10 Quick Steps to Becoming a Pirate

Ever since we took a trip to Aunt Erica's in Annapolis, Thomas has been enamored with pirates.  His 4th birthday party had a pirate theme.  It was no surprise that he chose to be a pirate for Halloween this year.  And it should be no surprise to you, especially if you remember our last two years dressing up as a family (landscapers and farmers), that all four of us jumped on board.  Arrrr matey!

Step 1: Bounce out of bed and thrust the pirate costume on!  If you are Mom, this means get up at 6:10am to shower and get ready before the boys wake up.  If you are Thomas, this means get up and strip naked as quickly as possible to GET THAT PIRATE SUIT ON!  If you are Ryan, it means get into the backup outfit so that the pirate suit is not all drooly by 5:30 when we start our rounds.  If you are Dad, it means get up and out to work early so you can get home to get into that pirate suit the minute you're done with work.

Step 2: Eat a hearty Halloween breakfast.  Freshly baked pumpkin muffins were today's breakfast of champions.

Step 3: Get some exercise before Thomas heads to preschool.

Step 4: Party it up with preschool friends.  Now that Thomas (and I) finally know who Elsa from Frozen is we can appreciate why three girls in his class chose to be Elsa for Halloween!

Dining with the ladies

They let Ryan in on the fun.  He enjoyed a Rice Crispie Treat.

Step 5: Burn off some more steam (and sugar).  Because it was a cold and damp day, we opted to play in the garage.

Step 6: Gather all the pirates!  After a warm dinner, we all redressed, regrouped and circled the wagons to head out!

Step 7: Visit the neighbors.  We don't live in a neighborhood, per se.  The houses are sort of far apart and the street is not conducive to walking in the day, let alone at night.  So we quickly visited our two direct neighbors before heading out to safer streets.  To our left, Adelle was a My Little Pony.  Our wonderful neighbors to the right, Bob and Margaret, graciously showered the boys with treats.

Step 8: Make a quick pit stop before heading down to Cornwall.

Is that pirate booty I spy?

Step 9: Make our annual pilgrimage to Darlene's house.  Four years ago, we stopped by her house to show off our sleepy little two month old baby dressed as a puppy.  Her warm family and warm pumpkin muffins kept us coming back.

Step 10: Go to bed.  I think it's almost a race of who can fall asleep first after this fun, festive day.