Berry Picking Time

I overcame my Halloween malaise of last year for Ellie's sake. For Ellie, Halloween meant so much.

It meant putting up with funny hats your parents put on you


if that's what it takes to finally get out of the house after being cooped up all week with a cough.


It meant getting to see cousins and comparing costumes.


It meant tasty treats, of which she had more than any child under the age of one should have.


It meant going out in public to parties and stores and restaurants


and letting strangers dote on her cuteness.


But mostly it meant way too many pictures. "Seriously, Mom?" I may have turned her off to the holiday too.


Poor kid.