Vivian's Halloween.

Halloween was a huge hit at our house. Vivian was a monarch butterfly, in her black velvet sweat suit with wings and pipe-cleaner antennae.

According to James, she was initially iffy about wearing the wings, but by the time she got to my office for a surprise trick-or-treat at 4:00, she had settled into them. It helps when people beam at you and give you cookies.

When the first little trick-or-treaters came to the door, Vivian was intrigued, and tried to help herself to one of the chocolate eyeballs we were passing out. But when James explained that they were for the kids who came to the door, but she could go to other doors and get different candy, she gave us this look which read: “Well, why didn’t anyone tell me? Let’s move, people!” She was prancing with anticipation. So we took her out.

The first couple of doors turned up no one home, and Vivi began to suspect a hoax. But then we started to find neighbours who were open or business, and Vivian was so excited. She couldn’t quite manage a “trick or treat” but she did get off a shy “tank oo,” and an enthusiastic “bye!” before turning and shrieking with delight and surprise. And running to the next home.

We came in early, but Vivian stayed at the door and helped shell out until a late supper got on the table. Even then, she insisted on sitting on Grandma’s lap, and the two of them had to run downstairs each time the doorbell rang. Gales of laughter, every time.

She even learned to hold the chocolate eyeballs up to her eyes and stick her tongue out.