This post was based on Day 16: Ten Years Ago
Sloane , three, in one of my favorite costumes. (This is the ten years ago photo.)
When I was a kid, I always loved costume parties and dressing up. I wished I had a wonderful granny's attic to explore. It would be full of old clothes and great shoes, and funny things like parasols, opera glasses, and old silver utensils whose use has been lost to time. There would be a beat up old leather trunk. Inside it would be a clutch of fading airmail enveloped tied with a lavender ribbon and a few pale yellow roses along with an old quilt and a handful of pictures of young and smiling soldiers. The corner of the attic might house a dusty old telescope and an unbelievably wobbly pile of vintage National Geographics. Actually
, I still wish for that attic. 
Sloane, seven, at Disney just after our princess lunch.
In the spirit of playing dress up and exploring dusty old things, I always tried to give Sloane many props for her imagination. When she was little I made sure to have plenty of craft supplies, kid-cooking ingredients, and a high tolerance for mess. I turned by old toy chest into a cram-packed dress up box, and I refilled it every November 1st during After-Halloween sales. I stuffed that thing full of costumes, party dresses, sparkly jewels, purses, scarves, wigs, and clompy high heeled shoes. I didn't forget the non-princess adventures and included knights' helmets, swords, a hook, and a few pirate hats. That treasure box is currently up in our attic, collecting dust and waiting for someday when grand-babies will come exploring.
Sloane, nine, dressed for Fifties Night and wearing my classring.
I might not have opera glasses and chipped china tea cups. But I sure do have Mardi Gras beads, ladybug costumes, and cheap jewelry. Oh, and one pair of really great Christmas socks.
Sloane, thirteen, on Christmas Sock Day.
