get your hair to do the flippy thing?

[tara pollard pakosta]

LOVE YOUR COSTUME!
you are a trooper to dress up!
my girls asked me but they asked me the day before so i didn't do it>>> next year maybe. i have mixed feelings about hallowen too, i know the kids have fun though and wont' let them be anything too scary or mean.....love adelaides costume!!!!! and your son did a fantastic job on his ........WOW! he is so talented!!!!!!!!!!!
amazing children you have!
tara

[annette]

Fabulous Soule-gang! Wish we could've t-or-t'd with you! Maybe next year you'll be up for the west end halloween parade! see you soooon.

[Sarah]

Oh how awesome! Holidays are what you make them for your family. They can be commercial and busy and a drag, or they can be fun and whimsical and exciting! Looks like you all chose the latter...fun stuff!

[Courtney]

I'd love to know why you drag your feet about Halloween. Adorable all around, esp. Pippi.

[Kelly]

great costumes!

[julie]

I appreciate your magical photos. Pippi,
you are one of a kind.

[lina]

That last picture is so gorgeous, love it. I'm feeling that I need to take a stand on Halloween next year, not ignore it totally, but make up our own version. I just don't get it. Sugar, strangers and scariness all around (not to menition the commercial aspect)- how's that child-friendly again?!

[brandie]

you are all so cute, I can hardly stand it! and woo hoo for you for dressing up. scrooge no more, i think. and so, what is a super rack? is it a bird? well, it is Super Cute, nonetheless.

[Kim]

Great costumes Pippi! A book suggestion for Calvin: Superhero by Marc Tauss. My own superhero loves it, the pictures are very unique.

[Avelia]

Beautiful costumes! Thank you for sharing.

[Veronica TM]

i love the costumes! it looks like you guys had a great and fun halloween. my fiona was a little kangaroo but i don't know what happened to our camera that didn't register any of the photos...frustrating. but we had so much fun yesterday.
tell calvin that i can't wait to read another one of his posts.

[Rubyellen]

So much fun!!! We have mix feelings about this holiday, but it is so much fun to dress up and have a photo shoot!!! How did you get your hair to bend?

[Courtney]

You know, we don't have kids yet, but I am SO glad to hear you saying that you have mixed feelings about holloween. I love dress up, and pumkin carving. However I just can't get into the rest of it. But it seems so many people absolutely love it, I feel like I am missing something.