Boo at the L.A. Zoo scares up some fun

I have to admit, Halloween was pretty boo-tastic this year. And I have my almost 3-year-old daughter to thank for that.

This was the first year that she really knew what was going on -- No more "What the heck are you dressing me in?" looks this season. No more resigned stares at her parents' obnoxious cameras while she's being stuffed into a costume unfit for a walking human being.

No, this year CC pulled on her Ariel princess costume before I had cut off the tags and raced around the living room ready to take on the trick-or-treating world.

But before we hit up the neighbors for M&Ms and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, we hit Boo at the L.A. Zoo.

CC strolled through a pumpkin patch, got up close and personal with a genetically altered albino snake (right; ick), scored a little devil girl arm tattoo and even nabbed a juice box or two from zoo volunteers.

We thought we might visit Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, too, but we had over-pumpkin'd.

After a much-needed nap, it was showtime again as CC pulled on her costume and waited for her parents to escort her from one candy-laden door to the next.

At first she was a little shy about saying "Trick-or-Treat," or she'd say it before the person even answered the door. But after a few tries, she was ready to get her next Halloween fix.

Pretty soon, she was practically banging down doors.

It was a nice night, and it made me so happy to see her so proud of herself and having so much fun.

I'll have to remind her of Halloween '09 when she's a teenager: Yes, my darling, you can have fun with just your parents.