Go big or go gnome! Groooan, I know. But Halloween is no time for seriousness. When else do you feel out of place if you're not wearing a costume? It's time to make stuff, people! And it's in my blood (like part of me, not vampire-like) to jump in and as my college professor Mr. Shindi used to say, "Make it cool." 

Growing up, Halloween was a time to make things with my family. Whether it be crafting a paper mache California Raisin costume, or slime-slinging pumpkin carving on the kitchen floor, we were together making things with no pressure. (Unless you call scoring 1st place in the local Halloween costume contest, pressure!)

I've continued this tradition with my kids. Last year was the year of the gnome. Blame our over-grown fairy and gnome garden, or perhaps the wealth of gnome puns online. Either way, those little guys are cute and inspired the Dahl Kid's trick-or-treating attire.

Prior to Halloween, we found a mossy spot in  the trees and took these photos. A year later, the costumes have been played in, are too small, and look a little shabby. But I look back at these photos and remember it so clearly. I hope these images help my kids to remember it too!