Trunk or Treat

Last Friday was Maizey's Halloween trial run. Her "school" had a special Trunk or Treat event on Friday night, complete with games, potluck and pizza dinner (so all of us slackers could do a cash version of a potluck).

Good news? Maizey was a champ. We got her costume on with minimal wailing, she quickly learned to say "treat" and she carried her own candy.

Bad news? I thought it started at 6. It really started at 7 (past Lady's bedtime). She was super crabby after being at Childtime all day. I was super crabby after working all day. It was raining. Will forgot Maizey's shoes so we had to carry her. (And I was super mad he forgot her shoes.) Oh, and a "school-ager" hit me in the head with a basketball.

We did get some cute pics. And there was this cool car. (Using the term "cool" very loosely.)

Next morning:

 Maizey enjoyed her spoils. Shocker.

p.s. Trunk or Treat is a sort of homeless (ghetto) trick-or-treat. A bunch of cars, in a parking lot, with their decorated trunks open, handing out candy. Perfect for new walkers, as they don't have to hoof it very far, if they have shoes, that is... 

Fall out

As I mentioned yesterday, Maizey and I orchestrated a mini-photo session on Tuesday. After 20 minutes of snapping, I had the brilliant idea to put her in a beautiful Irish sweater that was once mine (or my brother's - have to ask Betty about that). The results weren't pretty.

No. More. Photos. Mom. 

My "make good?"

Grahams and bubbles.

It stopped the tears.

But not the death stare.

Falling in love

Last week I made an appointment for a family photo shoot with Milford photographer Ester Cobe. Prior to our October 28 session, photag Mary requested I earmark images I especially like and gather them onto a Pinterest board. (If your curious, here is my board.) The exercise made me realize how few photos I've taken of Maizey in the last few weeks so Tuesday we grabbed our chalk and headed outside for our own mini-session.

I was happy with the results, but of course, wanted more.
Check back tomorrow for the fall out.

B's birthday bike

Maggie here. I've been so busy - working more hours in the office, chasing a toddler, doing fall chores and cooking (now that B&B's catering has mostly dried up), I barely have time to catch up on Project Runway, let alone update the blog. Result? I missed posting a birthday message on my mama's special day, October 6. Yes, I posted on facebook, and yes, I called her, but really, she should have gotten a special shout-out on EnlargingMarge.

So, today is a shout-out to her, and her first guest photo post. Traditonally, my mom requested no gifts, just a family outing. My brother and I would dial down the griping and join her and my father for an out-of-doors endeavor during what is typically peak color time in the U.P. Canoeing, a walk in the woods (really a hike, but if they called it a "hike" my brother and I would have a hard time dialing down the griping - semantics for teens), biking...

Although Pete and I are now old (and one of us is far away) my mom and dad (Grandpa Flannel) keep the tradition alive. They shared some of their shots from this week's outing and blown away by the beauty - and so proud of their vivaciousness and sense of adventure (did I mention they just got back from a three-week self-guided tour of Alaska?) - I thought I'd share them with you. Enjoy.

  

Happy birthday, Betty! We love you!

Sunday Funday

Last Sunday was the best. Gram was here and we did some serious autumn adventuring.

First, to Colasanti's for pumpkins, snacks and goose feeding.

I was a titch overdressed but cute as a button.

Then we took Gram to the farm. 

Where we attempted a family shot. (Fail) Except look - MOM!

And I was accosted by Wilber.

The leaves were probably my favorite part.

And getting to chill with both my parents at the same time.

Rounding out the day? A visit to DQ for their closing celebration.

Butterscotch Dilly Bar? Check.

You scream, I smile.

Happy Autumn!

Babes of babes

Welcome Henry Edsel and Abriella Celeste!

Karyn and Jen - my former Grove Street roomies and best friends - were both due to give birth this fall. 

Jen in late-September (with babe no. 1) and Karyn in late-October (with babe no. 2).
Fittingly close due dates - like their mamas birthdays.

Much to everyone's surprise, Karyn's little lad opted to leap-frog Lady Di into pole position.

On September 7, 5:39 p.m., Henry Edsel came into the world weighing 4 lbs. 1 oz. and was 17 inches long. He was only 32 weeks and 3 days gestational age, giving all of us quite a scare. But 27 days later, I am happy to report that this little fighter is doing just fine.

Not one to rush, last Sunday, September 30, at 10:16 p.m. Jen, with her husband David,
 welcomed Abriella Celeste to the world. She weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. and was 20 inches long.

I am so proud of both of these fierce mamas. And can't wait to meet their new additions!