We spent Halloween evening trying to bring a little US tradition to this heathenless country. We carved a pumpkin, a pumpkin-esque squash, and even a little watermelon (top photo center jack-o -lantern). Don't laugh at the sorry attempt at carving the pumpkin (far right) that damn thing was like carving stone. At one point, I seriously considered breaking out the hammer and flat-head screwdriver, except we don't own a hammer. It took nearly an hour not including the numerous breaks I had to take to rest (and watch the Ducks smash USC which by the grace of god we got to watch live on cable. Not that I don't appreciate watching them through the Skype feed. Thanks again Ricardo.)
The kids, ours and Isue and Karoy's then made balloon Jack-Os and then went trick or treating. Since no one here celebrates it in the proper gluttonish fashion we had to improvise. The kids started at our front door and then moved through the house from room to room including the bathroom. They made this circuit until the two bags of candy were exhausted. Not exactly the same but they seemed to enjoy themselves nonetheless. It helped Sid and Leif that the other children really got a kick out of the experience. I think I was probably the most devastated, (due to the absence of the whole neighborhood involvement thing) but only because I am really jonesing for chocolate and usually get a good month's worth from the kids hauling in a pillowcase full of candy from which I can pilfer. This year all the chocolate was eaten by the next day. The photo of Sidne above gives a good depiction of how I felt and continue to feel whenever I think about how much we gave up to come to Costa Rica. I have yet to see a Reese's peanutbutter cup since we arrived. Enough said!
Halloween in the hood was busy this year. Perfect weather for a change. Not too cold -and dry(gasp!) Checked out the Concordia mayhem, it was a little too concentrated for me , and as we were going from dorm room to dorm room, Stella asked “when are we going to go real trick or treating?” I can imagine it is a good option for when it rains. Both girls are down with swine flu-Lulu was UNABLE TO GO TRICK OR TREATING. You know what a candy fiend she is, it is her sacred holiday-the one she waits for all year, and this year she had 104.7 temp. Trick! She stayed home with Mark and watched old scary movies. Yeah- you may have gorgeous spas there with hot springs, but I have Reese’s. A lot of Reese’s. And a pumpkin with The Carpenters carved into it. As in Karen and Richard. Turned out pretty sweet. These last two days have been gorgeous. Too bad we are all quarantined and can’t enjoy it. The girls have and will be out of school all week. Anyway, miss you guys. Next year I will be sure and give y’all extra candy. I am sure we will still have some by the time you get back. Reese’s age well from what I hear.
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