Red Food Dye Overload, 80 Lbs. of Pumpkins & Gifts of Guns Galore

We had fun celebrating Boston's birthday! While waiting for our buddies to arrive, Travis took Boston, Cass, Alex and Gabriel on the little farm train, the hay slides, and mini corn maze.


A horrible pic, but what a fitting example of our brave daredevil, Cass!

Aaron, Brandi, Ben and Shannon and their munchkins.

Friday morning Trav got it in his head that he needed to buy Boston a bike. Travis absolutely LOVES giving presents, especially to the kids. Bridget and I were laughing at how excited he was wheeling it out to surprise Boston.

My response to Boston's request for both a Spiderman and Batman cake.

Grandma and Grandpa Thomson gave him the voice changing storm trooper mask he wanted. Now I have a (cute) bobblehead for a son.

4 the Love of Pumpkins

We can't believe our Boston is almost four! Crazy. We've been planning our trip to SoCal, so birthday plans have somewhat fallen by the wayside; but we've come up with a sort of compromise between party and nothing.

We're taking Boston to pick a pumpkin and ride the tractor at a local farm and we're inviting any friends/family to join us. Boston loved this so much last year that he talked nonstop about it for months.

So this is as formal an invite as most of you will get! Please join us this Friday. We're going to meet at Black Island Farms in Syracuse around 6 p.m. We'll be providing some snacks and cake after (either at our house or the exciting McD's near the farm if it gets too late!).

Find coupons, directions, and a list of all the other fun stuff at www.blackislandfarms.com

If you haven't been here before, I assure you your kids will love it!

Two Date or Not to Date

Yeah, some of you have cute sisters, but did they have two dates to one dance? Ahh, the perils of teenage stardom! You go girl.

Also, I'm requesting from the Sapiandante family a delightful picture of my pseudo-sister Jenny circa 1985. I'm offering rewards. Dig deep, my friends.

Desperately Seeking Soothin'

I may have not blogged last week for a couple reasons. We were busy. But then, there was this:

And this:

Cassidy wanted to eat dog bones and butter off of a spoon. Boston wanted to play blocks on the floor, but did not want Cassidy's help (which she's always willing to give). Awesome. I can so see why people stop me in the stores to tell me how cute my kids are.

Puppy Love

Our next-door neighbors have 6 adorable English Mastiff puppies, which is our dear Emma's breed. These brindled beauties are so irristable. We've been enjoying their speedy growth over this past month.

If you know anyone looking for a dog, these are a deal (pure-bred & papered), and truly the best breed out there. I love knowing the kids are safe with my gentle giant.

Soccer-licious

I remember playing soccer growing up, and then again in high school. I've always just loved the sport, so when I was asked to play on an indoor co-ed team, I decided to give it a go. It's kinda like being in the middle of a pinball machine. Though I practically hyperventilated, and could hardly move the day after my first game, I'm really loving it. It's great to do something just for me.

Good For Your Art

Some have criticized me in the past for being somewhat of a packrat. This evening I will demonstrate how packing pays off.

I had a random sketchbook. I'd doodle in it, and sometimes my friends would too. As you will note, we were all extremely talented. These beauties date back to 1990.


Judy always had an appreciation for fine art. I wonder what grade her art teacher would have given her for this assignment. . .


Nikki apparently thought I'd end up with a guy with a balloon head.


That's okay. I envisioned her man to be covered in moles!