Topeka Zoo

You may be aware that I am not an animal person.

It was my suggestion, however, that we take advantage of this wonderful November weekend and hit the zoo this morning while, presumably, everyone else was sleeping or at church.















I have to admit, it's not half bad when 1) we're the only ones there and 2) the ratio of parent to Duke is 1:1. Under these circumstances, I would go again.

Upsidedownhatjammies.

He wants to wear them every night. He calls them his upside down hat jammies (and runs it all together real fast like) because there are some winter hats (and ear muffs, etc...) that are upside down from his vantage point. I don't mind the obsession because he still looks little to me when he has them on:

Breakfast conversation:

Ian: "Mom, are there a yot of wires and pyugs behind the t.v.?"

Me: "Yes."

Ian: "Would it be a huge probyem if I unpyugged them?"

Me: "Yes, yes it would."

Batter Up

My Favorite Costume

His mother wrote in an e-mail:

"Jake wants to be Ringo Starr for Halloween -- the early years, not Sgt Peppers shiny pink suit Ringo or post-trippy trip to India maharishi Ringo -- we're talking black suit, black tie, etc."

This kid's mom is, well, cool (obviously) but more importantly hilarious! So happy she's a friend and that she gave her approval for me to share this picture with you.

A Serious Interview

A Fireworks Sound

Maybe the tide has turned...

...or maybe the secret is just letting them eat candy all day.







Either way,



my sweet, sweet boys were back yesterday...





...and we didn't have to wait long this morning (5:30 am) to find out that it was for more than one day only!





With a rocky start to the holiday during Halloween cake with friends at J&S (it always baffles me the events that can become so emotional!), the Dukes rallied after naps to make it through trick-or-treating at the fire station, the fire chief's house (he was excited to see Ian's costume!), our friends the Kelley's, our friends the Coons' and a chili dinner and walk through Andrew's neighborhood with still more friends. Joe and I were exhausted at 10:00 last night when we got home. Yes. Bed time of 10:30. It was a gorgeous day; the weather was perfect, the children were well behaved and the wine was poured.

Please be kind to us, November. Cause if you're anything like October, Joe and I will be completely gray by Christmas.