Halloween 2019

We are (some of) the Avengers!

Whenever possible, I like to make our Halloween costumes. When the boys decided to be Thor for Halloween, I wasn't sure this non-sewer would be able to pull that off. But since I struggled to find the version of Thor that Leland wanted (Contest of Champions from Thor: Ragnarok), I took to Pinterest. Which led me to purchasing a pattern on Etsy.

I was incredibly nervous about it, but thankfully the creator of the pattern also had a tutorial video on YouTube that walks through all the steps. The video made it seem simple enough for me - just cutting, gluing, and painting - so I went for it.

For Alden's (Thor from Infinity War), I found a free template online, but wasn't quite sure how to make it, so I purchased a pattern from the same seller on Etsy (who, again, had a demonstration video on YouTube).

Alden really wanted lightning for his costume, so I ordered these light wires from Amazon. They were under $10, and connect to a battery. He thinks they're the coolest.

Their armor is entirely made out of foam (mostly 6mm, but some accents are 2mm), hot glue, elastic, and velcro. And a little help from a wood burning tool to make it look way more intricate than it is. No sewing whatsoever! Alden's pattern actually calls for some fabric and sewing, but I opted for foam instead. I did use some fabric for Leland's sash/belt, and some fleece for his cape, but I glued it instead of sewing. To be honest, I can sew, but it stresses me out.

Beginning stages of Thor: Ragnarok armor

Thor Ragnarok armor complete

I intended to take pictures throughout the process, but pretty much failed at that. Overall, it wasn't terribly complicated, just very time consuming. While they're not quite on par with the ones from the Etsy seller, I'm happy with how they turned out. I'm no professional cosplay maker, but my boys are THRILLED and so proud of their costumes. Leland tells everyone, "My mom MADE my costume. MADE!" And he keeps saying how amazing it is. So, even with a few imperfections, they are happy and that's the whole point, right?

Thor Infinity War armor ready for paint

Leg and Arm armor ready for paint

Olivia's favorite superhero is Iron Man, and even though I told her she didn't have to be a superhero, that's what she wanted to be. I decided to make hers and mine more comfortable to wear, and add some feminine flair in the form of a tutu.

For Iron Man Girl, as Olivia calls it, I bought her a red shirt and red pants, as well as a white thermal shirt (because Northern Michigan Halloween is COLD). Then I used felt to make the emblem and wrist bands. For her tutu, I tried to find a red and yellow one, but I could only find red, so I hot glued some yellow in between the red layers. I bought her mask (and mine) on Etsy for super cheap.

For my Captain America outfit, I bought a Captain America shirt and layered it over a white long sleeve tee. I made wrist bands out of felt, similar to Olivia's and purchased a red, white, and blue tutu on Amazon. I forgot to make myself a shield though...oops.

The kids all love their costumes, and even though I wasn't terribly excited about the theme they chose in the beginning, I'm super excited about it now. I don't know how many more years I have of themed costumes, so I'm soaking it in while I can. But I know the days of me having any influence over their costume/theme choices are over.

Alden Turns Six

My sweet Alden,

Today is your sixth birthday!

Last year, I wrote in your letter that you were struggling with our transition to our new school and you desperately wanted to be in kindergarten. This year, you finally get to be in Big K with Mr. Hood! You love learning and are proud to share your new skills with me every day. Lately, you've been blending words all on your own and you love to think of rhyming words. It's incredible for me to see kindergarten through your eyes and not just my own. 

Much like last year when I wrote your birthday letter, you love Legos and sharks, and you still enjoy listening to The Greatest Showman. You also enjoy singing along to Christian radio in the car. A somewhat new development is your interest in superheroes, especially Thor. We have seen a few Avengers movies and you and Leland both want to be Thor for Halloween.

You are still an amazing brother. You look out for Olivia and always want to make her laugh or be the one to help her. She adores you. And with Leland, although the two of you tend to argue with one another,  you enjoy helping him and you are really very selfless and caring toward him. They are lucky to have you as a brother.

Macaroni and cheese remains your very favorite food. You also love most fruits, bell peppers, and all the sweet treats. And Altoid mints!

At six years old, you weigh 51 lbs and measure about 48” tall. I’m still able to pick you up, but it’s getting awfully challenging! You often run toward me so I can pick you up and anytime I bend down, you hop on my back. It will be a sad day for both of us when I can no longer pick you up.

You are the snuggliest, most affectionate boy. If you could, you would sit on my lap and hug me all day. When you’re not snuggling, you are moving. Running, rolling, climbing, and building - always. You have a great sense of humor (though you sometimes need reminders about being appropriate) and you enjoy making others laugh.

While playing with this skeleton in the store, you stood there telling everyone, "I'm a bonehead" as they passed by.

Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. You have your fair share of attitude and tantrums. I feel like we're seeing a little less of it these days, but it's still there. You remind me a lot of myself when I was younger and I eventually outgrew that. Hopefully you will too.

You recently tried fishing for the first time at your friend Aiden's birthday and now you want your own fishing pole.

Six years ago, when I held you for the first time, my heart was so full. I had no idea it could grow even more, but it has. You bring my heart so much joy and I am blessed beyond measure to call you mine. 

I love you, my precious middlest. More than I can ever express. Happy Birthday, sweet baby. 

Love, Mom