A Snapshot of Halloweens Past and Present

I don't know about you, but the minute the fall rolls around, my kids are waving costume catalogs in my face begging me to order their Halloween outfit of the season. While I've always loved picking out adorable princess, bumble bee, superhero and genie costumes over the past several years, as my kids have advanced toward their tween years, there's been a dramatic shift in our household. I no longer can influence the costume decision-making process. Which means that while I'd rather see my daughter dressed as Pocahontas, she's opted for a sexy angel/devil get-up and my son, who last year was adorable in his Superman costume, is now planning to be a ghoulish skeleton with fake blood circulating through what appear to be plastic bones.

Way back when I remember how much fun it was shopping with my daughter at the Disney store for a Belle costume, complete with a ball gown, tiara, slippers and jewels. But now that she's hit 10 years old, I've officially lost her to costumes that are pretty offensive if you ask me. In fact, I've even read that some parents are up in arms over the current choice in costumes this year. I don't mind if my daughter chose to dress up as Hannah Montana but a naughty devil/angel? Where oh where has my little girl gone? As I ponder how I'll be spending Halloween this year (trailing far behind my daughter and her friends so that I don't embarrass them), I've decided to take a trip down memory lane and reflect back to the good old days when I had a say in what outfits my kids slipped on before they traipsed through the streets ringing doorbells for candy.

Newborn-Toddler: The Little Chick: At one year old, my daughter was adorable dressed up as a little chick. The costume was made of felt, pulled up over her little body like a onesie and kept her warm as we trick or treated with our cousins.

Pre-School-First Grade:The Disney Princess Phase: From ages 2-6 we managed to purchase a pricey Disney princess costume just in time for Halloween. For five solid years, my daughter was simply adorable dressed as Belle, Ariel, Pocahontas, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. And what was so great about those outfits was that she didn't just wear them that one day - she pretty much wore them every day after school and invited friends to play dress up too. If only I had a time machine to take me back to those Disney Princess years.

Second & Third Grade: The Grease, High School Musical & Hannah Montana Phase: For a fleeting moment, my daughter was all about musical TV shows and movies and even made me purchase a long blonde wig to complete the Hannah rockstar look. Oh - she also decided she wanted to be a Pink Lady and made me buy a Pink Lady jacket too so we could trick or treat together. Six months later, Hannah and HSM were totally uncool and the pink lady jacket was buried somewhere in the back of her closet.

Fourth Grade: The Witches of Westchester: The dark side started to rear its head, but luckily, this costume was still quite attractive. My daughter's witch costume came complete with a floor-length gown that was black on the outside, with a purple sash and cape. She of course had to have the accessories too - including a broom and cauldron to carry her treats.

Fifth Grade: The Angel/Devil Trampy Costume: Yes, I have officially lost my veto power on inappropriate costumes. In fact, this could be the last year my daughter even decides to dress up for Halloween. Either way, she'll be traversing the neighborhood wearing a minidress that has bright red sequins and white boa feathers. Lovely.

Do you have memories of your kids' best halloween costumes? Share your story or photo of your priceless Halloween moment! And if you're the mom of a tween, tell us what costume your daughter convinced you to buy her this year...inquiring moms want to know!