Fall

 How is it Fall already?  I haven't been doing much in any measurement.  

We've hit a groove with school.  The marking period ended.  Little Miss has straight A's after taking a bit to acclimate to virtual learning.  Captain doesn't really get grades, but he's improved so much and has taken to virtual learning (with a lot of help and guidance from us).  

I've been mostly "catching up" on The Big Bang Theory.  I watched the first two seasons, but then I drifted away so I picked up at Season Three and am steadily making my way through the seasons.  I still enjoy it, but I think I'm hitting some fatigue.  

I haven't read one book in months, but I may have to make myself sit and do it to get back in the groove.  On the plus side, my book buying has slowed (though not stopped).

We celebrated Little Miss's 13th birthday.  We tried to make it as special as we could without going out or seeing people.  She briefly saw some friends outside to receive gifts.  We gifted the friends with cupcakes.

These cupcakes were very involved, similar to the other cupcakes and cake I made earlier in the year.  I don't think my meringue was perfect.  It wasn't thick enough, but it was starting to separate, and I didn't want to redo it so I just stopped where it was.  It was still smooth and tasty, just not the right texture.  I don't think we also heated it high enough, but the cake part is delicious.  I don't always find plain cake recipes that extraordinary versus doctored box mixes, but this one was so good (it may have helped that I paid a lot for the gourmet cocoa).

Here is the recipe if you are interested.

Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes

Ingredients

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

• 6 Large Egg whites
• 1 1/4 Cup Sugar (250 g / 8.5 oz)
• 1/4 tsp Cream of tartar
• 2 Cups Unsalted butter, soft (454 g / 16 oz)
• 20 Oreo Cookies

Chocolate Cupcakes

• 1 1/2 Cup AP Flour (180 g / 6 oz)
• 1/2 Cup + 2TBS Cocoa powder (65 g / 2.5 oz)
• 1 1/8 tsp Baking Powder
• 3/4 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 Large Egg
• 1 Large Egg yolk
• 3/4 Cup Milk (180 ml / 6 oz)
• 1/3 Cup Canola Oil (90 ml / 3 oz)
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/3 Cup Sugar (275 g / 10 oz)
• 2/3 Cup Boiling Water (150 ml / 5 oz)

Instructions

To Make the Buttercream

1. In a bowl of a standing mixer, pour the sugar then add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Use a hand whisk to blend it all.

2. Place the bowl on top of a pot with simmering water on the stove. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.

3. Use a hand whisk to stir the mix and cook until it reaches 130F or when the sugar has dissolved.

4. Remove bowl from stove and back to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.

5. Mix until a stiff meringue has formed and the bottom of the bowl is cool to the touch of your hand.

6. Reduce speed to low-medium and add the butter a piece at a time, gradually increase speed to medium-high and mix until a smooth creamy buttercream has formed.

7. Measure 1 cup of buttercream and place in a medium bowl

8. Separate the Oreos cookies remove and place the filling in the bowl with the small amount of buttercream.

9. Use a fork or a hand whisk to blend the filling and buttercream then in a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

10. Place the separated cookies in a food processor and process it into a very fine meal. Remove and lumps or large pieces you notice.

11. Sprinkle the ground Oreos on top of the buttercream and mix until a cohesive buttercream has formed.

12. Fill a large piping bag fitted with a large tip (your choice of shape).

Baking The Cupcakes

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and mix to blend.

2. In a bowl of a standing mixer, place the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla pour the sugar on top then add the dry ingredients.

3. Use the paddle attachment to mix on low until completely smooth then pour the boiling water and mixing carefully until smooth. Let sit for 15 minutes. (do not over mix)

4. Fill cupcakes liners 3/4 full and bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out dry from the center of the cupcakes.

5. Preheat oven to 350F, line 1-12 cup muffin tines with cupcakes liners.

6. Remove from stove and allow to completely cool before filling and decorating.

Filling and piping the cupcakes

1. Using a sharp knife, cut an inch sized circle at the center of each cupcake. Make sure you insert the knife 1" deep and as you cut around, create a cone-shaped piece you can easily remove.

2. Use the white buttercream to fill the center of the cupcakes then the dark buttercream to pipe the cupcake.

April 2016 Weekend Update

April starts a very busy time for us. The first weekend, Little Miss had hockey. After we changed and went to Fairfax for family pictures. No shock, but Captain cried the entire time until the photographer gave him a baseball. He stopped crying, but he was never happy. On Sunday, Little Miss had her swimming lesson and a birthday party for a friend. They were supposed to go bowling, but the bowling alley lost power so it was at his house.

The second weekend was the Masters.  Husband prearranged a day out of golfing and then watching the Masters at a friend's house.  While he was out, Sister-in-Law and the nephews came over and played.  On Sunday, I took the kids to the library.  They had a blast, but the library didn't have anything we wanted.  We put some items on hold though.

The third weekend, I went out of town for my sister's bachelorette party.  On Friday, we went to her final dress fitting and then drove down to Charlottesville.  We went to a goat farm where we got some goat kisses and ate goat cheese.  We hit up the breweries, distilleries, and wineries.  We had a shuttle take us around, and at one place, the bartender drove us home.  It was a nice, relaxing time.  We capped it off with brunch downtown and a nice walk during the unseasonably warm afternoon.  Back home, Little Miss had hockey and soccer.  She scored her first goal in hockey practice.  Husband sent me a video and, in the background, Captain was shouting her name.  It was so precious. 

The following weekend, we celebrated Captain's second birthday.  I made cupcakes with Where the Wild Things Are cupcake toppers and some cupcakes were little boats.  The big kids watched a movie while the little kids literally ran around in circles.  Captain missed his morning nap so he was slightly cranky and over sensitive, but I think he had fun.  He very much enjoyed the pizza at least.  Right after the party, I showered and drove to the Marine Corps Heritage Museum for the awards gala.  It was a really great event.  I had missed it previously because I had a baby and Captain's first birthday party, but I planned accordingly this year.

Last weekend, I hung out with friends.  It's been so long that we were just celebrating their birthdays - which were in March and the beginning of April.  We had a lovely lunch and caught up.  One just got a new puppy so it was nice to meet her.

Two is the New One

Birthday boy. #2isthenew1 (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Apr 28, 2016 at 5:39am PDT

Captain is 2. I blinked and it happened. He's still my little guy though. He's getting more clear with his speech. He still loves cars, trucks, buses, balls. He loves to sing and dance. He's scared of heights and the toilet (or being on the toilet). He likes almost every food. He used to not care for carrots, but he eats them now. He loves pizza, but he also loves fruit and veggies. He loves guacamole. He's no longer afraid of grass. He loves wearing shorts. He loves being a big boy and independent, but when he's tired, he gives good snuggles. He loves morning cuddles with Daddy, but when he falls or doesn't feel well, he loves Mommy cuddles.

I don't have any of his statistics. I need to make his 2 year appointment except I've been bad about doing some follow up appointments which he needs before his pediatrician visit. So, very soon, he'll be back with the ear doctor for a hearing test and the eye doctor to check his eyes. Probably next year, he'll need to visit the cardiologist again, but he's fine. That will probably close the loop on checking all the internal organs unless something presents itself at potty training which I don't expect. He still needs to get his cosmetic surgery, but I keep putting it off. It'll be best to do it before he goes to school though so maybe next year.

He's on the tiny side, but he's not too small. He fits into some 24 months things and 2T if I roll up the pant legs, but he's outgrown much of the 18 month clothes. His waist is on the smaller side, but I feel like it's much bigger than Little Miss's who still has a ridiculously small waist. We have to get his hair cut soon, but I need a cocktail before I can tackle that. He's a good boy about getting dressed up and tolerates the bow ties and vests, but he won't wear a fedora for me. He hates wearing hats in general, but I'll see what I can do before the summer weather hits. Maybe if I can get one that fasten under his chin, he'll put up with it.

He doesn't sit long enough to be interested in tv, but he watches for a little in the morning. He LOVES Little Einsteins. He loves it when they go super fast. He also loves The Bubble Guppies, but he's not as interactive with that. I think he only likes the annoying theme song. He seems indifferent to Mickey, but I saw him singing to a commercial today.

He really loves ducks and puppies.

He doesn't sleep with anything in his crib and has no comfort item. He likes to be covered when he's put into the crib, but he'll throw it over before he falls asleep. He turns down any stuffed animals or books, but he does like when Little Miss reads to him before bedtime which works for both of them. Despite Husband being afraid he'd be too used to sleeping in my bed, he loves the crib and actually doesn't like to sleep with others. Little Miss loved her crib, but she also loved napping with me. He only naps in his crib (but will do well in the pack and play, too). He will fight sleep if we're busy or out and about whereas Little Miss would nap when it was naptime wherever we were.

Now that he isn't afraid of grass, I hope to get him outside, but the weekends have been so gloomy or busy. At the very least, I'm hoping to get his water table cleaned or out on our back patio so we can play with bubbles. We'll see. Eventually, it'll happen.

March 2016 Weekend Update

March was busy! The first weekend was hockey - super early. Then, later that day, we had Sister's bridal shower and bachelorette party #1. The shower was a lot of fun - presents, good food, mimosas! That night, the girls all went out at Reston Town Center and drank and danced. We shut the place down. Sunday was a sleepy day - literally.

Happy bride! #mooresisson2016

A photo posted by @princessapr on Mar 6, 2016 at 7:30pm PST

The next weekend, Husband took Little Miss to hockey while I stayed home with Captain. After, I got a pedicure with a friend before book club. On Sunday, Little Miss had her swimming lesson. It's always great to hang out with friends. Plus, I can't remember the last time I had a pedicure so that was heavenly. 

The third week of March, we hung out with Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law. It was the beginning of Spring Break. We had corned beef and cabbage. The kids played. It was relaxing, and we got home at a decent hour. It's so nice to see the cousins growing up together and playing well with each other. 

On Monday, Husband brought Little Miss to NYC to watch the Rangers play during her Spring Break. Captain and I stayed home together, and we traded selfies.

Mother & Captain play while @Rob_Sawicki & Little Miss root on the @NYRangers at #MSG. #springbreak

A photo posted by @princessapr on Mar 21, 2016 at 5:20pm PDT

The last weekend was Easter. We saw Zootopia on Saturday and went to Sister's house for Easter brunch. We had a ton of Korean food which was delicious. The kids had Easter Egg hunts. Captain missed his naps so he was super cranky, but he loved finding eggs and playing with the dog. He peed right through his little outfit right after we got there, but that's life with a toddler for you.

Easter kids. #Easter (@Rob_Sawicki)u

A photo posted by @princessapr on Mar 27, 2016 at 8:46am PDT

November 2015 Weekend Update

The first Sunday in November was spent at a first birthday party! They're always fun. Captain even managed to nap there. Little Miss loved being the oldest one there. After Little Miss was going to have a sleepover with her cousins. We stayed at the birthday party a little longer. Husband, Captain, and I had dinner in the city before heading home. Little Miss called on our way home and said she did not want to have a sleepover so we swung by and picked her up.

It's your day, Birthday Girl!

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 7, 2015 at 11:20am PST

The next day, Husband's family watched the Jets game and ate way too much food. All the kids had a really great time together. The younger ones are not too happy with being younger and not allowed to do what the big kids get to do. Captain spent the entire day eating. And then he ate some more. It was a good napping weekend for him. He did a great job napping in other people's cribs. Usually, on the weekend, he does his best to avoid naps.

It's hard being the younger siblings.

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 8, 2015 at 11:05am PST

The second weekend of November, Husband and I belatedly celebrated our anniversary. We went to Clyde's and to a basketball game (Wizards/Magic). It was a fun, relaxing night out. The Wizards won - though we weren't very invested in the game. It was nice to get out and have some couple time. The kids slept over the In-Laws' apartment so we also got to sleep late which was as nice as you'd think. The next day, we did Christmas photos with the cousins. We got one really good one, and we only marginally held onto our sanity.

Basketball. (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 14, 2015 at 5:23pm PST

The third weekend of November, we finished cleaning our apartment for Thanksgiving. I can't say we ever really finished, but it's better than it was. I bagged toys and clothes for donation. Things were really tidied up - except our bedroom, but no one really goes in there anyway. That Sunday, my sister and I had photos with the other side of the family. I mixed up the times, but the photo studio was so backed up, no one noticed. My parents met us for lunch, and then we head home to call another weekend to an end.

Just hanging out. (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 15, 2015 at 11:55am PST

Thanksgiving week was a lot of fun. The night before, I got a massage when my office closed early. Captain had his 18 month well child visit. He weighs 21.5 pounds, finally weighing over 20 pounds! He's pretty healthy and doing well. He got his flu shot. He still doesn't say many words, but this was typical of Little Miss, too. He makes sounds and says Mama, Dada, Baba when he wants his cup. He's been known to say Little Miss's name. He also says ball, doggie, girl, tree, and other words. I think he said cookie recently. He's a big fan of cookies.

Gingerbread turkey. More work than it was worth. #happythanksgiving

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 26, 2015 at 3:44pm PST

On Thanksgiving, we got up and stayed in our jammies for awhile. We watched the parade. Husband made the turkey and prepped the stuffing. Once those were done, I made roasted veggies (butternut squash, potatoes, brussels sprouts, and red onion). It was a simple meal, but it was pretty good. We had cookies for dessert. My parents enjoyed hanging out with the kids. Captain ate early and then napped when we ate which worked out best. During the weekend, we did as little as possible. I took Little Miss skating. Then, Little Miss and I went to see a movie the next day. My friend and I went to see another movie on Sunday. It was a social time, but I managed to avoid many of the Black Friday sales which is a high accomplishment for me! Onto Christmas!!

Skating (@Rob_Sawicki)

A video posted by @princessapr on Nov 27, 2015 at 11:39am PST

July 2015 Weekend Update

It turns out July was a busy month!  We spent the Fourth of July with the Inlaws.  It poured so we were inside eating and watching the fireworks on tv, but we did get about 5 minutes in the pool.  The nephews were there as well, and the cousins had a good time together.

The second weekend was Nephew's fifth birthday party.  It was an Ironman theme (though many of the other superheroes made an appearance).  Captain and I went in theme clothing - though Captain didn't care for the mask.  It was a good time.  I can't believe Nephew is 5!  

The next day, Husband played golf with a friend's husband while Captain, my friend and I went to her pool.  It was really nice, and the pool was beautiful.  Little Miss was in Florida with my family.  We had a lovely dinner at my friend's house before heading home.

The third weekend, I met friends for Thai and then we went to see a movie.  After, I got to pick up Little Miss after a week away.  It was nice to have her home, and everyone was thrilled to see her - but no one more so than Captain!

The fourth weekend, we mostly just ran some errands - Target, the library, the grocery store.  It was busy and hot, but Little Miss loves to just drive around and be helpful.

Towards the end of the month, I took some time off.  I took a half day and brought Little Miss to work with me.  She loves coming to work.  She watched a movie and mostly hung out and write me little notes.  My parents met me at my office after lunch.  Then, we all went to The National Building Museum which I've never been to before.  There is a "beach" exhibit currently which is basically a giant ball pit.  It was insane.  It's been many years since I've been in a ball pit, and it was much easier as a kid from what I remember.  Little Miss made a friend, and had a blast though.  We had dinner and then headed home.

The next day, I met friends from out of town and out of country.  We did The Library of Congress, The Folger Shakespeare Library, walked by The Supreme Court, Dupont Circle, went to The National Geographic Museum, and drove by some other sites.  A local friend hosted us for dinner, and it was a really good time.  I got to do things and see some sites I don't normally (or haven't ever) see.

June 2015 Weekend Update

June was really busy! I didn't take many pictures though. I spent early June in Louisville/Nashville for a work trip. It was quite a bit of fun. I met clients I hadn't met before. We got to go to Churchill Downs. I saw a part of Nashville I've never visited before. All in all, it was a successful trip. So, that first weekend was spent traveling home and catching my breath.

The second week in June was fun! A friend and I saw Mumford & Sons and had a blast. On Friday, the In-Laws, Brother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, the nephews and the four of us went for Asian food. The food was plentiful. We did not give the baby sushi, but he liked edamame and tempura. The next night, we went out with our friends. Husband went golfing with the boys. A friend, Sister and I went to a brunch that was fantastic. Then, we met Sister-in-Law at the movies. After, we met up with the boys for happy hour and kept hopping from there. It was a lot of fun. On Sunday, we went to my parents' pool.

The third weekend, Little Miss and I met Sister and Nephew to see Inside Out. My mom watched Captain while we went out. We did some light shopping, too. That Sunday was another quiet Sunday. We've made an effort to keep the place relatively tidy. I think the lighter Sundays have helped.
In the last weekend, we went to Sister's house on Saturday to celebrate my dad's birthday. The kids baked brownies. I went to the mall to pick up Little Miss's flower girl dress for Sister's wedding next year. Then, we all just had an enjoyable evening. On Sunday, I met friends for lunch and some girl time.

Other items of note is that Little Miss had her last day of first grade (the picture above is misleading because it's really the last day on the left and the first day on the right). I really liked first grade (and she did as well). She grew so much - both physically and academically. She's so very bright and so eager to please. I hope she is as lucky with her second grade teacher.

Meanwhile, Captain has no desire to walk. He will very occasionally walk assisted and can walk alongside the couch, a cabinet or in the crib. He'll just fold up his legs until you let him go so he can crawl. I know his legs can support him and he knows what to do so, until he wants to, not much else to worry about. He is a fantastic eater. He'll eat anything. He's had jambalaya, many meats, fruits. He's ate shrimp last weekend for dinner. He loves fruit and pretty much anything I'm trying to feed myself. He even tried some of Husband's buffalo chicken. We've been having some constipation issues. It turns out that he needs a healthy diet of fruit and daily prunes. At least once a week, it's a big struggle so hopefully we'll have it straightened out soon. Poor little guy.

May 2015 Weekend Update

Let's see. We had a ridiculously busy May. The first weekend, we had our annual Kentucky Derby party which involved crazy cleaning and cooking. We had chicken parm, pasta, egg rolls, salads, a wide range of foods. Then, some stayed for the fight. It was a lot of fun. The next day, I met a friends for lunch which was always fun.

The second weekend of May, we hit up the elementary school's Fun Fair for a brief time before heading to our Nephew's first birthday party. It was crazy hot but a lot of fun. The next day was Mother's Day. We went to Sister's house for a Mother's Day brunch. We ate a ridiculous amount of delicious food. We celebrated the oldest Nephew's birthday as well.

The third weekend in May, I took the kids to the park. Little Miss met up with a friend there by chance and had a blast. Captain did not like the slide and couldn't really do much as he's not quite walking yet. Also, we got eaten up by mosquitoes which was unfortunate. 

On Sunday, Little Miss had a playdate in the morning. So, I dropped her off before taking Captain to The Taste of Arlington. It was very hot, but he was a trooper. I gave him doughnuts and a lot of other tastes. I would have given him chili, but that was scalding hot so I was a good mama instead. Later, I picked up Little Miss, dropped Captain at home and took her to Taste of Arlington in the evening so she could play games and try some food. Lots of good food. I refused to stand in long lines which is why I like to go when it opens, but there were some great restaurants there. I felt the variety was better than in the past, but the lines are still obnoxious after 2PM.

The fourth week of the month, we hung out at Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law's pool with the In-laws.  It was great.  The weather was a bit cool, but the kids went in the pool anyway.  We ate a lot and chatted.  On Sunday, we went wedding dress shopping with Sister.  We were all very successful.  She chose a dress.  The attendants chose dresses, and we have an idea of what to do for Little Miss.  On Monday, we hit the driving range before going to my parents' pool.  Captain walked around the baby pool for a long time, fighting sleep.  Little Miss had a good time, but I think she missed someone to play with.  

The last weekend in May, Little Miss and I woke early to clean up the school's courtyard.  Every bug seemed to get a taste of me.  After, we wanted to go to the pool, but we were too tired (read that as I was too tired).  So, I took a nap and chose to do nothing instead. 

On Sunday, Little Miss woke up sick so she stayed on the couch with Husband while she recovered.  I took Captain to my parents' house so he could see my grandparents.  They were tickled by him - as they should be.  It was an exhausting month.  June seems busy but not nearly as busy.

Baby Turns 1!

Baby turned 1.  Ridiculous, right?  As planned prior to his birth, his birthday theme was The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  Yes, I have planned next year's theme, too.  Don't judge.  I didn't go all out, and it was super low-key and relaxing.  It was the easiest birthday party I've ever planned.  Here are the goody bags...

More goody bags and the hat my mom made him when he was born.  It still fits him, but his motor skills are developed enough to rip it off his head immediately.  Better picture of the book and hat.

Thanks to a friend, we had caterpillars, signs and butterflies to post everywhere.  I stuck close to the fruits and chose some of the Saturday foods.  I also made some salads to keep the adults filled.   It was a 2PM party so we didn't have the pressure of serving an actual meal.

I printed out all of the weekly photos and placed them around the center column as a giant caterpillar.  It came out better than I imagined.  

We bought an ice cream cake.  Luckily, Coldstone Creamery had one because I waited too long to order one anywhere else.  The smallest Coldstone size was cheaper than the similar size at Baskin Robbins, too, so we all lucked out.  I made the number one and caterpillar out of clay because I'm too cheap to buy it off of Etsy for $40+.  I think they came out cute and came out to be like $3.

It was a great party.  I like to keep them small at this age so it was really just best friends and immediate family.

On his actual birthday, as tradition dictates, I got him an overpriced cupcake.  He was hesitant to eat it at first until Husband put a piece of frosting in his mouth.  After that, he inhaled the entire thing.  He was done very quickly.  While he was eating, he also went to work on the other end and was a giant stinky mess at the end.  Husband chose the diaper end, and I chose to clean up the high chair.  It took us both about 20 minutes to get everything and everyone back to their original shape.

Also, as with Little Miss, Baby has outgrown the nickname Baby.  We've thought about it, and his nickname is going to be Captain.  Husband calls him Commander.  Technically, I call him Captain Crankypants, but that won't keep his dignity intact as he gets older.  It will be appropriate from time to time though.  He'll always be my little baby.

January 2015 Weekend Update

The first weekend in January, we hosted a sleepover with Nephew.  He and Little Miss ate some junk food, played loudly and then crashed together - in an air mattress built for one.  They were really great, and they had a lot of fun.  That next day, Little Miss had a playdate with a classmate which thoroughly knocked her out for the evening.  The next day, my mom and I went out to lunch and to a movie.  We kicked off January right!

The second weekend in January, Husband had to go out of town.  So, the kids and I laid low.  We had a blast, cleaned a bit.  I cooked some new recipes.  It was nice and low-key.

The third weekend in January was ridiculously busy.  We started by having the In-Laws over Friday night for Mother-in-Law's birthday.  The next morning, Little Miss had a birthday party and painted some pottery.  Straight after, we drove to the trampoline park where Little Miss had a blast, and I felt every single year of my life.  We then met up with friends for frozen yogurt.  When we got home, I immediately fell asleep.

The fourth weekend in January was another classmate's birthday.  Little Miss played laser tag for the first time.  She had a blast despite no natural talent.  She did not come in last though!  The next day, I met Sister-in-Law for a movie and then went to my mom's house in the afternoon.  Before we made it to my mom's, we took a brief detour though.  Little Miss got her haircut!  She also donated it.  I don't have a great after photo, but I have the photo below showing the length.  They had a special day where the kids dressed like their favorite character, and Little Miss dressed like Mo Willems's character, Piggy.  Her classmate dressed like Gerard, and they were the cutest things ever.

The last weekend of January we did very little.  Friday night was First Grade Readathon at school so Little Miss got to hear a lot of books read, and I got to learn a lot about the first grade reading program.  Saturday, we cleaned.  Sunday, Little Miss's friend came over to play, and then we watched the Superbowl (and ate too much).

Weekend Updates - October

I'm far behind and will not bore you with all the details, but here is a pictorial tour of our Fall/Winter so far.

Baby looking happy in his jumper.  He would live in the thing if we let him.  He likes to jump and then have some swing time to fall asleep.

We went to our annual trek to the pumpkin patch with Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law.  It was windy, and we didn't stay too long because of traffic.  Plus, we went to a friend's baby shower in the evening.

 Still, we got pumpkins and some cute pictures, just not as many cute pictures as in years' past.

 Baby was a minion for Halloween.  Halloween doesn't mean much to him so I wasn't going all out for a costume.  I wanted something practical but, of course, cute.  So, he got a minion hat, overalls and a yellow shirt.  He tolerated it.

 Nephew really liked Baby time during Little Miss's 7th birthday party.  I can't believe the big girl is 7.  She's matured so much this Fall.  She has such an extensive vocabulary and so bright.  

 She, as most of the children in the known universe was Elsa for Halloween, but she also had an Anna costume that she wore to Disney on Ice and to Halloween at school.

 Baby will like Halloween much more next year.  I'm on the search for a Max from Where the Wild Things Are costume.