Jack-o-lanterns

This is the first year that Patrick and Finnegan have carved their pumpkins.

We purchased the safety knives to the boys could "help" Gill.

Everyone used a big spoon to scoop out the inside, it was so much fun to watch!

They designed the big pumpkin to look like their Halloween shirts -

and I think it turned out GREAT!

Patrick and Finnegan enjoyed carving the pumpkin so much

that they did 2 small pumpkins as well.

We can't wait to light them up on Halloween!

Grandparents Visit

We said "goodbye" to Grandpa Neil and Grandma Peg this morning as they travel back to Jersey.

So glad they were able to come and spend time with the boys!

Boo Bash

We had such a fun and busy day today.

This morning I ran in the Big South 5K.

It wasn't easy, but I was proud that I beat my last time

and even more excited that my family was there to cheer me on!

Once all the runners were finished, I took the boys on a little run through the finish line!

After going home so mommy could clean up,

we headed back across the street to the Blakeney Boo Bash with Grandma Peg and Grandpa Neil.

Baby Sully is ready for his First Halloween Boo Bash.

Finn and Patrick painted pumpkins...

met up with the Weltz Family...

Went up and down the giant slides...

and bounced in the bounce house!

Finn stood in line patiently to get his face painted - Patrick avoided this activity at all costs, he would NEVER intentionally get his face "dirty". Finnegan chose to have a pumpkin put on his cheek and sat so well while the artist put on the most elaborate face painting I have ever seen - it took over 10 minutes!

He was very happy with the results...

and even happier to see Isabella!

All the friends played on the playground. Ginny came to Finn's rescue when he fell off the spinning chair, and helped him spin slowly from then on. Patrick raced around with Isabella and tried to cut all the lines to get onto the games faster!

We had such a wonderful day with family and friends, a great way to kick off Halloween Week!

Fashion Friday

Who wore it best?

Patrick and Finnegan in December 2007

or Sullivan in 2010?

Racing Day!

Today, Patrick and Finnegan participated in the St. Jude's Trike-a-Thon at their school.

The boys were so excited for "The Big Race" - we had been practicing riding our Big Boy Bikes for weeks gearing up to it.

We were all dressed up and ready to go this morning! (I know you can't see it, but Sully has little race cars on his outfit, and I have a checkered flag on my shirt and am wearing a stop light pendant on my neck - yes, we were decked out!)

Ms. Hanaa got all the kids ready to race, helmets and all!

Finn is revving his engine!

Patrick leads the group

Although they tried to avoid it, Ms. Hanaa did insist that Patrick and Finnegan stop at the stop sign.

Finn explained to her that it was slowing him down, but eventually gave in.

The whole crew!

After racing as a class, each student did their own lap around the course while their friends cheered!

Here goes Patrick...

And Finnegan is off...

Did I mention that the fabulous Lizzy and Ginny did the entire race in Halloween TuTu's?!

Now, that's impressive!

We are so proud of the kids - they had a great time and raised a lot of money for an excellent cause!

Fall Family Weekend

This weekend we spent lots of time with the Weltz's enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

Saturday, we went up to the mountains for an afternoon of pumpkin picking. After exploring all the fun activities around the farm...

We finally headed out to the orchards!

I will admit, it was not the best selection of apples. However, the view was gorgeous, the company fantastic, and the kids enthusiastic. They loved finding apples and showing each and every one to their friends. Their baskets may not have been full of apples, but there was certainly an abundance of smiles!

We then found a perfect spot in the middle of the orchards for our picnic...

Baby Sully Playtime...

and a Birthday Celebration for Aunt Sara!

Following our great day in the mountains, we kept up the outdoor themed weekend and went to explore the nature center. It is such a creative adventure land that the entire family can enjoy.

We loved playing the musical instruments (Notice that the xylophone is made of wrenches)

We climbed rock walls to the tree house...

Built forts to go "trick or treating" in...

and raced and raced and raced across the treehouse bridge and down the slide.

What a glorious way to celebrate Fall and Families!