Happy birthday 3 year old

The birthday princess. I promise we're not grooming her for a pageant. This just kindof happened.

Getting in party mode!

The birthday tiara & jewelry, Rapunzel mini doll, and at the end of the day PJs and cupcake sheets were present highlights.

After several failed attempts, all three candles are finally out. Julia stares in disbelief. Those candles were tricky.

Taking a break from group Bella Dancerella to receive a birthday call from Lolo. We're not quite sure how that call ended- sorry Lolo!

Teresa was a solid birthday hostess. Thanks Grandmommy, Aunt Hilary and the cuz's for making the day so special!

Next year's Halloween costume?

Notre Dame/Maryland game

They got home after midnight. Oh to be the first child.

We had a fun afternoon of tailgating with the Forbes and running into some old ND friends.

This weekend is ND/BC. Sorry Jeff and Kate- go Irish beat Eagles!

Dinner table conversation

Teresa: "I've got a baby in my tummy."

Frankie (leaning toward T): "I'm gonna take your baby."

Teresa: "No! Don't take my baby, I just put it there."

Frankie (reaching under T's shirt): "I'm gonna take it!"

Teresa: "Well, I'm going to the store to get another one."

******

I stifled a smile hearing this. I couldn't help letting the exchange brighten my spirits a tad. I was still fuming from letting the tub overflow while Teresa was in it earlier, causing a waterfall from our basement bathroom ceiling. Let's see, water disaster number 36 in the Cook household? Does one need to call a professional when one knows water is in one's ceiling and walls? After the rain deluge months ago that left our basement flooded and ripped apart, I'm leaning toward letting tonight's water just dry on its own (will it?). Unless someone out there tells me otherwise.

Happy birthday sweet twins

Gracie and Julia turn five today. What would we do without them?

There'd be no impromptu sippy cup parties on Christmas Eve...

...or tea parties or ballet practices...

And who would we trick-or-treat with?

Life without these two princesses would be dreary indeed. Happy birthday!

Getting in the trick or treat spirit

Our smiley jack-o-lantern, pre-decomposition. Has anyone else had this problem with the warm, wet weather? Had to throw him out a couple days ago, poor guy.

Lola's new "do" put us all in the Halloween spirit. It actually lights up!

Too bad, the "do" isn't permanent. Lola and Frankie sharing a moment after Mass.

Our little Lori Mitchell collection of Halloween figurines. She's a folk artist from Georgia.

Great gift ideas. Check her out!

Dave's Moment of Fame

ABC 7 News ran a highlight of the Youth Leadership Foundation last week. Congrats on a job well done!