Homemade costumes

Since it's looking like Halloween may be a wash-out due to the impending hurricane, my kids might not get to go trick-or-treating in their costumes. And after all the time and effort I put into them, I think that is more sad for me than it is for them. So, of course, I needed to at least get some photos of them before it gets all rainy. And while we still have power, so I can upload them (you can tell I'm thinking the important things through here. We may not have non-perishables, but I'll have my kids Halloween costumes posted!).

My father made our Halloween costumes every year when we were kids and it is one of the best memories I have of my childhood. So it's just second nature that I would make my kids' costumes every year. My sister makes her daughter's costumes too. I think it's in our genes.

This year, Luke wanted to be Thomas the Train and Clara was adamant that she would be a ladybug.

Luke is ecstatic about his Thomas and absolutely loves it, but only wants to wear him for about sixty seconds at a time. Sure, it's probably a little heavy and awkward, but don't you know how long mommy worked on this, Lukie?!

I made Thomas out of a cardboard box, a tube thingy for pouring concrete that I bought at Home Depot, a lot of hot glue, electrical tape and paint.

If you look closely, you can see where I spray painted the grass. Our back yard is full of blue, red and black.

When Clara declared she would be a ladybug, I was a little disappointed. I had it all planned out for her to be an Olympic gymnast, but despite her affinity for the Summer Games and the United States, she was not having it. But now I'm very happy we went with her idea. She makes one super cute ladybug.

Her costume was easy. I just glued black felt circles onto a tutu I made for her.

I glued black puff balls onto pipe cleaners and then twisted them onto a black headband.

And the wings are just cardboard pieces that I cut out and covered with red fabric and more felt circles.

I cannot tell you how much fun I had making these. I seriously might make costumes for them throughout the year. Sure, my house might have been a disaster during that week-and-a-half, but I am so happy when I have a project that I love.

Who needs a clean house when you can play dress up, anyway??