zone defense: October 2016

october 29th - redneck pumpkin fest

We went to The Stewart's house today for a little pumpkin picking and outdoor fun. Alex got to ride in the back of a pickup truck and pick his own pumpkin (and one for mommy and gemma). He and Gemma had lots of fun on the trampoline and playing with Logan and Lucas.

october 28th - even superheroes go pee

The kids got to dress up at school today for their fall harvest festival. Alex was the best superman and Gemma had to split the role of Sky with her friend Reese. We think Gemma is one of the teacher, Miss Victoria's, favorite.

After their school party, we went into town for the Princeton Halloween parade. Had a snack and some hot chocolate and then marched from the square to the community center for a bit of a halloween carnival. Alex and Mommy stood in line for a while to get on some bouncy houses. Gemma was "coldy" so she and Daddy went to the bar for beer and chocolate cake.

Really great the town does these sorts of events. So many families and so many kids that it gave mommy angina.

october 27th - throwback thursday

We finally got to carving the gigantic pumpkin that Alex picked out at Johnson's Farm a couple weeks ago. Alex was a little mindful of getting dirty and used the spoon. Gemma shoved her whole arm inside. She would have climbed in if the hole where big enough.

october 26th - wacky wednesday

october 25th - pajama day

october 24th - spirit week

Today began Spirit Week at the kids school, with 'Pirate Day.' Alex wore an eye patch and Gemma channeled her best pirate girl. She also tried on her halloween costume to make sure it fits for Friday's harvest festival.

october 23rd - farm day...round 2

We went to Terhune Orchards today on a mission to get some apples. The kids got to see some animals and ride on cool farm vehicles.

Alex and Gemma made their very own video to wish cousin Ben a happy birthday.

october 22nd - re-engaging in life

Mommy and Daddy's new bed now fits the whole family with room to spare. Perfect for weekend cartoons. Gemma was Daddy's helper at the hardware store...she even took off her socks by the time we were done.

Uncle Frank and Aunt Amy came to dinner as our very first guests...even had an impromptu visit from Beeps and Grandpa for a nightcap. Grandpa had his 50th high school reunion...can barely tell the difference.

october 21st - the new 'hood

Friday night and had to get out of the house for a stroll into town. We played at a park on our street for a bit where Gemma was "flying" then made it out to dinner at Blue Point Grill. BYOB but a wine store two doors down...Princeton may not be so bad. Alex and Gemma were super excited to try a new ice cream place on the way home...Nina's Waffles. It was delicious and we are likely to return on a daily basis.

october 20th - tbt

Daddy found the business card of a photographer that took this photo of us all stuffing our faces with Lorenzo's at last year's italian market festival in Philly. She was more than happy to share it and wish us the best.

We got custom made handrails on our stairways today. They are pretty awesome, and why not custom made? Buying some off the shelf is against mommy's religion.

october 19th - just checking

Beeps and Grandpa stopped by on their way to dinner for a cocktail. Alex and Gemma gave them a tour of their house and rooms. Then, Gemma checked Grandpa's ears for was build up. All clear.

october 18th - self aware

Alex and Gemma run down the halls of their school and show us oictures of themselves all over the walls. Gemma is especially proud when she can pick out pictures of Alex. Pizza night at Nomad!! Our first walkable night out in town.

october 17th - more masonry

Daddy cooked the first meal in the new kitchen tonight...and we now have paths. Exciting.

october 16th - day at the farm

We had our annual day at Johnson's Farm with our friends. Gemma went all out on her outfit. Alex picked out the biggest pumpkin he could find and Daddy had to carry it back. Gemma was just there for the cider donuts...she wouldn't even participate in the game of duck duck goose going on around her until she finished.

october 15th - we live here now

Alex and Gemma are settling into the new house and they are already positioning for their favorite seat at the table. A fun morning opening boxes...like Christmas in October. Mommy went to Philly today for a spa day with Aunt Tracey, so daddy and the kids had some cousin time at Octoberfest in Veterans Park. Gemma enjoyed her ice cream.

october 14th - move in day

After one year and seven months of work and discussion and red tape and work and anxiety and research and work and excitement and some tears (mommy) we are FINALLY Princeton residents....or more officially Princeton squatters. First on the agenda, find Alex's crane amongst a sea of cardboard boxes.

october 13th - we have a yard

The masons finished our porches and the landscapers brought in topsoil. All the yard is seeded and daddy now has a new part-time job of watering dirt. Our yard no longer looks like a testing ground for missiles. All of a sudden we have a home.

october 12th - more lights

Mommy has taken over the guiness record book for the most chandeliers and light fixtures in one house. The kids rooms are ready, we have heat and hot water...getting close to moving in...at last.

october 11th - inseperable

Alex and Gemma are getting closer to to the living situation. They still have their moments, but it is amazing to watch them together. Alex is really starting to take care of Gemma.

october 10th - we have fire

Daddy is in NYC today but it didn't stop the progress at home. We officially have gas and the ability to make fire. Exciting!!

october 9th - surprise visitors

Gramps and Gradmom are back from their trip and came into Princeton to see Alex and Gemma's new rooms. They received the grand tour and once we got tired of sitting on the floor, we went to Witherspoon Grill for lunch. Alex ate all of his blueberry waffles and then took care of Gemma's. Halo Pub for ice cream was a special treat and Gemma treated it as such...didn't have any problem taking down an entire chocolate cone.

Also - Alex is still wearing his superman costume from yesterday. He loves it and refuses to take it off.

october 8th - a super birthday

Today, Alex was the biggest helper ever in doing yard work. He raked up so much stuff for us to clear out our front yard.

We went to the Dreby's to celebrate Kyle's 4th birthday. It was a superhero theme and the money Tracey spent on getting all the kids superhero costumes was more than worth it for Alex. He did not take it off all day and even wore it home in the car. It took some negotiating to get it off of him for bedtime.

october 7th - minor injury

Gemma and Alex had a bit of a collision in the backyard and left GemGem with a bloodied up fat lip. She was ok after a bit of cheese and crackers. Big day at the house today continuing to finish up interior work.

october 6th - mexican night

Gemma is getting a bit more comfortable with the morning commute, but chooses not to speak until she has had her morning coffee. Uncle Ryan, Aunt Erin, Ryleigh and Luke came into Princeton to see our new house and then we went to a Mexican feast at Tortuga's.

october 5th - walnut lane playtime

The kids are going to be disappointed when the house isn't a racetrack anymore for them to run around. They have been using mommy and daddy's bed as a jungle gym.

october 4th - happy birthday grandpa

Grandpa got a special apple pie for his big day along with Gemma singing him happy birthday. Super cute and lots of fun celebrating. Grandpa's birthday was overshadowed slightly by the fact that we got toilets today!! We can now poop in our own house. More importantly, mommy doesn't have to drive to The grocery store every time she needs to pee.

october 3rd - ice cream time

The kids had some special dessert at Thomas Sweets tonight after dinner. They are loving the fact that they will soon be able to walk there for ice cream.

october 2nd - breakfast buddies

Morning of cousin tine after Beeps' big birthday celebration. Magic carpet rides and flexing muscles made for a really fun way to drink coffee and work off hangovers.

october 1st - beeps' surprise

Uncle Mike, Aunt Amy and Ben came into town this morning to surprise Beeps and go to a special birthday dinner at Rats. The kids got a full day of cousin time and Ben was even introduced to a broader network of family. They all went to Uncle Ryan's house tonight to hang with all of the Burger kids. They had a blast and all three of then slept in the next morning.

zone defense