Treats

Today Daddy was at work, preparing for our newest service - but in the meantime, Madison and Mommy were getting the house cleaned up. They were also getting ready for this evening, which was a load of fun, actually.

First of all, we returned to Discover Mills for trick-or-treating. Our first stop was Bass Pro Outlet, where they had candy - and this big display with the Peanuts gang out in a pumpkin field.

Note how Madison is essentially the same size as Lucy up to her shoulders. Then there's the issue of those great big heads! We waited and waited here for a long time, just knowing that the Great Pumpkin was going to show up.

He never did.

Fortunately, someone else showed up:

We met Hannah, David, Jonathan, Aunt Shain and Uncle David there at Discover Mills. They too were doing some trick-or-treating, so we hooked up for just a bit and posed for our now annual group photo.

One thing about Discover Mills this year, and trick-or-treating inside the mall: it was overcrowded. That's why I don't have too many pictures. A lot of stores were actually out of candy before we arrived there, and we actually got there early! Lines were everywhere, and nearly every square foot of floor space in the mall had people jockeying for position in it.

Despite the crowds, Madison did have a good time. We did get an early start and were able to grab some good candy. Madison has got the hang of this thing: she thrusts out her trick-or-treat bag (we got one that came with a Disney movie), and even says thank you when getting her candy. She knows the drill!

Afterwards, we left Discover Mills to take Daddy out for his birthday dinner. Daddy was wanting to go somewhere that Madison hasn't gone yet - and that was Bugaboo Creek. This restaurant has mounted animal heads on the wall, but these are unique because they talk. That's right, we sat beneath a talking buffalo. And nearby a raccoon that kept popping his head out of a can. It's a fun atmosphere, and the food was good too.

Afterwards, we drove home and checked out the decorations throughout the neighborhood. Seriously, I have never seen so many Halloween decorations. Large inflatables, orange lights, pumpkins, giant spiders - and one ginormous cat! If this place looks like this at Halloween, it will be stunning come Christmastime. Madison enjoyed the tour - it was almost like we were going back to Lake Lanier's night display. Can't wait to walk around in that tomorrow when we really go trick-or-treating. It's going to be a great day tomorrow!