In past years, we have enjoyed having the kids dress up with a theme in mind. Last year it was "Super Friends." The year before was "The Wizard of Oz," and before that was "Peter Pan," and "Star Wars" before that. This year I was too busy to think of a theme, or even buy/make them costumes.
But before you think I'm a terrible mom, just see how cute they look.
Jack wore Collin's Janga Fett costume from 5 Halloweens ago, Collin wore a "Top Gun" costume that Jay bought at the post-Halloween clearance at Party City last year, and Mary wore her costume from her last dance recital, with a tiara and wand added to be a fairy princess. We threw together a Luke Skywalker costume for Oliver... here they are ready to GET CANDY!
There was a special appearance by Darth Vader, who even went trick-or-treating to a few houses before he got too tired... and sweaty. (Want to know who is in the costume? I'll never tell. But I WILL give you a hint.... Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father.)
Praise God.
ReplyDeleteFunny and clever Alice!
ReplyDeleteeee! i love that luke and darth could go together, that's so awesome! :D is ollie still hanging out with you guys then?
ReplyDeleteand i looooove your daughter's costume. i wish it was socially appropriate to wear sparkly dance costumes every day!
Cute photos.
ReplyDeleteI love the rug in the photo. Is it spooky Halloween eyes? Where did you find something so fun?
How great that Christian, I mean Darth Vader was up to taking Oliver trick or treating! That is wonderful!
Looks like you had a wonderful night.
I'm so happy that Christian was able to go trick or treating with Oliver! What fun!
ReplyDeleteWow, how special! I cannot believe how well Darth is doing. This is just awesome. I know this means so much to Oliver! Our God is an Awesome God! Maybe next year Princess Amidala will be able to go too!
ReplyDeleteHi Alice,
ReplyDeleteI lurk on your blog and follow the Nielsons story. This post made me cry with joy as I remembered my husband (also a burn survivor) trick-or-treating with my kids last year 5 months after his injury. He didn't get too far before he got too tired, but it meant the world to my kids. You can see a picture of last year's Halloween costumes and this year's Halloween costumes on our blog. We dressed in theme as well. God bless you and your family.
http://voltinfamily.blogspot.com
Pam, that is awesome! Thanks!
ReplyDeletecherie b,
ReplyDeleteThat is the cutest rug, but it's not mine... we were at my mom's house. She always manages to find the cutest stuff.. and at bargain prices!
OH! I love that Ollie got to go trick or treating with his DAD!!! That is SO awesome!
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely wonderful. A Halloween I am sure neither or them will forget.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Darth Vader made my day!!! Christian and Stephanie are in my prayers every day - even though I only know of them via blogging. I'm so glad he was able to enjoy that with Ollie! Funny how you can grow to care so much about total strangers like that! Send him our love from California!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Darth Vader made my day!!! Christian and Stephanie are in my prayers every day - even though I only know of them via blogging. I'm so glad he was able to enjoy that with Ollie! Funny how you can grow to care so much about total strangers like that! Send him our love from California!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that Darth and Luke could have some father/son bonding time! I hope many happy days are ahead! Thanks for sharing little pieces of your lives with us! Keeping you all in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Star Wars Adventure. I am thrilled for them both! You are very clever to tell us in the way you did. All the best to you...
ReplyDeleteThat is so great that Darth went with Luke trick or treating, your whole family is in my prayers every day. Thanks for sharing those great pictures.
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome. Terrible mom? Because you had no costume theme? Yet you put together a truly Star Wars-worthy costume for Oliver, and he could enjoy Halloween just like any other kid? Where could there be any more joy than on his face as he was ready to go out and GET CANDY?
ReplyDeleteRemember... some of your readers are single working moms (guess that would be me) who are their family's sole source of income. I just try to get home in time.
The things you accomplish for your family, both "nuclear" and extended, fill me with admiration. I think you are doing an amazing job.
This is absolutely awesome for you and your entire family!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless all of you!
Thank you, Thank you, for sharing this.
I've been reading for a while...just wanted to comment and say hi and that I really enjoy your blog and your sister Lizzy's as well. How wonderful to see "Darth Vader" in action. I know it is a time for great privacy for your brother and for Stephanie, so how wonderful that Halloween allowed for him to have a little incognito outing! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers every day and your love and faith is truly inspiring.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Sara
Ummm...so cute! Isn't Halloween just the best? Please let Mr. Nielson know that he is so inspiring as is his wife!
ReplyDeleteWowie, wow, wow! (As Junie B. Jones would say.) You did awesome with the costumes!! I am a terrible mother. I never got a picture of my 9 yr old son in his costume. I took some of his Batman brother (4 yr old) while he was at school.
ReplyDeleteOh, how absolutely WONDERFUL that Darth Vader got to go trick or treating. Even if it was only a few houses. He is recovering so well. We still pray for you all every day and night.
hey, great news about darth trick or treating w/ his son! and that you all get to be together.
ReplyDeletekeep up the good work, alice.
YAY for the Nielsons!
ReplyDeleteThe kids all look adorable.
Bravo! Bravo! (In all ways!)
ReplyDeleteIs that Christian?!?! Oh, my heart is happy to see him up and about. I love the look on Ollie's face...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
~Heather in CA
Your kids look fantastic! DOn't berate yourself!
ReplyDeleteAs for the Star Wars duo...God is good! Tell him we are all still praying for his family every day!
I grew up in the neighborhood where Darth & his family live. It was a good place then and I hope they can return soon!
Your kids look darling! Halloween is so much fun! I L.O.V.E that Darth Vader made it out with Luke. What a dashing couple. ;)
ReplyDeleteAlice, You are a rock star! Thanks for letting me stay in touch with my old "cross the street" neighbors!
ReplyDeletewell, obviously the force is with you all!
ReplyDeletewondered where the rest of my posse was... (see the cutest Chewie ever on my selvage)
big bravo (and tears) for being so NORMAL!!!
xo
Oh, it's so wonderful that Ollie was able to trick-or-treat with his daddy!!
ReplyDeleteYour children are just beautiful!
Yay, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader together again! Everyone looked great and you are an awesome mom, wife, sis, daughter, and all the rest.
ReplyDeleteFirst time commenting, but I have been reading for awhile. That is the biggest blessing! And your kids look adorable as well!
ReplyDeleteA humbling post indeed. The tears are flowing. I could just feel of his spirit as he embraced that special moment he had with his son.....even if it was for only a short while. Thats touching & heart warming...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing....
We continue to pray for you....all of you everyday!
Hugs-
give Darth a hug from the Williams crew in Idaho! I about burst into tears when I realized who was hiding in the costume. One, because I love that he was feeling well enough to participate, and two, because I think it's awesome that you guys are respecting their privacy!! :) What a wonderful way to spend your weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been reading for awhile (can't remember how I found you...CJane maybe?) and I just have to comment today! It is SO wonderful to see father and son together (even if it is incognito). It warmed my heart to read this post. Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteApparently I am a bad mom every year...we've never had a Halloween theme! Shame on me. :)
Praying that God will continue to bless your family!
This post warmed my heart after a very tough day. I am so glad that Christian was able to enjoy some Daddy-son time with Ollie...it really makes me remember the important things in life!
ReplyDeleteIs there anything better than the expression on a child's face when they love their costume? Sometimes it is good for our kids to feel the effects of life, they learn to become more creative and compassionate when they have to improvise and help make their own happiness. I am not sure who Janga Fett is but that is one happy boy, love the fighting stance. I also love that you haven't allowed the accident to take over your already busy life. You are a wonderful example and I am learning to love many strangers through your family's blogs. Oliver has to be the best therapy for his dad. Glad you all could enjoy a Happpyy Halloweeeeen together, albeit bitter sweet with out the rest of the crew. Hopefully they can all be together soon, that's what really matters...good luck with your happy chaos! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat joy to see Darth Vader upright, approaching the door in costume with Luke Skywalker. AMAZING!!! When Stephanie sees that photo, me thinks Halloween will continue to be her favorite holiday. I love strangers, too....as in you!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! God is so great! I can only imagine how much it meant to both Luke and Darth!
ReplyDeleteGo Darth, go Darth, go, go, go Darth!
ReplyDeleteAlice- you're a dear. Your kids still looked great on Halloween even though you "didn't have enough time" this year (I wonder why?)
I'm glad it was a happy holiday for you all.