Halloween 2017
After a short stint of trick or treating at our ward Halloween Party Jasper was pretty certain he was not interested in going again because it was "too spooky". Black lights, dark rooms, flashing lights and strange noises were a bit more than he bargained for in order to accumulate a small stash of candy. Once Halloween came all he was interested in was going over to my parent's house to play. After much persuading, he visited a couple of our neighborhood friends, but was really just interested in getting in the car and going. On our drive to my parent's house we witnessed the most amazing sunset. From the backseat of the car I could hear Jasper saying, "Oh how pretty!" and I was reminded how aware, appreciative and engaged he is with all of his surroundings.
I like to make holidays festive, but I try not to go too far overboard. I never really hyped up trick or treating or asked Jasper what he wanted to dress up as. These past two years I have taken cues from what he is interested in and both years it has happened to be a vehicle of some sort. I love the ease in which this type of costume can be put on or off. If he is into it we keep it on, but at the first sign of dissatisfaction we can take it off and pretend it never happened. I am grateful for my relatively easy going guy who has strong opinions, just not about what he wears.... just yet!
Once at my parent's home Jasper was eager to participate in the festivities. Almost like a light switch he was turned on to the idea of trick or treating once again. With flashlights in hand we visited several houses that evening. Many people just left the candy bowl outside for people to take what they wanted. If the sign said take three or four Jasper would take his allotted amount and then maybe an extra one here or there. My favorite part of the night was the last house we visited which had a cat pumpkin and a paw carved into the pumpkins. As we walked up the house I heard Jasper exclaim, "How sweet!" I love how perceptive he is and how he can appreciate everything from a beautiful sunset to a nicely carved pumpkin.
