Octoberfest!

You might think the title means plenty of sauerkraut, brats, and beer, but you would be wrong. Instead, our October was full of babies, toddlers, basset hounds, and mourning the Reds. And if you haven't seen enough kids at pumpkin patches, or kids carving pumpkins, or kids partaking in Halloween activities, well, then get ready, because we are sure to fill your quota.

Some of the events that we have skimmed over lately. Eleanor turned 3 at the beginning of October, which seems so old these days. Maura is 11 months old tomorrow - she is almost a toddler - how did that happen? Maura could probably be walking if she wanted to, but she prefers the fastest methods possible, so she's not there yet. But her babbling is quite proficient, seeing as she tries to keep up with Eleanor.

As for our family time these days...we spend a lot of time raking leaves, but we're not complaining, because we have an awesome neighborhood, a great house, and a beautiful tree-filled yard. We also hang out with family and friends often, now that we have them around again! They've probably become annoyed with us quite quickly, but we're not taking the hints: we're sticking around!

Farmer > plumber.

Family picture time.

Maura takes pictures very seriously.

Thoughtfully looking off into the distance.

She's very serious and hoping for a black and white picture out of this one.

Pumpkin time/Dumb face time.

It's Dora's light-haired cousin, Eleanor.

Barely tolerating the picture.

Pigtail FAIL.

Nice part, Daddy.

VRRRRROOOOOOMMMMM! F.

Eleanor's pigtails made her want to act like Winnie.

Her exact words were, "I want to act like Winnie."

This is a pumpkin!

Let's carve pumpkins (a.k.a. watch Daddy get annoyed with having to carve)

Standing with support of furniture time.

Exhibit A: Here we're trying to give a singular picture to Maura to show that we love her just as much as Eleanor.

Exhibit B:Eleanor doesn't like this idea.

Not sure if this is a hug or a wrestling move. Maybe a little of both.

Pumkin Patch/Festival #3000

But this time we went with Mimi and Papa Thorpe.

Mimi, Papa, and a ghost that isn't scary. He's nice!

Maura is tired of playing our stupid Halloween Games.

If you can't tell, she let's us know when we're wrong.

I think this picture is an accurate reflection the interactions between these three. Eleanor is bouncing, Kyle is worried about what she is going to do next, and Ava is keeping her distance.

Dads with babies time.

Maura (10 1/2 months), Reagan (4 months), Jack (5 1/2 months), Sam (3 months)

*all approximations

I think Maura has more hair than me now.

And bigger teeth.

Happy Halloween!

Maura is not amused with her Boots Hat.

Things we learned Halloween evening:

- Eleanor prefers to pass out candy to kids than go trick-or-treating.

- She will chase children down the street if she has to, making sure everyone has been served.

- Maura wants to eat the same candy everyone else has.

- We have a neighborhood full of kids and very friendly families.

- We should have made a fire pit on the driveway (we have learned for next year).

- I will continue to talk Andy out of being Green Man for Halloween to keep a good reputation with our neighbors.