picking pumpkins

The days are getting cooler and leaves are changing color, that can only mean one thing — picking pumpkins!

Unfortunately this summer's weather was not conducive to a good pumpkin crop, but we still had lots of fun choosing our perfect pumpkins.

kindergarten

Lucy set off for her first day as a kindergartener at my Alma Mata today. I was so proud of her as she held hands with her new friend, Angela, and headed off with her classmates to her new classroom upstairs.

The school still feels the same as it did when I was there many, many, many moons ago. I have such great memories of those times – I know she will love it there too!

preschool

Trix set off with backpack and lunchbox in hand to her first day at preschool today. She did very well. There were a few tears [mostly shed by her parents] but a good day overall.

Her favorite part of preschool is: "dancing!"

story land

We just came back from a fun-filled weekend at Story Land with our friends Megan, Todd, and Max.

Lucy was much braver than I ever expected – she went on every ride and loved them all*. She even went on the Bamboo Chutes [a flume] and the Crazy Barn [twice]. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw her getting off smiling. But her favorite was the Antique carousel.

Trixie's favorites were also the Carousel and the Farm Tractors [after we were able to ride on the green tractor, that is.]



The second day it was pretty raw and started pouring, so we went out to lunch at Glen Junction. It seemed like everyone else at the park had the same idea – the place filled up pretty quickly right after we got there [clearly, we are still members of the beat-the-rush crowd].

After a good feed, we went back home to relax and watch a movie.

The kids all had a great time sharing a room in the deluxe chalet and sleeping in bunk-beds.

To see about the park and restaurant, check out the links below
Story Land | Glen Junction
*except Dr. Geyser's Raft Ride because she got soaked.

snowy winter

We have had much more than our fair share of snow this year. Being true New Englanders we've made the best of it, and have gone out and played in it a lot!

New Year's day was actually warm enough for Charlotte to come out and play with us too.

The snow just kept coming down and by the end of January we've had multiple feet on the ground! The girls still love playing in it and sliding down snow-slides we've made from walk-way snowbanks.

Unfortunately, we haven't had the right consistency for snowmen yet. The forecast says 6 more inches tomorrow – there is still hope . . .

birthday buddy

Happy 1st Birthday, Charlotte!!

look who's five

Happy 5th Birthday, Lucy!!

visiting santa

Lucy, Beatrice, and Charlotte went to see Santa yesterday. We had high hopes as we dressed the girls in their new matching red dresses and headed off to the mall.

Charlotte sat right on Santa's lap [not that she had any choice] and had lots of pictures taken. Lucy and Beatrice, though they talked big on the way there, only got as far as the picture-taking lady.

The picture taker tried her best to convince the girls to at least stand next to Santa, but they wanted no part of it. Lucy told her "no" [in no uncertain terms]. I do think that we could have convinced Beatrice, however, if her big nay-saying sister wasn't there.

Trix did accept a candy cane from Santa, but Lucy's had to go through me. I guess we'll only be writing letters again this year [Santa needs to know what to bring].

Unfortunately, there was no group picture. After the Santa visit, things started falling apart at the seams. At that point, there was no getting the girls together. [We couldn't very well put Charlotte on the floor next to the girls - she would never have stayed - besides, it's the floor at the mall (gross). And, Charlotte is just too big and squirmy for Lucy to hold.]

I am sure we will be getting a group photo of the girls in their pretty dresses - unfortunately, it just won't be with Santa.

now the fun begins

Happy 2nd Birthday, Beatrice!

Happy 4th Birthday, Birthday-Buddy Max!

little witches

Happy Halloween!!

pumpkin picking

As the leaves start to change color, you know it's time for apples and pumpkins! While we didn't get to pick apples, [we were rained out] we did get our pumpkins!! This year, we brought Charlotte with us on her first pumpkin-picking outing. Did she like it? Well, you be the judge . . .

Lucy and Beatrice, however, are old hats, and know just how to work the pumpkin patch. They had lots of fun sitting on pumpkins, picking their favorites, and pulling Charlotte around in the wagon.




Actually, after her first impression . . . big, scary, pumpkins on cold grass [not fun!], Charlotte's opinion changed. And, she went home with lots of pumpkins to decorate her stoop.

Thanks for the festive headbands, Auntie Megan and NanaPat!

yo gabba gabba!

For Trixie's birthday, we went see Yo Gabba Gabba! live.

What a fun show it was! After a slow start . . . [not for the show itself, but for Lucy's fears], a blast was had by all.

We had great seats in the front, but apparently a little too close for Lucy's taste. The show was a bit loud and a bit flashy, so Lucy and I moved back a few rows. We still had great seats, but it wasn't quite so in-your-face. Trixie, on the other hand, loved the whole thing and wasn't phased at all by the sounds and lights.

They sang all our favorite songs, had Biz Markie's live Beat of the Day, and The Super Music Friends Show starring Mates of State.



After the intermission, Muno and Foofa walked down the aisle right next to us. Muno had stopped there for a few minutes. I really wanted to touch him, but I was afraid that Lucy would freak out [She was sitting right next to him but, fortunately, was fixated on DJ Lance Rock and Plex up on stage and didn't notice him or Foofa until they had walked by]. phew

Thanks for a great time, Grandpa!

For those of you not familiar with Yo Gabba Gabba!, here is their official website where you can check them out: yogabbagabba.com

soccer mom

It's official - I have become a . . . soccer mom [oy].

No, this does not mean I will be purchasing a mini-van or become one of those stereotypical soccer moms - though I did have the pleasure of meeting a few on the field . . .

Lucy has joined a soccer team. She was a little slow to warm up [and stayed pretty close to my side]. But by the end of the day, I was stepping further and further away and she was playing with the best of them - she stole the ball and even scored a goal!! [pretty headband and all]

It actually was lots of fun watching these little 4- and 5-year-olds, who really had no idea what was going on, kick the ball and run around the field.

new year, new lunchbox

Lucy has started school again and was back into the swing without missing a beat.

She's off on another learning adventure!

locks of love

After 4 1/2 years of growing her hair, we decided it was time to get Lucy's locks cut. [It really was too long - she was practically sitting on it]. Because her hair was so long and gorgeous, we just had to donate it to Locks of Love. So . . . Lucy and I made our appointments, and both got our hair chopped together.

If I'm being honest here, I was very nervous about cutting Lucy's hair. How will she take it [will she like it or be scarred for life?] Will I be cutting off all those beautiful curls - will they come back? I am happy to say, after the initial straightness resulting from the cut, the curls are returning. [phew.]

Fortunately, our hairdresser, Lisa, made it a truly enjoyable experience and really made Lucy feel very special! And, Lucy loves that the haircut makes her look older – her father and I, not so much.






After such a generous and thoughtful act, Lucy was well rewarded. Lisa let her pick out a sparkly butterfly clip and used a little flatiron on her hair too.

Then, I took her to the bookstore to pick a prize and out for an ice cream sundae.


Between the two of us, we donated 22 1/2 inches of hair.

Thank you, Lisa, it really couldn't have been a better experience - you are such a special person with a wonderful gift!! Thank you too, Auntie Megan, for the extra support!

If you're interested, click here to find out more about Locks of Love.

more beach

Because a few weeks at the Cape were not enough, we spent a few more days at the beach. This time we went with NanaPat, Auntie Megan, Charlotte, and Brian. It was great sitting on the beach in the evening and making sand angels.

The beach was not limited to evenings, though - we spent plenty of days there too, playing in the surf and perfecting those drip castles.

When we were not at the beach, Lucy could not get enough of holding her little sister, Charlotte. Trix enjoyed her company too – but by running around handing her toys or showing her pictures rather than sitting quietly with her. [Those pictures were far too blurry to post.]


Thanks for letting us stay with you, NanaPat - a great time was had by all!