Saturday was long anticipated in our house. In fact, Simon declared it the best day ever (or at least the best day since the start of the quarantine). So many factors culminating in his favor:
- We finally agreed to let Simon get a SIM card for the phone he recently inherited from me. (Gwen got one when she started commuting to the city for school last year.) David and Simon biked to the little tienda, bought a $2 SIM card and $3 in prepaid minutes, and Simon's new digital life began. First action - joining all the family whatsapp groups :)
- Saturday was also the start of a 10 (!) day holiday from school for both kids for Fiestas Patrias. The US has the Fourth of July. Panama's independence celebration spans four official work holidays, all so close together that that the schools give a very long break.
- And of course, there was HALLOWEEN!
The kids have been preparing much of the week. Though it's been a strange one this year. Gwen decided not to trick or treat at all because of the pandemic (the fact that almost all the treats are non-vegan also played in). And Simon decided to try it, but buried beneath multiple masks.
The fun started a few days in advance, with Simon making the luminaries above in art class. On Fri, Oct 30, both kids dressed up for virtual school.
Simon as Kylo Ren.
Gwen as Charlie Brown (with quite a bit more crazy hair).
Then came organizing the treats. To ensure social distancing, we placed the candy table in front of the stairs, blocking entry to the front door. David and Gwen were on candy duty, replenishing as groups came through.
Simon and Eric trick-or-treated together, marveling at some of the insightful ideas for remote candy distribution.
One of my favorites was Pablo, lowering a bucket for each kid from his upstairs window.
