Trick-Or-Treat

As always, we were so excited for Halloween and we did it right. First stop, our neighbors who all had specifically gone out to get candy for our kids- just in case we stopped by.
Then, it was off to Walaween at Kristen's house. Her neighborhood is so fun and Kristen pulls out all the stops with food and fun.

Our little lady bug was ready for action.

This might be the kids favorite holiday - they were loving how much candy they were able to collect.

By the end of the night, Emily had managed to follow the boys to every house and said "thank you" when she was given candy - maybe it sounded a little bit more like "tan oo". She also learned the phrase trick or treat but that sounded like "tickle tickle tickle".

It was a great Halloween and we were exhausted at the end of the Monday night. The next morning they sorted through their candy and made a huge bag of candy that Connor brought to school - the school is going to send it over to the troops in Afghanistan. We are very proud of them because giving up their candy at this age can't be easy.

Grandma's Birthday

October 23 and it was time to celebrate Grandma's birthday. There will never be a present big enough to give Grandma for everything that she does for the family, so the least we can do is make the day special. It was time to throw Grandma a little party. Despite being terribly sick, the boys helped decorate the house for Grandma's arrival from NY while I cooked up a little dinner. Grandma came home and she was greeted with tons of hugs, kisses and sniffles (from their colds). After dinner, it was cake time. Everyone was ready to sing...
Look at the crew
Then after many attempts to blow out the candles, causing lots of amusement, we had to all help to extinguish the magic candles.

Present time - I am not sure Grandma opened one present because she had little helper hands coming from every direction.

Birthday hug time.

Of course, hug time turned into tackle Grandma time. I don't know any other Grandma who can handle being tackled by three kids.

Yes, that is Grandma under that pile of children.

And of course, a hug from her big boy.

I must admit that I have posted these pictures without the consent of Grandma which means I will be in a lot of trouble. I personally think you look fantastic in these pictures so please don't get mad - I love you! And Happy Birthday!!!

Fishkill Wedding Fun

October 15th - It was the first time the whole family was invited to a wedding and I was really looking forward to the whole family getting dressed up and having fun. It definitely didn't disappoint.
Look at Mary Ellen and Uncle Jack during their father-daughter dance - this dance brings a whole new meaning to Brian now. I am not sure he will ever let Emily go.

Look at our adorable family.

Adorableness can only last for so long - every one's tongue is out including Emily.

My handsome young man.

Garrett is stylin'.

Our princess stole the show - couldn't be cuter.

Boys will be boys. By the end of the night, all the boys were gathered around a DS watching games being played. I am glad some things don't change.

We had a blast being able to go to a wedding with the whole family although it is a lot more work. I was hoping to have a picture of the whole family but we had a few mishaps occur before getting to the wedding which caused a disruption to the plan.

Let me explain. Nana, Grandpa and Ellen left early so they could pick up Aunt Patsy for the wedding. Leaving our family and Kevin and Meredith to get ready. When we were leaving, I asked Brian to bring the Paisley diaper bag which contained all the essentials for myself and kids for the day. I was loading the kids up in the car and Brian came back out without the diaper bag. I asked him were it was and he went back up to get it but realized he locked the door. So Meredith tried the back door but it was locked too. I went to the garage door but didn't open it the right way so when I pulled up the handle I ended up turning the handle which locked the garage door. So we basically locked ourselves out...for the next fifteen minutes we circled the house and even tried to pop a screen out with our car keys. Funny thing is we bent the car key but managed to not do enough damage that we couldn't get it in the car. Long story short, we went to the wedding but Brian and Grandpa missed all of cocktail hour to return home for the diaper bag. It was quite a debacle that only we could cause. Even with this problem, we still had a good time and a funny memory.

Garrett's 4th Birthday

Last year after Garrett's birthday, I promised him a party so we started planning at the beginning of September for his big day. He decided to have a sports party and we had it at Boston Sports Club where all of the counselors know and love our boys.

All of his class was there and Garrett was very excited to be the center of attention.

Everyone loved participating - including Emily.

All these kids can definitely make a lot of noise.

Parachute time was a big hit.

Where did everyone go?

Ready for a race!

Say Cheese and smile for the camera.

Staying with the sports theme, Garrett picked out a hockey cake made out of cupcakes. It was delicious.

I think Izzy enjoyed the party and the cake.

Garrett's birthday brought in everyone - Grandpa, Grandma and Papa, and all the way from Chicago Uncle Scott, Aunt Laura and Izzy. Emily and Izzy really like playing with each other. Look at Emily pushing Izzy.

The next day we headed out to enjoy the beautiful weather and Connor wanted us to play a big football game. We all managed to get out there and play - Papa and Uncle Scott took no prisoners.

How cute - although Uncle Scott, Connor and Garrett are a little hot.
Garrett - I hope you had a fantastic birthday weekend. You are such a special little man - you have endless charm and personality. You make us laugh and incredibly happy everyday.

We love you!