the boogey train

Here's some more misc. family shots.

The other weekend we went to a "haunted" train yard and rode the big and medium sized trains

(you should have seen the small!) It was a blast.

Naturally, James was in heaven and surrounded by many peers.

The last picture of Sean in the train was Corey and I realizing just what a little big man he's becoming...

the pumpkin patch

i had it all mapped out, or so i thought... we had set a date, a time, and we had a fixed window before the nd game. I was ACTUALLY getting to drive while jim sat shotgun, all three boys shared the middle seat and corey sat crammed in the WAYback. until i got lost and realized i had no idea where i was going at which point i did the girl thing and stopped to ask for directions, found out we were on the opposite side of town from where we wanted to be, and corey took over (with me humbly crawling into the trunk, tail between my legs.) but ALL was not lost, just us, and not for long (or TOO long... really.) we switched plans, with me now driving the guys to campus after we speed-shopped for a pumpkin, looked at farm animals, and even sped through the dirt cart course! i exagerate. we all had an absolute blast, and it was quite nice and laid-back once we arrived at the farm. we even had the hay ride all to ourselves. wish you could have all been there with us!

october photofest

Here's more family pix from our family this month so far. I know! I am a crazy photo snapping fanatic. But with faces this cute looking at me everyday, how can I not?!

ND vs BC

How lucky we were to at least get Clare for the weekend (even if it meant her bringing good luck to her eagles...) PLUS this was the reunion weekend for all of my and corey's roommates. SO we had a very full and fun house. It is always so great seeing everyone. Staying up late friday and saturday seems to be getting harder and harder with each passing year, but I AM trying!

The boys so enjoy meeting all of "mommy and daddy's friends" and the attention they bring. James had a plethera of people actually interested in playing cars with him. Andrew Duffy (a friend of Pat McGrath's) had a hilarious story of trying on James' fireman hat, only to have James immediately take it off of him saying, "no, that's mine." Then when Andrew made a sad face, James quickly asked, "Why are you sad?"

Andrew: Cause you took my hat.

James: No, it's okay. It's mine.

Andrew: (making a sad face again)

James: Why are you sad?

Andrew: Cause I want to wear the hat.

James: No. It's okay- it's mine.

Andrew: (making a sad face again)

James: Why are you sad?

And as you can guess, this went on for an insane amount of time, before we had to leave to tailgate. It is truly amazing how kids never seem to tire of certain things, or allow themselves to believe certain realities. Anyway, the quote of the weekend quickly became, "no, it's okay, it's mine."

We were so proud to actually be hosting our very own tailgate this year with our gang. It was so inspiring- complete with Dr. King's homeade desserts, Mar's catered sandwiches and veggies with dip. There was even good beer available! SEE?! We ARE getting old! Good thing I was there to keep it real with peer pressure on all my chicitas to do the unmentionable college things I do find so fun and dumb...

Can't wait till next year!!!!

a picnic @ the park (and more...)

the good weather continues here in the midwest, and we are taking full advantage of it, spending as much time outdoors as possible.

sean just had his 1 year checkup where he got 4 shots and even had to go to the lab to get blood drawn! yikes. what a trooper, though, he was back to his silly self in no time. literally. unfortunately. i was hoping to at least get a good recovery nap out of it! he's basically in the 75th percentile in all things (other than the obvious off-the-charts cressy head... although it does appear to be more closely approaching normal...)

james is still doing great in school. in fact, this past weekend he and i ran in the annual fall frolic fundraiser fun run at his school. i wouldn't say we were in it to win it, but we did finish! and looked good in the process, naturally, which is really all that matters, right?! we got lapped by sydney anzlec... what a hustler!

there are a few pix of james in sean's legwarmers. they are THE most practical, awesome, fashionable accessory i have at my disposal and i am a HUGE fan of them. however, corey feared for his son's manliness and forbade me to send him to school wearing them! now tell me his is not an adorable stud... he MAKES THEM WORK!