Thanksgiving

It was great seeing everyone at Thanksgiving! The time seemed to really fly this year. I can't get enough of the big clan gathering.

Carole: it was great seeing your new establishment, too. (Can I still call it new?) Sorry I didn't get photos!

First, some of the cutest little kids ever, in my unbiased opinion. (The big kids are cute, too, of course!)

Johnny and his patriarch...

What's up, homey?


Random memories...

Hanging out in the living room...


In the den...


At the table...
(This was the least embarrassing table shot. Sorry, Jerry!)


Serving tirelessly (thank you so much!) to make this possible...


And at the smaller clan gathering...


View all our thanksgiving pictures here (or as a slideshow).

Jane Jennings Jewelry

Hats off to my cousin Jane for putting her jewelry on-line!

Visit her store at:

Jane Jennings Jewelry

I don't know jewelry, but I know Jane has a wealth of talent, including singing opera professionally. Read her modest statement at the bottom of her web-page. I won't mention that she's performed with Luciano Pavarotti since I don't remember the details well enough. ;-)

The holidays are upon us! Why fight the crowds? Why not buy a one-of-a-kind gift for that jewelry-lover you know?

Congratulations, Jane!

Here comes the WATER!

Last night, while I was in the middle of changing Luke's diaper, he looks down and warns "Here comes the water!"

Um...What? Water? Oh, no!

Since he was standing naked in the middle of our living room, I scooped him up and stood him in front of his potty chair that hasn't gotten much use since way back when.

And, sure enough. The water came and he pottied into his little chair.

Sidenote: Luke now cheers "Good job!" for us now after we use the bathroom successfully. I'm just waiting for his encouraging words to echo in a crowded public bathroom.

(P.S.: Posted by Kirsten, logged in as Jim.)

Tracey & Steve's Wedding in NH

We slipped away for the weekend to celebrate Tracey's wedding. She married her long-time friend (and college crush) Steve. A great part of the trip was hanging out with Paul & Kathy. We traveled with them from start to finish. (Are you sick of us yet?) We had a great time, got to know each other better, and I got to see Pilgrim Pines camp, where Kirsten spent a summer.

Many thanks to Ken and Nancy for coming here to watch Luke, and for doing all kinds of wonderful organizing around our house. You two are awesome, and deserve far more than a foot-note to this post!

Happy Birthday Jonathan!

Luke's cousin Jonathan had a birthday this week, and Matt and Judy celebrated it in proper style. Several of Jonathan's friends over.

The John Deere theme was very creative. Jonathan loves tractors and big farm equipment (every kid does). Judy even got a hold of John Deere plates!

Great party. I have to hand it to Matt and Judy--all those kids over! It was fine, with the expected bumps and scrapes.

I didn't get many pictures--like, for instance, one of Luke and Jonathan together!

Jonathan and Matt cut the birthday cake.

Mmmmm...cake. Notice the John Deere colors.

Luke plays with Jonathan's music-making toy.

They did some group activities (like ring-around-the-rosie), and the older kids loved it, but Luke wasn't into it. The other kids his age weren't into it either, it seemed.

Trick-or-Treating

Taking you back to Saturday afternoon...

When we put Luke's costume on, he wasn't very happy with it...




But a few little distractions and he was fine.


(Note the cute toes at the bottom of the picture. ;^)

On Tuesday, our building had its first organized trick-or-treat. People put signs on their doors and their names on a list if they wanted to participate. So off we go! Luke's getting this trick-or-treating thing down...


There's Thomas the Tank Engine!


A bumble-bee among roses.


Exchanging tales of adventure with our neighbor Johnny.


Maybe this is why he didn't like his costume at first: the company it puts him in...


Nancy: thanks again for the costume! It was great!

Update, 11/9: One more little memory. Luke would kind of wander into people's places at will. If I didn't keep a close eye on him (which I didn't always), I had to go in after him to grab him. Oops! Thanks for the candy, and let me push past you to grab my kid!