Charlie's last Halloween. Dang it.

Well that's that.
This was the transition year for me and my former "Baby."
I just know that's all.

For the first time she invited a friend (Natalie) along and a Boy! Great. Nice kid, told him I was a spy with a license for violence.
He told me he was Polish and didn't need a jacket. (True story, still don't know what he meant.)

So me, Charlie, her friend, the Polish Boy and Spencer went out.
After about 30 minutes Charlie said, "This isn't as fun as it used to be." Ouch.
I remember when she thought it was the funnest. I remember carrying her from house to house in a bear costume.
After about 45 minutes she asked if she and her buds could go on their own. And that was it.
Me and the 9 year-old went across the street and they disappeared into the night.
The transition was complete.

Next year it'll just be me and Spenny and Charlie will be one of those "big kids" that show up at your door after the little ones have turned in.
I knew this day was coming but now that it's here I wish it was still a few years away.

My favorite parent/kid quote goes something like..."The days are long but the years are short.."
And getting shorter.