Cap'n Jack Sparrow stumbles by the neighborhood Halloween party...

Our wonderful neighbors, Gina, Eric and Cole hosted a fantastic Halloween party on Sunday night.  The special guest was Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, who gave the kids some special pirate lessons.  Here he is about to re-christen Ellie "Shiver Me Timbers Sherry."  

Leena the Princess, Abigail the Bee, Ellie the Monkey, and Evie the Ladybug Girl all listened intently to Captain Jack's lessons while he took them on a treasure hunt around the backyard.  

Then it was time for some sword lessons, pirate-style. Evie gives him a run for his money. 

 

PIRATE DOWN!  Evie gave him a knock on the shin.  

Then it was time for a classic game of tug o' war.  The kids all lined up, but Ellie wasn't quite a fan and when the going got tough, Ellie got going.  

ARG!  Pull!  What an unbeatable team of Meredia from Brave (Ella), Ladybug Girl, Red Power Ranger, and Batman (Cole).  They won the first battle! 

 

Evie took a break from pirateer-ing to decorate her pumpkin with some jewels. 

 

Evie helps pose Ellie's head for her picture with Captain Jack.  

 

The neighborhood kids all pose for the camera!  What a great time!  Happy Halloween! 

Let the Halloween Festivities Begin... with a Parade!

The family traveled to our ol' stomping grounds to Del Ray for the annual Halloween Parade. Of course, our tradition consists of heading straight for the Dairy Godmother to partake in the pumpkin frozen custard.  Here, our Ladybug Girl Evie is in full effect!  Ladybug Girl Power! 

 

Meanwhile, one curious little monkey takes in the sights with Ba and Opa as we pass many festively-decorated houses en route to the parade. 

 

We find a great spot on the street to watch the kick-off of the parade.  Ellie's Curious George head kept getting in the way from her view so it didn't last long...

 

Our beautiful girl...

 

 ...is having a blast! 

As is little sis who is full of giggles... 

 

 

...as she points out her favorites in the parade. 

 

On the way back to the car, we pause by a haunted house. 

 

Ellie loved traveling by Opa's shoulders and gave him a very nice head massage during the process.  

Annual Pumpkin Patch Visit

For when you feel to cheap to spend $14 per person to visit a pumpkin patch, there's always the local nursery on Beulah Road to let the kids run through the tunnels and crow at the roosters.  It also provides some choice photo opps!

The girls pause for some giggles in the tunnels. 

The girls do their best scary ghost impressions. Evie's into wearing her winter fur boots these days.  

Ellie smiles before taking to the tunnels!

There are a lot of laughs to be had while tunneling.  

Our Aspiring Artists put their Best Foot Forward for Ba's Birthday

Ah - it's an attack by the Tickle Monster... ur, Ba!  We celebrated Ba's birthday with brunch and then cake at home. 

 

Then, the girls presented Ba with their footprint butterflies - certainly a work of art!  The canvases were accompanied by artist bios on the back.

 

Oh, brother...or sisters I should say...when Evie stuck out her tongue, Ellie has to follow.

The girls help Ba blow out the candles and make a wish! 

Daddy Takes the Prize!

 

It was another great year for OTTD - the annual Old Town Throw Down - now moved slightly North of Old Town but a great event nonetheless.  The girls had fun cheering on Dad and created some pumpkins to serve as his cheering section. 

Ellie too was also proud of her pumpkin! 

 

Daddy proudly poses with his two girls before getting to work on his handmade pizza dough crust that was later grilled and topped with caramelized apples, apple-smoked bacon, goat, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese and tarragon sprinkles, paired with a pilsner. Perfection! He ended up winning the judges award with his delicious entry - congratulations Daddy!  

Dad, You're a Hole in One!

Daddy celebrated a big birthday this week with a slew of activities! On his birthday the girls designed a mini golf hole and proudly waved their flag. Of course, Ellie was mad when big sis didn't let her carry the flag.  It's not easy being the little sis.

Somehow, peace is made and life goes on.  

 

A big hug for Daddy! 

 

Then time to blow out the candles on Daddy's cake - looks like he is shocked at reaching this ripe ol' age! 

 

Daddy and his two beautiful girls line up the shot. 

Then on Saturday, we celebrated with friends and family at the Port City Brewery - we enjoyed some Rockland's BBQ before going on the tour and tasting.  Mommy gave Daddy a big kiss! 

 

At the end of the night, we enjoyed a meal with Bebe, Popi, Ba and Opa.  Unfortunately it looks like Ellie is annoyed at big sis again (for trying to blow out the candles? Not quite sure).  But poor Evie got a cheekful of chocolate frosting. 

 

Peace is restored again and the girls help blow out the candles  Hooray for Dad! 

Celebrating Fall and Birthdays in NJ!

The family traveled up to New Jersey this weekend to celebrate Aunt Dellie's 75th Birthday!  On Saturday morning, the kids had a great time checking out the Halloween decorations at Bebe's and Popi's house. Evie makes a fantastic witch! 

Then it's Ellie's turn to put on a scary hat and face!

Then we stopped by the pumpkin patch to pick out some beauties.  The kids, Daddy and Bebe wait patiently for the tractor and their bumpy hayride to the pumpkin patch.

Ellie and Mommy are all smiles as they enjoy a day on the farm - including checking out the donkeys, llamas and emus.

The girls cuddle next to Bebe as we get ready to get rolling.

Ellie looks a little suspicious of the stranger who took our family picture.  Don't worry, Ellie, he's stuck on the hayride with us and not going anywhere with our camera!

Evie feels right at home in the pumpkin patch. She finds that pumpkins can make great resting places.

Bebe and Ellie in a sea of pumpkins!

The "First Wives Club" and Bebe arrive at Aunt Dellie's party.

Molly, Evie and Julianna snack on popcorn together.

Molly's kernel smile!

...while little sisters Bryn and Ellie play with the balloon decorations.  

 

Balloons just cannot be resisted.

Aunt Dellie with all her children: Johnny, Matt, Beth, and Peter.

Sisters.. aren't they best!

 

Aunt Dellie and Ellie enjoy some delicious cake! 

Bebe, Dellie and Popi toast a great birthday! 

After the party, Ellie spots the beach and makes a mad dash for the sand!