Aaargh Matey! Happy Halloween!

Nothing beats trick-or-treating in 70 degree weather. That's one thing Columbia has up on the northeast. No need to wear a coat over (as I always told mom, that defeats the purpose of wearing a costume), or bulky long johns or turtlenecks under, your costume.



As you can see, all three of my boys were pirates this year. Unbeknownst to us, across the pond in London, Uncle Ben was a pirate this year too!



The littlest two rode in style to go trick-or-treating. It's a good thing too, because Milo repeatedly complained about his legs getting tired when he was walking and hauling his candy basket.



Calder dug into the loot early, while no one was looking. While he enjoyed this lollipop immensely, nothing compares to Calder's satisfaction when he finally ripped open a Reese's peanut butter cup (after smashing the wrapper repeatedly) and stuffed it into his mouth. Sorry we didn't get a picture of that.



Milo was quite a sight to see once he'd had some candy after we returned home. He brandished his sword wildly, jumping up and down on the sofa, and singing loudly. Whoa.

Country Adventure

Milo went on his first school field trip today, to a pumpkin patch and petting zoo. During the first part of the trip the kids were able to pet and feed animals. Because of the unseasonably frigid weather down here in Columbia, Milo was rather cold and not too enthusiastic. His interest peaked and his smile broadened, however, when he got to pet "Smudge" the bunny rabbit. Next up on the trip was the hayride. This was a bit more fun, as the ride was rather bumpy and some of the kids compared it to riding a roller coaster. Milo got a souvenir baby pumpkin, which he proudly picked out and then complained about his hands being cold. The morning finished with snack time by the pond. Milo snacked with his friends as Calder napped in the sling.

Way Too Cool

Milo and Calder are showing definite signs that they are Weinberg Boys. Like their father and Uncle Ben before them, they think they are just too cool.

South Carolina State Fair

Yesterday we went to the fair and had a fabulous time.

Highlights include riding the ferris wheel together as a family, Justin and Milo plummeting down the log flume, Calder and Milo riding the carousel, Milo's face as he rode his first roller coaster, Milo driving a bumper car for the first time, hearing cows "Moo" up close and personal, feeding and touching various animals in the petting zoo, and looking at all the beautiful bunnies in the small animal exhibit.

Oh, and did I forget to mention the funnel cake? Daddy made sure we ate lots of fair food that I normally would not let my boys eat. Calder, especially, could not get enough of the funnel cake and Milo ate so-o many french fries. I was partial to the frozen bananas, inciting many an "Arrested Development" reference by Justin. We all had a grand time.

Visit to Williamsburg, Virginia

In the first week of October we were fortunate that Daddy had a philosophy conference to attend at the College of William & Mary. We tagged along for the seven hour drive and visited with our good friends in Williamsburg. Despite the torrential rain that was pelting Williamsburg that weekend, we managed to have a wonderful time visiting with Hannah and her parents, as well as the rest of the old gang, which we saw at Devon's 2nd birthday party.

Milo had his first sleepover with Hannah and each took turns chatting through the night.

Calder loved playing with Hannah's play-doh and with her water table indoors because of the rain outside.

We loved how happy Milo was to see his friends and he has been talking about his trip to VA ever since. When Milo's teachers at school asked where he went on vacation, Milo replied: "To Hannah's house."

Bathtime Together!

Recently we have started bathing the boys together and oh what fun it is! So much splashing and shrieking! It is nice to see the boys having fun playing together. It also is particularly funny to hear Milo complain about the extent to which Calder is splashing him. Payback is sweet.

Birthday Celebrations

We celebrated Calder turning one and Milo turning three by having all of the grandparents down for a visit to sweltering Columbia, as well as dear Auntie Alli (pronounced "Annie Awie" by Milo, even though he can enunciate "Auntie" correctly with the best of British accents), for a little family party. Calder definitely liked his chocolate birthday cake, demonstrating that he can use a fork successfully when properly motivated. Auntie Alli got everyone, including Oom-Poppa and Grandpa, to play pin the tail on a giant donkey.

Auntie Alli and Gramma were with us for a week, making it very difficult for the boys to stomach just Mommy and Daddy once everyone else had gone home. In addition to the actual party for the boys, we visited the zoo, EdVenture, and the splash park.



The rest of the birthday celebration photos are here.