Our Little Devil

You know, as a parent, one of the most exciting times of year is Halloween. At least when you're in our family. We can't get enough of it. The decorations, the fall air, the candy (which my hips actually celebrate for months following). And, as a parent, one of the most anticipated conversations each year is that of the Halloween costume. Each year you see how your child's little personality has changed, how their interests have evolved and how their selection of Halloween costume has matured from one year to the next. Three years ago, Hay was Dorothy; two years ago she was The Wicked Witch; last year she was a cheerleader...

So when this year's costume conversation came around, we were stoked.

Do you think she'll be a doctor? She likes caring for her little stuffed animals. Or maybe she'll be a copywriter like mom! Course, there's no definitive costume that says "I have a mediocre salary and no byline so I'll never really be famous." She likes Harry Potter, maybe she'll be Hermione? Eh. Too overdone. Ooo! I got it: maybe, MAYBE she'll be God's little angel..."


Well, I don't need to tell you how that played out. Let's just say, Hayley subbed out the halo for a pair of horns and a wench dress. I mean, it's cool; we can handle it. She'll just go on and mock us with this blatant foreshadowing of her teen years.



Here's Hay as a teenager. I mean a Devil Princess.




I stopped by Hay's class for some pictures and a slice of pizza.


This is Hay's adorable teacher, Ms. Keovanpheng. I'd tell you how to pronounce that, but instead I'll let you share in that initial panic we experienced when we first met her, knowing surely she would hate us for screwing up her name. (Ms. Who? Maybe we can call her by her first name. What's her first name, Hayley? DaoKham. Crap.).




She's a chess board. Chess player? A ref? Something about chess.



This was the most well-behaved, quiet class I've ever seen on one of the most highly caffeinated days of the year. Ms. Keovanpheng had these guys under control. Totally amazing.

This is one of Hay's besties, Jessica.

Seriously, all quietly eating. As spooky as it gets.