Niranjana, Melissa and Andy

A year ago, Niranjana hadn't yet experienced Halloween. She was, in fact, not interested in leaving Mommy's side by the end of October last year. But the first time she rang a doorbell and got a piece of candy, she began to understand the concept of one of childhood's favorite holidays.

This year? No problem. Niranjana dressed up as Princess Jasmine (thanks to Ammaji for the great outfit). Melissa was prepared for cold weather by buying Niranjana a brown turtleneck that did a good job of matching her skin color and keeping her warm.

Last year, Niranjana went to, perhaps, six houses before deciding she wanted to get back to Mommy with a haul of 13 pieces of candy. This year? She ended up with 66 pieces of candy. We didn't go to that many houses, but some folks were generous. Plus, Niranjana quickly learned the art of "double-dipping" on some houses - that is, she went first, got some candy, then went to the back of the line and got some more. That made me a proud papa, indeed. She even marched up to the houses with scary decorations.

Last year, Niranjana followed Cate's lead on how Halloween worked. This year? She was trick-or-treatin' with her best friends Cate and Lief, but she rarely let them get to the front door first.

After we got home, she dived into only five or six pieces of candy before Melissa managed to trade them for a late supper of macaroni and cheese (yes, we want her to sleep tonight).