Do you realize Halloween is coming?

It feels like just yesterday I had on short sleeves and capri pants...oh wait, it was.  I absolutely adore fall and everything that it brings but it does seem that we were kind of jolted into it {but enough of that because season transition complainers wear me out}.  Anyway, Boy #2, Carter has only been prepping for fall's premiere holiday - Halloween since, oh, I'd say, May.  Which is absolutely okay with me because you'll remember, I'm all about the holiday (sorry Allison).

I've always made Nate wait until October 1 to set up our Halloween village, but I decided this year to let him start in September.  It's a ton of work to get all the wires and everything just right, so why not make the most out of it?  Plus, you've got the Carter factor as well.  We've found that the more enthusiastic Carter feels about a subject, the louder he talks.  Let's just say this kid is not going to need a microphone when it comes to public speaking regarding Halloween.

Of course we've been in discussion about this year's Halloween costumes.  Carter decided (back in May) that he would be none other than his beloved Batman {he did matter-of-factly inform me the other night at dinner that he didn't mind if Batman toots}.  His plans all changed when he went with his cousins to Target and discovered this mask...

Now don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Edvard Munch as much as the next guy, but what happened to preschoolers wanting to be cute things like this...

or this...

He is certain that the Scream mask/costume will garner him a bucket full of fun size candybars.  Considering that he received unequivocal adoration from candy passer-outers as the cutest chicken they'd ever seen last year, I somehow find this year's choice ill-timed.  What's a mom to do?

Boy #1 was able to find his costume choice on Amazon.

It's master chief from Halo.  It is currently selling for $649 (free shipping).  When I told him that I would NEVER be purchasing this product for him, he was able to track one down for 80 bucks.  I told him to start getting creative with duct tape.