Thursday, November 1, 2012

How Old is Too Old?

Here's the real question; how old is too old to trick or treat?  My parents didn't particularly like trick or treating to begin with but they were good sports and let us trick or treat until we were twelve.  Although Diamond's parents were more on board with the tradition, they didn't let their kids trick or treat past twelve either.  We decided to make that our rule.  Who really wants the kid trick or treating to be bigger than the person handing them the candy anyway?  Right?


Luckily, Big Boy #2 is eleven and less than 60 inches, so he was clear to go.  He went as "Glow Stick Man", which is basically the easiest costume ever.  Nothing to it but taping glow sticks to his clothes.  Awesome. 
Of course the Caboose has plenty of years left.  Which is good considering all his ideas for costumes.  The Caboose changed his mind a million times before the big day, but eventually settled on doggie.  Not too bad to do this one either.  Just stitched on some white felt to a black sweatsuit.  Add a collar from the dollar store and voila!
Cutest doggie EVER!
The Caboose was 'helping' with his face makeup, smearing it all over.  We went from cute little puppy to hung over old dog.  Not much better than a 5'10 teenager on your porch.  We ended up washing his face and starting from scratch. 
Although his little brothers were happily prepping for a night full of nougat and nuts, Big Boy #1 was staring down a long, empty night.  It can be hard to be the oldest and outgrow fun things years before your siblings.  He had hoped to have some friends over.  It didn't work out.  BB#1 was thoroughly bummed.  When our neighbors came to the house trick or treating I asked their mom her opinion.  She told me she lets her kids out until high school and suggested that BB#1 join with her thirteen year old son.  I caved.  I told him to quickly pull on his referee shirt for his Replacement Ref costume and go. 
It was the right thing to do.  His despondency cleared right up and he had great evening.  I didn't get any pictures of BB#1 in his costume.  Oh well.  I can always take some pictures when he's trick or treating in college...

4 comments:

Mom of Three said...

We caved this year too for the same reasons. Em had a party and B went out with her BFF. How could I deny him when all his friends and sister were at the same place and he was home alone with me.

Vern said...

If you're willing to put on a costume and you knock on my door, I will give you candy without judgment. I think age limits are for sissies.

Cheryl said...

As I recall David was out with his friends "rolling pumpkins" at an older age ;-) I like the costumes, simple but way cute!!

Anonymous said...

I somehow missed this post at the time.

I'm glad you caved for number one. I don't remember when I quit trick or treating, but if you have little sibs, you can always let him 'dress up and escort them' if he's up for it. I'm with Vern on when people come to my door (and I make coffee for any chilly parents who want a treat).