Happy Halloween!

Why bother carving a pumpkin when the squirrels do it for you?

T: "Hey! Get your paws off of my pumpkin!"

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

This is what happened when I turned away for ONE SECOND to retrieve something from the sink to place in the dishwasher. . .as you can see, the sink is right next to the dishwasher.

I'm still trying to figure out how he perched himself up there so quickly.

A Date With the Contessa!

Today while Thomas played at home with Aba, I braved the cold and the crowds in order to have a 30 second conversation with the one and only Ina Garten.

The line was out the door, but the one and a half hour wait was totally worth it! It gave me plenty of time to craft my opening statement.

Jennie came along for moral support. I wore my lobster track jacket because I thought it was very New England/East Hampton-esque, and you know, I wanted to dress to impress.

My paparazzi shot from outside looking in. I actually did butt in front of someone to get this shot.

ABOUT TO APPROACH THE TABLE! At this point I feel like Will Ferrell's character in ELF when he learned Santa was coming to the department store. So excited. Such a nerd/cheeseball.

And our conversation went something like this:
Me: So, I'm married to a Geoffrey, too.
Ina: You are?
Me: And we both love your recipes.
Ina: Does your Geoffrey cook for you?
Me: No!
Ina: Neither does mine (chuckle).

And there you have it! I bid her farewell and promptly went home and made a recipe out of the new book, and she probably went back to her East Hampton home, with the huge gourmet kitchen, walk in pantry, and a barn built specifically for entertaining and cooking with friends. . .ahhh, to be the Contessa!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Special birthday message from Thomas: "Daddy, is this how I am going to look in 2 years?"

Happy Birthday, Polly!

Special birthday message from Thomas: "I'm not going to be able to make it to the game this weekend, but tell Al I said, 'WAHOOWA!"

Birthday Oyster Roast

This weekend we hosted our first big party since the Cinco de Mayo bash of '07,
Thomas was the star of the show.

The birthday boys before the party.

The only day of rain in October happened to be the day of the party. But with the help of a large tent,

good wine,

and delicious oysters, the party went off without a hitch!

Cutest boy ever, pictured here with his grandmothers.

Pop Pop: "And the third time I saw the three legged deer. . ."
Thomas: "Pop Pop, you're so funny!"

Cousins!
Claire was so excited to meet the older girls, and it was so nice to have so many family members at the party to celebrate.

Special thanks to Aunt Haley for taking the great pics.
Special thanks to Christy for fabulous food and oyster roasting technique.

Superman/Spiderman

Faster than a speeding bullet, Thomas will climb or crawl into anything he can fit into (or that he perceives he can fit into).

I am waiting for that magic moment when he discovers that if he tries hard enough, he can climb out of his crib.

The Latest Tricks

If you listen closely, you can even hear him say, "truck," technically his first word (if you don't count Dada and Mama). Such a boy.

Gameday

This weekend we attempted our first big outing with Thomas--
college game day, of course!

All packed up and ready to go!
T: "Hmm, what am I getting myself into, and why is Mommy making me wear this outfit?"

No tailgate would be complete without a Montpelier from the Market

Go Hoos!

Proud parents--the hat says "Future Wahoo."
No pressure, T.

Orange Crush Defense

Final Score, 35-20!
Al Groh has requested Thomas' presence at all remaining home games.

Happy Birthday, Jillian!

Special birthday message from Thomas: "Even though you are more spoiled than I am, I hope you have a happy birthday. See you at the tractor pull."

Fingerpainting 101

Week(s) in Review

So for all of you waiting for the latest updates. . .sorry for the delay.
We've had a busy two weeks! Here's what we've been up to. . .

A typical morning reading session,

Afternoon playdate with Mommies C and C, and babies A and L,

Celebrating Pop Pop's birthday!
(pictured here on Thomas' birthday)

Pizza night with the cousins,

AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE. . .

Cheering on the Wahoos
and taking his first steps!