Halloween Prep 2015: A Costume for Marshmallow

It's nearly the end of October all over the world. For we Americans, that means only one thing:

HALLOWEEN!!!

Having a multicultural family brings many colorful layers to everyday life, whether one is living abroad or in one's passport country. For me, living as an expat with the kids in a foreign school, when the American holidays roll around I often feel the need to really make an extra effort to be sure the kids get the full flavor and effect of the event. Sometimes it feels that with only one American parent and no acknowledgement of the holiday in their German School, perhaps the enormity of Halloween, and what it meant to me as a kid, is passing them by. 

As the holiday takes on more International recognition, decorations have been easier to come by, even in Southeast Asia. To get in the mood today we hung up some of the fun things we have been able to collect over the years. 

With a little help from one of our resident black cats the giant spiders took their place on the front gate. Some of the classics are our centerpiece. Thinking of you Aunt Vickie!

With some ancient props from the closet and a trip to the local (Two) Dollar Store, we have all that we need for Vivienne's costume. Conrad's costume will be a bit more complicated this year and I spent nearly 6 hours today putting together a mask for him. Watch this space for updates on the success or failure of that venture! I think my efforts were inspiring to Vivienne as she got into the game for one of her own.

Meet Marshmallow.

Marshmallow the cat has lately been enjoying a bit of favored-stuffie status, spending a lot of time outside of the toy box and beyond the confines of Vivienne's room. I think it is safe to say that Marshmallow is exploring his American roots because apparently he has decided to participate in Halloween this year as….

a horse! Using the head that some of you may recognize from her birthday piñata last year, she designed and built his costume all by herself. This proud Mama thinks maybe, just maybe, I'm raising 'em right!

But you really can't have too much Halloween, can you? Red pepper and carrot bats and cats waged an epic battle on dinner plates this evening over sautéed chicken mountains. 

One week to go. Lots more fun to be had! How have you prepped for Halloween this year?