a little ladybug halloween

Back in 1989, when my parents were trying to choose a name for their little impending peanut, they decided that they really liked the name Katie.  Who knows, they probably thought they were being creative or something.  Little did they know that it was just the start to experiences like being labeled Katie #4 in classrooms containing at least four Katies.

Thanks a lot, Mom and Dad.  My individuality has been severely hampered.

Just kidding.

About a month ago, when I was trying to pick out Ellie's Halloween costume, I had a similar experience.  I thought I was being so original when I picked out the adorable, little ladybug costume.  But it turns out that it just so happened to be the single most popular little girl costume on the market.

Uh-huh.  It's true.  Look it up.

But, notwithstanding my inherent bias, she just may have been the cutest little ladybug in the known [or unknown] universe.

[It's true.  Look it up.]

I will now present the photographical evidence.

This was at the church's primary carnival, put on by the teenagers.

Ellie and I weren't strictly invited, but Tim works with the young men and was going to be there all night, so we invited ourselves.

Ellie was thoroughly entertained by all of the children and their costumes.  She showed her approval through the extensive use of high-pitched squeals.

While I acknowledge the fact that I look exactly the same in the above pictures, I couldn't help but post all of them, since Ellie looks so precious in each one.  Maybe it's the mom in me?  [Sidenote: "Acknowledge" was the word that disqualified me from the 5th grade spelling bee.  My life has been forever altered.  Sidenote over.]

Since we were running short on time that night, we didn't put together any costumes.  But we decided that on Halloween itself, we just needed to put on costumes for all those trick-or-treaters we were bound to have.

I think all fifteen of them really appreciated the fruit of our efforts.

Despite how hectic it was with all those trick-or-treaters, I managed to get a few pictures of my little ladybug.

You know, just a couple.  Wouldn't want to get too carried away.  [And I didn't even post all of them.]

I lit our Warm Gingerbread candle and we cuddled and watched some of our shows until it was time to go to bed.

I'd call Ellie's first Halloween a success.

[Since, you know, she won't remember it anyway.]