Happy All Saints

Last night instead of trick-or-treating we participated in an All Saints party (for the second year), and had a blast.

All three of our little men went as different monks, with the Crown of Thorn hair cuts and all (oh yeah, we are committed).

As usual with anything we do, we tend to draw critizism for our choices... why people actually think they have the right to tell us that we are doing it wrong is beyond me... but alas they actually think we VALUE their 'expertise'... NOT THE CASE! The usual negative went as follows "they would have more fun dressing up and getting candy", "Halloween is fun for all kids", "you guys are always over the top".

Here are my thoughts on the situation...

1. My kids did get to dress up...
2. Instead of walking around a neighborhood that may or may not be all that great for treating... we went to a party where they got to play with all their little buddies... they played games, won prizes, ate dinner with their friends, and all the parents got to hang out as well.
3. We were safe, there were no threats (tampered candy or what not), or walking around in the dark... we knew everyone there, and when it got dark we went inside and the party continued.
4. As a family we learned more fully about the saints that were chosen, and while at the party had fun learning about all the other saints that were there.
5. Oh, and kids aren't too old for All Saints parties... there is always a saint out there, and opportunity to learn... is that really the case for secular trick or treating?

So no more harping on me and my fam about us keeping our kids from something great... personally I know my kids had more fun preparing and participating at our PARTY!