My son, the Halloween philanthropist

Connor decided about two months ago he wanted to be Elmo for Halloween. Mommy couldn't find a decent costume pattern so I bought one that was billed as super warm so he wouldn't have to wear snow pants AND a parka over it or underneath. He's been wearing it for a month as an Elmo pelt/cape...it is quite warm, so he ran around with just the arms and head on, legs streaming in the Connor generated whirlwind. He ran upstairs daily, asking to "wear Elmo!"

I prepared him for a few days with the standard Trick or Treat line..."tickohteet!" was the closest we got with an "ankh oo!" for "tandy". We talked about it for days, and he seemed really excited. We got him dressed in long undies, jeans, shirt and were about don Elmo when the first trick or treater showed up. And that was IT. Connor thought giving away candy to oddly dressed children was the most fun ever. We offered him a piece to eat; nope, he held it until the next one showed up and gave it the tiny princess in a parka who came to the door. Elmo is lying in a forlorn red fuzzy heap on the couch and Connor is hanging puma like in the window, ready to pounce as children round the corner.

He is at the door before Charlie and I can get up. After two skidding falls in the hallway, he learned that if he grabbed the wall pillar and swung his weight around it he could slingshot down the hall at even greater acceleration with no injury. He flailed wildly into the foyer, candy clutched tightly in each hand, and wrenched the door open to greet the goblins with an exuberant "Hewwo! Tickohteet! One for oo, anudder one for oo...ankh oo, bye!" Charlie and I can hardly help collapsing in giggles every time.

Our child is a freak. What other two year old turns down candy to throw it joyfully into the bags of other children? What other two year old decides that he greatest joy in life is to give things --toys, candy, clothing -- openhandedly to anyone he meets? We have waited and waited for months for the proverbial "mine!" affliction to start, but still no sign of it and meanwhile he's totally tickled to stay inside and dump his favorite candy on other people. He actually carefully picks his favorite ones to give away, as if to say, "Here, these are good, believe ME!" We're not sure if he'll be a Carthusian monk or follow mom and dad into national service or join the Peace Corps; whatever gives him the most selfless thrill I guess! Connor is a giver, no doubt...and his best gift is always joy and laughter for Charlie and me.

Oh and Timmy was adorable in his pumpkin outfit, but had zero interest in the -5 cold wafting in the door, so he cuddled inside with off duty candy parent. Check him below!