Halloween 2008

The late nights are over and the eye strain has run its course. Now to unveil for the first time the Halloween costumes of 2008! This year we nod to the greatest (and original) game alive -

The Super Mario Brothers.

Pazu as a Red Koopa Troopa

Eric as Luigi

Nicole as Princess Peach (or Princess Toadstool)

Hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween!

Best in Show (sort of)

Today we went to Pet Palace, a locally owned pet store (http://www.petpalaceusa.net/). Every year they have a pet costume contest. Last year Pazu went as a wizard, but he didn't place. This year, since he had such a kick-butt costume, I was hoping he would finish strong. Even if someone recognized him, that would have been a great consolation prize.

Since I'm a screw up, I didn't get my costume finished before the event, even though I tried my hardest to do so. Eric dressed up and this is what made Pazu's costume so great.

Anyway, there were about 30 entrants and some of the costumes looked fantastic. I was starting to get a little worried. There were a lot of butterflies and princesses. Eric was not impressed by these. We were #27 and Eric took Pazu to center stage. Since our dog is full of chicken poo, he didn't do any tricks. He didn't pee on anything either, so I shouldn't complain.

The judges went back into deliberation and here were the results.

Honorable mention to a dog in pj's and king of the hound dogs (yes, he was dressed as Elvis in the white jumpsuit).

4th place - Pazu as a Koopa Troopa! (did they just say our dog's name?)

3rd place - dog dressed as a fighter pilot (complete with goggles)

2nd place - dog dressed as a life guard (this was cute, he had the striped shirt and life preserver)

1st place - dog and owner dressed as reconnaissance field agents (think camouflage and ammo packs)

I am totally floored by our 4th place finish. It's nice to see hard work pay off. We were also awarded a $25 gift card to the store, so we'll be using this for Pazu's Christmas and birthday gifts. Just wanted to share this wonderful and surprising accomplishment.

Costumes of Halloween Past

Halloween is quickly approaching and Eric and I find that we turn into little kids when it comes to picking out a costume (at least we haven't resorted back to trick-or-treating). For the past few years, I have been using my newly discovered sewing talents to make Halloween costumes for Eric, Pazu and myself. Here is a quick review of what we've been over the years.

2006- Robin Hood and Maid Marion

I made both these costumes from scratch using fabric, a pattern and sewing machine.

After looking at these pictures, I got the notion in my head that the Maid Marion dress made me look quite overweight. So, I went to the thrift store and bought a velvet dress for like $7. I added a satin cowl and drapes and instantly became a Greek goddess. (I know, I cheated. I got two costumes this year).

2007- A Journey through History

Pazu-Purple Wizard (medieval period)

Eric as Young George Washington-1757 (he was often mistaken for Mozart)

Nicole as a Geisha-Japan 1922

So we were invited to a Star Trek party this year and went as holograms from the Holideck. I made this Star Trek cupcakes which were a big hit!

What we will be for 2008?