H.o.p. had wanted to be a Dalek. Faced, however, with the formidable challenge of making a Dalek costume, he eventually opted to be a mummy, which only required green, black and white make-up and some time spent tearing a sheet into bandages and then wrapping him up in them.
We returned to the old neighborhood (as we usually do) for Trick or Treat.
These women were funny. “I’m laughing so hard my bandages are coming off,” H.o.p. said, and they were. But they managed to stay largely intact to the end of the night.
My primary concerns when wrapping were (1) doing the bandages in such a way that he could still use the bathroom easily and (2) allowing full freedom of movement and (3) ensuring none would come undone in such a way that they would pose a hazard when walking (didn’t want him tripping). Marty and I succeeded on all counts, but the result looked like a mummy with a bit of ninja and bedouin crossover. Still good enough that the photos don’t do the costume justice; the wrappings lose definition and blend together so they look like some kind of white garment.
No one confused H.o.p. with being anything but a mummy and he was bombarded with compliments by treaters and trick-or-treaters alike.
He can sure be a little hellion but damn is he sweet and considerate with other kids and one of the sweetest and politest trick-or-treaters you’ll ever meet in your life. “Trick-or-treat!” he says, then yes he does probe the candy for chocolate (if it’s held out for him to fish through) but takes no more candy than he is urged to do. The last thing on his mind is grabbing a handful and making a run for the next house. The special part of the event for him actually is the greeting and meeting. That’s what H.o.p. likes, he enjoys meeting the people. The candy is a nice aside. What he wants to do is meet you and have a pleasant exchange. Then he smiles and crows, “Thank you!” and wishes you, “Have a Happy Halloween!” half a dozen times before he makes it to the bottom of the stairs.
So the women in the above photo had an audience with H.o.p. He was there to entertain and be entertained. And they entertained and laughed uproariously and he loved it.
Though there are no trick-or-treaters around here, we decorated one of our windows with a carved pumpkin (H.o.p. drew the the face) and skeletons and a gravestone and eyeball lights. He was running out and in and out and in, checking the effect.
Halloween cupcakes still rest on the table. “For tomorrow,” says H.o.p. He’s waited all year for Halloween cupcakes.
He pronounced the day, “the greatest”!
H.o.p. takes a self portrait
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