Dan Gilman Photography

We were thrilled to be invited to a GAP Outlet Trunk or Treat event by Michelle, and there was no way we were missing the chance to bring Sloan and Jade along for some pre-Halloween fun! This was Sloan’s second Halloween event, and we decided to dress her up as Stay Puft Marshmallow Ma’am this year—a costume that brought a ton of smiles and plenty of laughs. For her first Halloween, she was Mothma’am, so it’s clear she’s already developing quite the tradition of memorable costumes.

While it was technically a bit early for Halloween, the timing couldn’t have been better. We had just attended another event in Kilgore, which, while festive, felt more like a hurried, overcrowded death march than a fun, leisurely outing. The GAP Trunk or Treat was a breath of fresh air with its slower pace, open layout, and relaxed atmosphere. It gave us the perfect opportunity to enjoy the day as a family while creating lasting memories—and for me, capturing them through photography.

One of the best parts of the event was how much Sloan loved being the center of attention. From her waddling around in her Stay Puft costume to the way her face lit up whenever someone admired her, she absolutely soaked up all the love. And Jade, being the amazing big sister that she is, couldn’t get enough of her either—showering Sloan with kisses and affection at every turn. Watching their bond grow stronger in such a fun setting was enough to melt my heart.

Of course, Halloween wouldn’t be complete without some candy. Sloan may not fully understand the art of trick-or-treating yet, but that didn’t stop her from racking up an impressive candy haul. Naturally, Zoe and I made sure to enforce the traditional “parent tax”—a handful of chocolates in exchange for our supervisory services. But Sloan didn’t seem to mind; she was happy with the few pieces we let her enjoy, and her excitement over each bite was priceless.

The event itself was fantastic, with creatively decorated car trunks, festive costumes, and families everywhere enjoying the Halloween spirit. It felt like a true celebration, not just of the season but of the simple joys of being together. As a photographer, it was a goldmine of candid, heartwarming moments—from Sloan’s delighted giggles to Jade’s enthusiasm for showing her little sister the ropes.

Looking back, this Trunk or Treat was exactly what we needed: a chance to slow down, laugh, and make new memories as a family. Halloween is quickly becoming one of my favorite times of the year, not just for the costumes and candy but for the way it brings us all closer together.