A Happy Halloween

Carter galloped in circles on the porch, unbothered by the long johns, tracksuit, and Captain America costume I layered on him. My fingers spun the camera lens left and right and back again. It is always a fight trying to capture Carter's cute moments. No shutter speed is fast enough. After I got a few decent shots, I grabbed my little Captain America's hands and his third Halloween began.

Holding his canvas trick or treat bag, he marched on over to the neighbor's front door. I rang the doorbell and then distanced myself a few steps behind - a mini test just to see how he would do on his own. The rain drizzled as the door opened. "Trick or treaaaaat!" My eyes widened. Carter pulled the bag's straps apart and a handful of candy danced all the way to its bottom. "Thank youuuuu!" Carter swiftly turned around and skipped towards the sidewalk. "Next house! Next house!" I still had a case of the wide eyes. Who was this independent kid in front of me?

The more houses we visited, the more Carter's excitement grew. Not only was he on a roll, but he kept track of the new treasures that filled his bag. "Mommy, I got more chips!" I looked through my lens and over my shoulder to see a close-up of Kyle's big smile cuddling under the yellow umbrella. He and I didn't mind the cold rain. We just giggled behind our Captain America.

And when the last treat reached the top of the bag, Carter's enthusiasm still brightened the quiet streets. He narrated the highlights of his Halloween night to us while we strolled back to the house. My heart sang at the sight of his darling smile and the knowing that he loved his third Halloween.

Now, our family of three is fully stocked up on happiness and sweets - a combination that can never go wrong.