For Dustin Smith and his husband, Burton Buffaloe, Halloween has become a way to make memories as a family. This year, their son brought a new creative direction: monsters.
In an October 30 interview with PEOPLE, the North Carolina dads discussed their family’s costume tradition and son Stone’s choice of a Stranger Things theme.
Dustin helped create his Demogorgon costume, turning the idea into a project father and son could work on together.
The photographs capture a seasonal celebration. Behind them is a longer story about two husbands building a home, sharing parenthood and giving their children traditions of their own.
A new chapter on familiar land
Dustin and Burton are raising twins, Stone and Holland, with a connection to a place that has been part of Burton’s family for generations.
According to Holl & Stone Farms’ official history, William D. Buffaloe established a farming operation there in 1878. The land’s agricultural past included a pick-your-own fruit farm.
In 2020, Dustin and Burton purchased the family property and began reimagining it as a working farm where others could experience the place too.
That purchase fulfilled an ambition the couple had previously discussed publicly. In an earlier WALTER interview, Burton described their dream of buying the farm and opening it to the community.
They imagined a place for celebrations, local produce and shared experiences. What was then a plan became part of their family’s everyday life.
Friends before husbands
In that WALTER conversation, Burton recalled meeting Dustin at a house party he hosted in Raleigh.
The two became friends and stayed in the same social circles before their relationship turned romantic. They later married and became parents to their twins through surrogacy.
Their online presence began with family photographs, much like those shared by other proud parents. Messages from followers brought questions about their lives and encouraged them to tell more of their story.
Through Dustin & Burton — Raising Buffaloes, they have shared parenting experiences, their relationship and their perspectives on being gay dads in the American South.
Making room for family joy
The couple told WALTER that they hoped their visibility would help people recognize the everyday experiences they share with other families.
They also wanted to encourage parents to enjoy time with their children and couples to have fun together.
This year’s Halloween project offers a warm example of that approach: a child has an idea, a parent helps make it happen, and the work itself becomes time spent together.
There is plenty to enjoy in the finished costume. But for a family building its own traditions, the hours of imagination and collaboration are part of the celebration too.
Happy Halloween to Dustin, Burton and their family.
📷 @brandiebairdphoto / @dustinpatricksmith / @bbbuffaloe
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