We did it again!

For the third fall in a row we went trick-or-treating at the zoo! They call the event "Boo at the Zoo" and bill it as safe Halloween fun. The zoo does a nice job of having employees and volunteers at about 10 different themed trick-or-treat stations along the main zoo path. At some stations the kids get full-sized candy bars but most are non-candy treats and even stickers and coloring books and crayons. Grace was very independent this year, going up to get her treats alone, saying "trick or treat" and "thank you", and walking the entire time! This is BIG because she often asks Kyle to pick her up and put her on his shoulders. But the one time he picked her up she immediately asked to get down. I think she was enjoying the freedom wandering around in her princess dress. We also had to laugh when she walked away to look at the sloth bear (who was wide awake and very active) and then turned around and didn't see us for a second. We were both standing there together, watching her but she looked into the crowd and didn't recognize us and loudly called out, "Mommy, Daddy, where are you?". About 20 carved pumpkins were on display, too. Some of them were really creative. We might have to copy some of those ideas next year. Grace also rode the zoo's new carousel for the first time. There are 33 animals. This time she chose the kangaroo but we think we might make riding every one our goal before our membership expires next fall! And, she also rode the choo-choo train....an old standby and favorite! I love how she just gets right in there without any hesitation. But she has been on it enough times to know exactly what to do.