Fall Catch-Up

Sorry I've been such a blogging slacker yet again. I had a cold for two weeks that then progressed into something much more sinister that settled in my throat and made all the doctors think I had strep. But they gave me Tamiflu just in case and it turned out not to be strep, just some random virus that eventually went away on its own. So now, after almost three weeks, I am finally back to normal and can eat things other than applesauce and pudding. Halleluia!

So here are a few of the things you've missed:

Sadie looking adorable in one of the dresses she got for her birthday. So cute!

We finally got around to carving our pumpkin last night. Ethan was supposed to go to a pumpkin patch with his preschool class a few weeks ago but it got rained out. It was rescheduled for last Thursday but then Ethan was sick that morning and couldn't go to school. So we just took the easy way out and bought a pumpkin at Wal-Mart. Ethan thought it was cool to see all the pumpkin's "guts." Sadie just wanted to throw all the magazine pages on the floor.


On Saturday we went to the local science museum, where they currently have a dinosaur exhibit going on. Ethan liked the giant skeleton in the entryway.


This year is the first time I've ever made a Halloween costume for either of my kids. For three of his last four Halloweens, Ethan has gone as a Star Wars character, and there was no way I was making one of those costumes. The other year he was a pirate so we just used stuff from his closet and a few other items borrowed from a friend. But I got a wild hair this year and decided to make something for the Sades. I chose a skeleton. Not super hard, just a little labor-intensive with drawing all the bones, tracing them onto the felt, cutting them out and then gluing them onto the pants/shirt. But I think it turned out pretty cute. I just hope she doesn't peel all the bones off as we're out trick-or-treating.

Ethan finally decided to be Spider-Man this year, and I found this costume at the local party store. I think Sadie might like it even more than Ethan does.

Mom and Ethan making cupcakes a few weeks ago

And finally, something for those CRAZY people who think I still "barely look pregnant." This was taken today, at 36 weeks. I am enormous. Only 25 days to go until Baby Snow makes her debut!! (my c-section is scheduled for 11/20) And yes, she has a name and no, we're not telling you what it is. It's much more fun this way. : )

You Know Its Dartmouth Night and the Feeling's Right

This weekend is Dartmouth's homecoming. We endured the rain and cold temperatures last night for free candy and fire. Seemed like a good way to cap a week of general sickness that has been passing through our house.


The night starts off with a parade down Main Street where all the athletic teams and each graduating class (all the way back to the '50's) is represented. Most throw candy. Means Sadie and Ethan were busy trying to pick Tootsie Rolls up off the cold pavement while wearing mittens.


Next comes the "running of the freshmen." Actually, we're not sure it is called that but it pretty accurately describes what happens. All of the D'13s run down Main Street and then around a giant wood pile. Quite a few wear costumes. This is followed up speeches from the student body and Doctor Kim, Dartmouth's president.


Here is a picture of us trying to keep the kids and dog calm as we wait for the talking to stop and burning to begin. It started raining pretty heavily at this point.

The night is capped with a huge - and I mean huge - bonfire. Too bad we forgot marshmallows.

Jabba Can Drive (in Doggy Years)

Jabba turned three this month and, as you can see from the emotion in his eyes, thoroughly enjoyed a Twinkie for his birthday.

Poor guy already has some grey hair on his chin. Must be all that hard living. Happy birthday, Double G.

Facilitating Fall Fun with Family (Say it 5 Times Fast)

We just finished up a fun weekend with lots of family time. Paul's Grandma spent several days with us and his cousin Willy and their family were also in town this weekend. It was a special treat. Photographic evidence below.

@ Simon Pierce in Woodstock, VT to look at glass blowing

@ Kids Workshop at Home Depot. Built fire station bank

Bug & Ethan competing in a face-off. Bug (Isabella) is Paul's cousin's oldest kid. Not sure what that make her and Ethan but they loved playing together.

Sadie playing with Legos at a family day at Ethan's preschool

Sadie playing behind Ethan's preschool

Ethan seeking out the most physical activity - fighting with hay - at his preschool