The Difference a Year Makes...

After our belated Halloween outing, I have been thinking about how much things change with the kids in a single year... first and foremost, the kids themselves, get so much bigger and more mature - for Rod, this is obvious as he's grown from an infant to a toddler. With Norah, who is now a mature preschooler, the change is more subtle, but it's there just the same.  Look at how grown up she is in this picture from the Halloween parade at school compared to last year! 



I was struck by the the following additional, Halloween related comparisons

• Last year, Roddie was tucked tightly into his stroller and never came out... this year, he barely sat in the wagon once he realized that people were giving him something if he went to their door!  He walked almost as fast and as far as Norah did!
• Last year, trick or treating with the neighbours was an impromptu arrangement, this year it seemed all the kids were looking forward to it!
• Last year, I put Norah's treats in the cupboard and she pretty much forgot about it, unless we brought it up.  This year, she asks about 50 times a day if she can have a treat.
• Last year, Roddie knew nothing but boobie milk, this year he's shown an affinity for peanut butter cups, among many other solid foods.
• Last year, Norah was blown away that people gave her treats at every house, this year she couldn't wait to collect her goodies, and it was Roddie who was amazed (see above) and he doesn't even really know what candy is!
• Last  year, Norah and Erin held hands running from house to house...they hadn't really started to be friends yet, like they are now, but were happy to have each other nonetheless.  This year, Norah ditched Erin for a boy.  Despite the fact that all she talked about was going trick or treating with Erin and Allie, she held fast to Jack's hand and passed on Erin's, even after Jack had gone home.  It made me sad, in a way, but I need to let her decide what kind of friend she's going to be, and I'm sure it won't be the last time she chooses a boy over her buddy (even though Jack is a buddy, who happens to be a boy)

and of course, last year, Halloween was on October 31, and not November 6!!