Three factors went into the selection of the boys' Halloween costumes this year. First, the not-so-powerful student budget, second our tire of seeing Lightning McQueen, and finally our decision to celebrate Jonathan's first completed full-length feature film. Thus, this year the boys went as ...


Yep, Luke Skywalker (or generic padawan learner) and R2-D2. Natasha actually made both costumes, minus the light saber (did you think it was a 'life saver' as a kid too?) that we bought at the toy store. Jon's tunic is some leftover material and Matt's costume is actually just a cardboard overlay that Natasha watercolored - but not before Jon had his way with a pen. It fit pretty nicely over Matt's carseat, though I think at times he would beg to differ.

Anywho, we started the holiday off with the ward Halloween party and trunk or treat. It was great fun, though not quite of the same caliber as in our last ward. Jon's still getting used to the ward, so he was a little shy at first, but after a while he got right into it.

We also did a little bit of trick or treating in our neighborhood. People out here take Halloween pretty seriously out here, erecting some pretty monstrous displays and flooding the streets for the better part of the evening. This is Jon's first time really out on the scene, so he was again a little shy to begin with (didn't help that the first door was opened by a lady who really did look like a witch), but as with most kids the prospect of free candy made for a pretty smooth transition. After a few houses he got the gist - run to the next door, babble something with a lot of Ts in it, smash and grab, and make for the getaway car.

We shot a little video of Jon finishing his rounds with our house. Enjoy ...