Black Hat Bash

Last weekend was a testament to just how much I’ll do for my daughter.

I’m not in to dressing up. Like, the thought of a costume party kind of makes me cringe. But, when The Children’s Museum invited our family to the Black Hat Bash, I decided to take one for the team and thought long and hard on what get-up I would willingly wear (and be comfortable in) the whole evening.

I went with a witch. Take that as you may.

The rest of my entourage included the cutest little ghost you ever did see (you can find the DIY tutu tutorial here), and a last-minute Dracula-turned-Frankenstein. I felt a bit ridiculous driving the hour to the party – you know with sparkly spider-webbed eyebrows and my green husband in the passenger seat – but all of that changed as soon as we hit the museum

We had a blast.

Our friends, Mario & Princess Peach and the Roe Family Farm, also made an appearance.

I can’t say enough about how festive this party was. Pretty much everyone was in costume, which made for excellent people watching. My favorite? The lady who dressed as a fortune telling machine – that took dedication! Even the dinosaurs out front were wearing witches hats! Every floor of the museum was full of food from local restaurants (including a Sun King tasting table), which was completely worth the price of admission in my opinion.

And we were pretty much the only families in the Playscape. Bonus.

After exploring the museum and eating our weight in Blondie’s Cookies, we were those parents who took our not-quite one-year old through the Haunted House (during Lights On hours – we’re not that cruel). Maybe it was because we were way past bedtime, but none of it phased Dorothy. She didn’t move, cry or even make a peep.

My kid is a champ, because I was a little creeped out myself. Parents of the Year.

We may pay for this photo later when D needs therapy.

Did I mention that we had a fantastic time? It’s sometimes hard to find an event that is fun for both kids and parents alike, but I think we found a winner with the Black Hat Bash. Even my husband was thrilled with the leftover Hot Box Pizza we got to take home.

You can check out how our little family was inspired by the party later this week on The Children’s Museum Blog. But until then, I hope you enjoyed this photo explosion. Happy Halloween from the Cottens!

*A huge thank you to my bestie, Kristin @ Walking by Faith Blog, for taking some awesome photos… and letting me steal them. She’s seriously the best.