The Chicago/Halloween Nutshell

So the last 8 weeks have gone like this: Before I took the kids to Chicago, Steve and I got a luxurious night away in Ft. Lauderdale while Grama Karen watched the kids. When it's 90 degrees in September, it's easy to play tourist in your own town.

A few weeks later, 1500 miles away in IL, we got a good taste of Fall at a pumpkin patch. Here, with our friend Tommy Schultz (left). And Grammy Mary.
And later had a family outing at Brookfield Zoo. The dinosaur exhibit was a big hit.

Fun Auntie Manders always thinks safety, too. Sid caught a ride with Uncle Matt, wearing a vest and jeans that were his back in the day. Later that trip Poppy and P'la took treated us to a day at the Field Museum. Mission: Pirate Exhibit was accomplished with a smile... and an Arrrrgh.We also did a bit of chillin'. Here, in Grama Karen's backyard.

Pictures and words can't express how much I love these trips to my hometown. Spending time there with my kids, our family and my dearest friends, in some of my favorite places in the world... well, not much beats that. As always, a heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes time in their busy schedules to share time with us. Big love!



Back in Florida, in October, Ben wore one of Uncle Matt's old skeleton getups for a friend's Monster Birthday party.

And a couple of weeks later Sidney was a ladybug for Halloween.

Doctor Steve gave out H1N1 flu "shots."

And I channeled Betty Suarez while Ben loved every minute of his evening as a Transformer. Optimus Prime.

He wore this shirt to school several times. Grandpa Marc and Grammy Mary's score from this year's Sandwich Fair.

Watch as Ben sees his Halloween costume for the first time.

We've had our bouts of lingering colds but are all doing well. Looking forward to the upcoming holidays, and the news and visits they bring from friends and family near and far.

Peace!