Halloween In Monterey

As Nora said after trick or treating, "This is the best Halloween I'll ever have!"  I'm inclined to agree. The Star Wars theme was carried out to perfection, and the La Mesa neighborhood in Monterey couldn't have been better for little kids.  You may have seen some of these pictures on Andria's blog, and the wonderful documentation she did of our Star Wars episode.  If you haven't seen her creative story with photos, you should click "Nora and Soren" on the right side of  this page.

Halloween Eve, and Nora admires the cupcakes mom made. 

Real Star Wars fans know who Oola is, the beautiful Twi'lek dancer presented to Jabba the Hut.  When she resisted his advances, he dropped her through the floor to be devoured by his rancor.  Gail made this costume almost entirely, while I worked on my own Chewbacca costume.  Notice Oola's long, sensuous leku trailing from her head. 

Susanna made a cute little Ewok!

Soren was a very realistic R2D2.

Nora had her C3PO moves down to a tee!

Rounding out our group were me as Chewbacca, Dave as Hans Solo, and Andria as Princess Leia.  We are now ready to hit the streets!

And "hit the streets" we did! Or at least Soren.  After everyone was disgorged from the van, the excitement really took over.  Soren nearly launched himself to the planet Kashyyyk!  Fortunately, he was unscathed and able to laugh it off!

We were a striking assemblage, judging by the number of folks who asked to take our picture.  Chewie documented the earthlings with his own camera!

Many of the homes in the neighborhood were really into the spirit.  Here, Oola makes friends with a creepy creep.

Pumpkins carved earlier by me, Nora, Soren, and Dave.

Later, Gail and I went to a midnight play at the Paper Wing Theatre in Monterey.  The play was a performance of "The Night of the Living Dead".

I can't wait for the play to begin.  But first, there was a costume contest.

Many in the audience were dressed in a Zombie motif.  The couple on the right were a Zombie SWAT team.  It turned out that of about 15 or so in the costume contest, it boiled down to this couple, and Gail and me.  The winners were judged by applause, and... WE WON!  I was surprised, as I thought Zombies would have an edge in the contest.

Wave after wave of Zombies attacked these poor folks, holed up in a farm house.

The action occasionally took place in the aisles, and some Zombies even nibbled on the feet of those in the front row!  The actors were entusiastic in their roles, making the action wild and fun.

Here we are with our trophy/prize!  We won a gourmet candy apple, a gift card for $25, and 3 passes for two to any Paper Wing Theatre production.

Ta da!

November 1, Gail, Andria, the kids, and I went to the California State University, Monterey Bay for their Day of the Dead observance.  The altar and artwork were impressive, but the Aztec dance performance went way too long for the kids, and we had to exit.  Next year, we hope to show them the Day of the Dead observance in Oceanside, where there are many dancers, musicians, cars, and activities to choose from.

 

A part of the altar.

 



Thank you Johansons for making this the best Halloween ever!!!