Ehlana and Ethan:
The Halloween parade was such a success that there is a chance for it to become another town tradition that might replace trick-or-treating!
Naomi and the Phantoms was a hit, and while we weren’t the only kids to include music; we were the only ‘live’ band. We also won one of the prizes last night, but most-important was that we had a lot of fun; and entertained the adults that sat on front porches or lined the streets to watch the parade. We didn’t lead off the parade, since the organizers had the youngest kids do that, but we were among the first to head out among the kids near to our age. The parade began at the apartment building that is on the south-east corner of the new section of town; we did a loop around the outer streets there; and then did the same for our section of town. The route for the rest of the parade went along Witch Falls Road west of Quarry Road; we returned across town and past the south side of the church and school; and then ended the parade in front of Landry’s – where there were drinks and snacks. The treat bags and prizes were handed out there, but not with any ceremony – the prizes were awarded as the winners arrived.
That’s why we were able to be home at Naomi’s before eight-thirty. The parents saved a little surprise for us until then – news that we weren’t going to have babysitters while Naomi’s parents went to the Halloween party at Sheldon’s – along with our parents and most of their usual group of friends. We did have emergency help next door at Uncle Adam and Aunt Leanne’s house, but Zack and Eli were also there with quite a few of the younger cousins and friends; and we knew that we wouldn’t need any help. Naomi’s parents only stayed long-enough to get ready for their night out; and we were on our own by nine o’clock. There was not a wild and crazy party once we were on our own – we watched Halloween movies, cuddled, and enjoyed a quiet night until we crashed and napped by around midnight.
Yes, we kept the co-ed sleepover fun going last night too! ;^)
We didn’t find out until this morning how late Naomi’s parents were out, but we also let them sleep while doing our Tai Chi workout; and then we cooked breakfast. They joined us in time to eat; clean-up; and then get to church. With Halloween over, the church service and Sunday school lessons moved on to the usual lead-up to Thanksgiving. There was still Halloween-related talk with the kids and teens related to the parade and other parties last night, but the adults talked more about the imminent election on Tuesday. That is not the problem it might be elsewhere; since our friends and neighbors are generally of like mind when it comes to politics – we take care of our own; and hope that our national leaders don’t get in the way of doing that! ;^)
The weather has cooled down again today, and our best friends were busy; so we spent the afternoon playing at the lab or archives; since Dad needed to work. Five hours at the lab or archives was followed by an easy dinner; and then our evening included some non-work time with Mom and Dad and then bath or Jacuzzi time. We’re ready for bed now, and it has been a very busy weekend; so we’re going to wrap this up without any other commentary. The election might cause some excitement for the adults this week, but we’re expecting things to quiet down a bit for a week or two as we transition into Thanksgiving and Christmas. That might seem funny, but being too-busy can get exhausting too; so we’re going to be glad for a break – even if it is only a short one.
Let’s hope that’ll be true for everyone; since that certainly isn’t certain when there are so many problems in the world and more risks that could become new issues sooner instead of later.
This is Ehlana and Ethan Proctor; live from the hidden home of the Magi of the Light – and May the Magi Force be with you!
