Dad talking for Benton:
Today is Halloween, or as dad calls it, "All Hallow's Eve," because he's a little bit pretentious. Mom and dad learned a few days ago that downtown Astoria sponsors a trick-or-treat fest and many of the merchants participate by handing out candy on the sidewalk in front of their business. They prepared by stocking up on some delicious candy.
This morning I heard my mom and dad panic. Apparently they had spoken to a neighbor who has been through the downtown trick-or-treating experience and shared some information that Mom and Dad weren't ready for. Mom and Dad in their infinite wisdom were prepared for about 100 trick-or-treaters but the neighbor lady says that we could reasonably expect--based on the day of the week and more importantly the clear weather--2,000 to 2,500 kids.
Egads. Mom ran to the store and bought tons more candy (they haven't given me any yet.)
I learned something about retailing, too. I had Dad hold me outside on the sidewalk while the trick-or-treaters passed by and a few people would notice me. I wasn't happy with that so once I got cold Dad wanted to take me inside, but I wanted to watch the people more. So I convinced him to put me in the window--the storefront window so I could watch everyone. I was very surprised to learn that a baby in a storefront window is apparently "the cutest thing in the world" as everyone said. I was the same baby, just sitting in a window rather than sitting on my dad's lap, and suddenly I became 50,000 times cuter.
Very interesting.
Happy Halloween.
Benton
Here's a photo of me and Whitney. Whitney is Todd and Michelle's daughter.
