Pumpkin Day

Maddie gets out of school early on Wednesdays, so we took advantage of the extra hour and carved pumpkins. Maddie and Izzie each had their own pumpkin and designed their own "happy face" as Izzie calls it. She gets really excited about pumpkins with "happy faces". Good thing since she'll look like one soon!

Maddie went a little crazy with the Sharpie and was drawing eyelashes, etc.

Izzie didn't want to pose for a picture with her pumpkin. I'll try again later.

October Break in York

Luke made it back from Melbourne just in time for October Break. He wasn't thrilled about the idea of getting on another plane so we took the train to York for a long weekend. As much as we enjoyed York, we really enjoyed spending time with our Dad.

First stop, York Minster.

Second stop, the Shambles.

Next, Clifford's Tower.

Cute smiles at the York Castle Museum

Playing in a viking ship at the Yorkshire Museum

Last stop, Betty's - a famous tea room.

One Word...

... MASCARA.

Zoo Day

Before Charlie started school, he and his mom, Katy, invited us to go to the zoo with them. As much as Izzie and Charlie enjoyed seeing the animals, they really loved riding the carousel!

Shopping with Fancy Nancy, Again!

Our good friend, Nancy, recently moved back to the States. Before she left, Nancy and Maddie planned their second annual shopping trip to Little India. Maddie came home with new clothes, bindis, and bangles. Even Izzie got some little bangles, too!

Maddie's Trip to the Palace

Every summer while the Queen is on holiday in Scotland, they open the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace to visitors. Since Luke was in Australia on business, we had an extra ticket and invited our favorite neighbor, Shannon, to go with us. Maddie was extremely disappointed that the Queen wasn't there to receive her. Maybe next time!

Izzie and Trevie

Just a cute photo of Izzie and her friend, Trevie. They made tables out of baskets and had a snack while they watched a cartoon. They always look forward to spending time together!

Priorities - Pasta, Pool & Pizza

Considering the fact that I haven't looked good in a swimsuit since I was four, I find it ironic that I am such a big fan of beach holidays.

We wake up, we eat breakfast, we hit the pool or the beach, we eat lunch, we relax in the warm sun and have ice cream, we bathe, we eat dinner, and finally, we sleep! Occasionally, we take a morning to explore or do a little sightseeing, but by afternoon, we're back in our swimsuits.

In August, we went to the Emerald Coast in Sardinia for a few days. We had some serious priorities - pasta, pool and pizza. We did, however, find some time to go to Porto Cervo and see where the rich and famous park their yachts.

Maddie's "This is Me" Pose

Izzie loving every minute

Maddie's sand castle and beach pose

Izzie playing on the life guard boat

Yet another glamour girl pose

Izzie modeling the latest fashion

Porto Cervo

Marina in Porto Cervo

Expensive boutiques in Porto Cervo, including Kristina T

(a special photo for Aunt Kristina)