Yaya's Halloween Tale

We walked in the door at 5:30 with Arthur who decided that it was not necessary to nap on Halloween.  The house was a shambles because the carpet and flooring people had been there all week. There was much speculation as to whether Arthur would even put the shark costume on, he was not a fan.  But after seeing the first trick or treaters get candy, he was on board! Long story short, a great time was had by all, and Ya Ya and Poobah were exhausted as well, they pulled into their driveway at 11:00! On a side note, the girls poked their little feet through their costumes half way through the night with their enthusiastic kicking, I guess they thought the candy was for them too!

Happy Halloween from Under the Sea

Sleepover

No wonder he never wants to come home.

Dozen

12 years ago in probably snowy Meadville PA, some dude shared a piece of cheesecake with a girl down the hall.  We picked October 25 in retrospect as a day to mark our beginning.  Although it was not always a linear journey from then to now, every time I think back to the twists along the way, the sometimes unanswered hopes or wishes I can't help but think that one turn might have made a different ending.   A different life, a different family.  So today I'm so thankful for every moment of the past 12 years that brought us to this happy ever after.  Happy anniversary, Art.  Still can't get enough of your cheesecake.

Five months

Seems like it was yesterday and forever ago at the same time.  They are the sweetest girls in the world.

Two of a kind

But I really think they have their own look, too!  Do you know who is who?

Pumpkin patch kids

Kid loves Cars

Three kids in cloth

I know I'll look back and think - three kids in diapers?!  That was crazy!!!  I hope I'll always remember that it looked just like this.  How I love each of those little butts.

Dozers

Best Brother Ever

Lots of people ask how Arthur acts toward his sisters.  Tonight while I was making dinner and he was at the table, Norah grabbed one of the toys on her bouncer and pulled it so it made noise for the first time.  I said, "Oh wow!  Arthur, tell Norah she did a good job!", which he did.  Fifteen minutes later I was at the sink when she did it  again and I heard the sweetest little voice say, "Oh wow Norah!  I so proud of you!"  See what I mean - best brother ever.

Let's go Bucs!

The many emotions of a Pirates fan.

Best Momo

Somebody really missed his sisters... he has a big job  getting them cleaned up after a week away!

Vacation on lockdown

What would we do without Aunt Hannie?

First night

In a hotel AND first night in separate cribs!

Also noted that they have now spent more time in a hotel crib than Arthur has in his two dozen plus nights in his life.