The Four Seasons Costume

Green spears pierce the crust of melting snow, the first sign of the Earth’s rebirth--Spring.

The whole world moves out of the monotonous lock-step into a colorful dance of freedom, Summer vacations!

Neighborhoods of white picket fences drip with Autumn’s paint; buckets of burgundy, hazel and gold, drenching every tree and bush.

Winter breathes dancers of delicate lace, who tuck the landscape to bed, concealing all blemish and thought with woolly delight.

I lived my childhood among the four beautiful seasons. I can think of no more fitting theme than to see my children embody them!

Two months ago we welcomed into our family our 8th daughter! As God would have it, each of our four eldest daughters now has a "Mini Me," a child that looks similar (especially at birth) to an older sister.
As the Mother of 9 children (8 girls and 1 boy), it's difficult to find a coordinating theme for the whole family.

Each October is eagerly anticipated; after much discussion this year, we decided on the Four Seasons. This idea is perfect for this season in our lives! Apart from the dresses, everything incorporated into these costumes was acquired at thrift stores, craft stores, and a very obliging bush just outside our door.

The girl in the golden dress has leaves custom spray painted and glued to her face, imitating the regal gold mask and necklace of her older Fall sibling. it was quite a sight to watch older sisters hover over her like mother hens as she looked up at them smiling. We put decorative centerpieces in her hair and more parts of the painted bush.

The older girl in the green dress--holding the little chick--was a challenge. She is representing the newness of spring with butterfly eyes, and has a green butterfly attached to her horns. Her headdress was made by purchasing a deer head from a craft store that was originally silver, then we spray-painted it gold, cutting off most of the deer head and fastening it to my daughter’s head with bobby pins.

The older daughter’s Winter dress had been her prom dress, and the little winter sprite costume was something we already owned. We added a white winter muff and some face jewels, and then these girls were ready for the first frost!

We spray-painted a wreath of yellow roses to purple color for Summer; and using some jewel stickers, flowers, and butterflies also purchased from the craft store, we used body glue to decorate the two Summer ladies with whimsical-looking necklaces and face decorations.