Pocahontas and Question Mark Man

Halloween rolled around and Zack had a definite idea of his costume.  He would only be The Riddler.  He took great delight in showing me how he prances along cane tucked under his arm, fingers on the brim of his hat.  He was everthing Zack adored right now:  the color green, word puzzles, cool typography, and sneakiness. Perfection.

Do you know that The Riddler is not actually a desired costume creation for children?  You can be Batman.  You can be Robin.  Batgirl.  Catwoman.  But a bad guy from the Batman world?  Nope. 

Zack rolled his eyes at my google abilities and suggested with the calm voice he usually reserves for explaining concepts to the cats that I should try searching his real name Edward Nygma.  And then spelled it for me.  I was torn between a mother's pride and exasperation.  Is he really supposed to believe he is smarter than I am at age 8?  To his dismay, the real name did not help.

Off the the fabric store, Mom.  I can design the costume and you can make it for me.  At least he has faith in my crafting abilities.  I crossed my fingers that he would choose a simple concept--without sequins--and off we went.

It took him only about 15 minutes to find the perfect green lycra.  He described the ensemble.  A body suit.  One question mark.  And then added, "do you know what has always been wrong with The Riddler?"  What, sugar?  "No cape.  My Riddler needs a cape to swirl about."  Of course he does.

I realize that his fashion statement might start a stampede of little boys needing to don The Riddler costume for next year, so please allow me to dispense some advice moms.  Fabric glue.  Do not attempt to stitch those darn question marks.  Glue is your friend. 

and with the cape swirl:

We arrived at school for the annual costume parade.  Imagine Zack's frustration when kids would call out, "Hi Question Mark Man!".  The pitying looks he gave them made me chuckle.  And he heaped praise on those bright enough to be able to correctly identify his character.

Allie, on the other hand, chose her costume simply.  The costume catalog came and she selected the Indian Princess.  Ok, so it was not politically correct enough to list it as Native American Princess, but she was good with that.

Her choice thrilled me.  She is in teen sizes now that she is a proud Jr High gal.  Have you seen what they sell teen girls in costume land?  In alphabetical order you can find all of the costumes filed under S.  Slutty Nurse, Slutty Alice in Wonderland, and Slutty Red Riding Hood topped this year's list.  Joined by Slutty Witch, Slutty Ladybug, and Slutty Nun. 

Doesn't she look both darling and age appropriate?

Trust me.  With the long hair and the attitude she got from somewhere (why are you laughing?) she could work the trampy in some of those naughty costumes.  Even in the innocent one, she can toss a smoldering look.

Of course, it would have been too easy for everyone to KNOW that she was an unnamed princess.  Instead she heard, "what a darling Pocahontas" at every door.  Oh well.  It made Question Mark Man giggle.

The hours of watching Next Top Model are starting to pay off.  She is all about the poses now.  And has already decided on next year's costume.  She is ALL about the unit on Egypt in school.  Next up:  Cleopatra.  Toss me the eyeliner, please.