Halloween photos, and other ramblings

I took the kids to a local church carnival on Halloween.  Then we came home and ToT around our block.  I was actually a little melancholy, because last year:

Last year we had Sparkle and Fluffy with us.

I have to confess, I miss being involved with Safe Families.  

I miss feeling useful.  The Friday emails make me sigh.  

It's funny; back in 2008, when we started our adoption journey, we chose the foster care route, due to cost.  At that time, I wanted to get licensed, get our "2 little girls" and get OUT.  Foster care was a means to an end in my mind.  

Mr Jingle Pants

Although we became licensed foster parents in 2009, our daughter, Hannah, came to us from China instead of the foster care system.  Hannah's adoption was final at the end of 2010, and in 2012, while we were in process for Katie, we got involved with Safe Families.  

Sassy Girl

It was these kids that both opened my eye and broke my heart for foster care.  

Gogo, Miss No, and Big Sis

While they were only with us a short while each, their time with us made a huge impact on me.  I hope it made an impact on my kids, as well, but it's too early to tell.  

All that reminiscing to say, Halloween was bittersweet for me.  

But the KIDS had a great time!  

Hannah went as Kai Lan (hat is on the floor).

Katie and Lukie wore their Thing 1 and Thing 2 t-shirts.

I love Katie's face in this candy shot.

The candy trading has been going on for two days now.  I think next year, I'm going to get out the graph paper and have them record their loot.  

And tonight, when Zachary and Annaliese dropped by, we shared some with them.  (Tomorrow is family pictures, wish me luck!)

Happy to have my least favorite holiday behind me.  Ready to ease into The Holidaze.  Actually, I've started on the Christmas shopping, and even have a few things wrapped, it's just such an overwhelming time of the year.  

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