Thankful

There really is no end to what I'm thankful for this year! It has been a crazy year to say the least, but now we are "settled" into our new life here in the burbs. This Thanksgiving we had a yummy dinner prepared by moi with help from the kids. Bren is great in the kitchen but our Annie has her own ideas about how things should go and it isn't always easy. While making homemade whip cream, I actually shocked myself!! Really! I plugged in the kitchen maid mixer and touched the metal top, and the world hummed for a couple of seconds. After a few panic stricken minutes, I texted Heather to make sure I hadn't damaged myself. My lovely sister said I'd survive and that I'm really a slow learner in the kitchen! Yeah, well what's new?!

My good friend Gina (neighbor from Southie) came over with her 3 year old, Chloe. She brought the most delicious apple pie and pink cheese cake for the girls. After a nice meal with actual adult conversation. I threw (not really) all the kids in the bath...Bren first (he's got a thing about being naked with others around, so not like the past) and then the girls. All got into jammies and settled down to watch Black Beauty while Gina and I headed out (by ourselves) to see a movie. I'm pretty embarrassed to say what we saw, so I won't. All in all, a fabulous day!

Halloween fun

Brenden has been waiting for Halloween for weeks!! He has had his costume and has worn the mask playing in the yard! It was painful to watch him wait for the sun to dip and Annie to wake from her nap. Patience is not one of my sons best traits! Finally it was time to dress up and head out with our friend Chloe. Brenden was a Star Wars storm trooper and the girls were Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. As we gathered outside, waiting to see anybody else, the nicest policemen came by to make sure we had safety lights (the girls shoes did not count, so we had to get flashlights) and give the kids candy. Apparently in the burbs, policemen are actually here to make sure we are safe and have fun! Who knew?!

The kids marched off without a care in the world and did an amazing job with manners and patience! The night was wonderful! Candy was earned and bedtime was late! What else could you ask for?!

Fall in My Yard

One of the most amazing times in New England is fall! The leaves turn beautiful colors as if saying goodbye before they head into winter. Here are just a few of the tress in our backyard. Enjoy...

Pumpkin pickin

We headed north this year to a "new" pumpkin patch. We wanted to try to find something less commercial and boy did we find it! We went to Boston Hill Farm just north of Boston. It's a very small family owner farm/orchard. It was less than exciting BUT the pumpkins were amazing! Every single one was completely round and still on the vine! We took a hay ride out to the field and walked our pumpkins back. (Yes, Brenden is wearing a Boston Red Sox hat!!)

Carving actually happened a couple of days later. Annie and Brenden scooped their own pumpkins! I never thought that Annie would be willing to try, but she did very carefully and got nothing on her. The funniest moment was when both kids decided to lick the pumpkin lids!!! They enjoyed grossing me out!

Our pumpkins are all sitting happily on our little from stoop....