The Ghost of Halloweens Past!

I thought it would be fun to look back at Halloween pictures. Look at how the kids have grown!

2005

2006

2007

2008

2008

2009

2010

2011

The Candy Draft

It's time for the Candy Draft! All the candy is combined, and everyone takes turns choosing which pieces they want. Matt thinks there's as much, or more strategy involved in this draft as in his fantasy football draft! 

Halloween 2011

It was a cold, rainy night. But these excited trick-or-treators didn't seem to mind too much!

It's Pumpkin Carving Time!

Matt and the kids carved pumpkins tonight. Ella created her own design. Jake and Matt worked together to do the ghost.

(Now, without the flash...)

Fun At The Corn Maize

We had a great day with the family at the corn maize! It was the perfect October day.

The First Camping Trip Was Sucess

Even though it was super chilly, the kids did great on our first camping expedition. Jake's favorite part was roasting marshmallows. Ella's only complaint was the granddaddy long leg spiders in the bathrooms.

Preview to the Camping Trip

We are planning to take the kids camping this weekend. Matt and I haven't been camping since that frigid day in October 2000 when we realized too late in the evening that we forgot the sleeping bags. Ella has already said, "We're getting a campsite with electricity, RIGHT?" Haha! We'll be sure to post updates!

Happy Birthday Ella!

Ella Turned 7 yesterday so we took her out to dinner to her favorite restaurant. Happy Birthday Ella!!

2011 Triangle Area Ride for Kids Recap

This past Sunday was the 8th annual Triangle Area Ride for Kids out at Jordan Lake. There were over 760 participants in this years ride and we raised $109,824.00 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The weather was fantastic and the ride was a blast. I couldn't get a wide enough angle with my little point and shoot to capture all the motorcycles but you can see there was a sea of bikes at the event.

We had the Cary Police Escorting us on the ride with their spiffy new department motorcycles.

I had my bike all polished up and spiffy for the ride. Best looking bike there if I do say so myself ;)

If you look closely you'll see a goofy looking guy on the right side of the stage in the red and black motorcycle jacket. That's me. I was the Fifth Place Individual Fund Raiser at this years event and I got a little recognition for my efforts.

We heard from a parent of a brave kid who has been winning his fight against his brain tumor, and we heard from a doctor from Duke University who has been doing a lot of great research to fight these tumors. Then the kids presented the check for the foundation with this years total on it.

It was a great event and I just want to thank everyone who donated again for your generosity and support. Thank you so much for your help. These kids will all benefit from it through the programs and research funded by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
On behalf of my family and myself, thank you very much.

Jake's 4th Birthday

Jake turned 4 this month! We were going to have a party for him at Mrbles Museum in downtown Raleigh but a Tornado decided to come right through there the day before knocking out power and causing a bunch of damage. That left us to scramble and put together a party for Jake at the house. I dare say, I think we ended up with a better party as a result. Everyone had fun especially the birthday boy!

Meme made Jake a special Pirate Cake for his birthday!
Look at all the little pirates!
Jake and his buddies on the trampoline. A special thanks to our neighbors Joe and Jessica. They let us borrow their trampoline for the party. It was a huge hit with the kids and pretty much saved Jake's birthday party after the tornado kept us from Marbles.
Lots of Pirate stuff from Meme.
It's Capitan Jake!
Uncle Tommy made sure Jake was all set for a Clemson tailgate. Go Tigers! Grrrrr!
Jake is ready to hit the lake with his Spiderman Fishing pole.
It's Iron Jake! Jake loves Spiderman, but he is really into Ironman now too. Now he has a wicked cool helmet to fight crime with.

Great Wolf Lodge

Meme and Bob brought the whole family out to Great Wolf Lodge for a fun filled Family Vacation.

There was Pajama story time every night in the lobby...

Hey Jake! Pull the lever!

Dooohhh! Soaked!

Ella hanging in there.



Everyone had an amazingly good time. The water slides were some of the best we've ever rode. Thank you Bob! Thank you Meme!