Nevermind the candy ...

My favorite night of the year is October 31st.

I adored living in a neighborhood where children would come to our door, 

all dressed up and so excited to ask for candy.  

October 31st is the only reason I would consider moving back into town.

Fortunately, I've found an alternative :o)

The city of McKinney is one of those cities with the old courthouse in the middle of the downtown square,

and this downtown area has been revitalized with new businesses and restaurants.

Each year they put on an *huge* event called Scare on the Square, and kids in costume trick or treat from the merchants around the square.

It is corner to corner of CUTE.

Our kids are too big now to participate in this event, although they did go trick-or-treating with their cousins. 

So LtDan met me at La Misha, a Mediterranean bistro right on the square, and we had the best seats in the house for the parade of precious kiddos and their parents.

Kids in costume start making their way around the square at 4:00 and the event goes until 6:00.  

Big kids, little kids, babies ... and all sparkly eyed and happy.

I took this next one for my Abbie, she's a big Dr. Who fan ... check out the Dalek!

Even some of the parents get in on the fun.  Or maybe she was just in a hurry?

We had so much fun talking to kids about their costumes.

This little Autumn Fairy was my absolute favorite ... 

It was a perfect fall evening to sit outside on the square, and the kids just made it so happy.

I'm glad I don't have to move back into town just to get this fix ... 

but I can't wait for next year :o)