Here is the costume that frightens the be-jeezus out of Hunter! I finally found a picture of him, and maybe if he looks at it, it will de-sensitize him. I sure hope so! This is an 11-foot tall walk-around costume (a full-grown adult looks out the front from a mesh area near the "NICK" name). It's huge and walks with a lumbering step (because the knees don't bend). The arms are either straight down (as in the picture) or can be bent straight out (think Frankenstein!). Many children in our community are afraid of him, but most think he's great...hoping to join the latter group one of these days!

Hunter is very worried that since May comes after April, and Mommy is leaving in May (for a three-week summer school event), that Mommy is leaving any day now! I'm having a hard time convincing him that May 31st is not for a while...not too easy for a new five-year-old to grasp!

He's got a pathological fear of an inflatable (larger-than-lifesize) fireman named "Big Nick." He is on a float in the annual Pioneer Days parade (riding on the lead fire engine, no less). I've already had to promise him that he and I will go into Dollar General until Big Nick passes by...then we'll go back outside to grab up some candy and treats! Anyone have suggestions on helping with pathological fears??? I'm out of things to try! *sigh*