Happy Halloween!

Well, sort of. The boys refuse to wear costumes this year. Sam has been saying for weeks that he didn't want to be a pumpkin. We must have really scarred him last year. Even though we told the boys that they didn't have to be what they were last year, they remained obstinate.

The best we could do is get them to wear name tags to trick people into thinking they were the other brother. And even then, not really. Sam refused to wear his yesterday at Amelia's party. And today, we had to bribe them with the promise of cookies to wear the stickers. And these are kids who love stickers!

Nice sunglasses though.

But if Sam and Otis refuse to dress up, no problem. Because Carrie and Amy F are more than willing to pick up the slack and dress up ... as Sam and Otis!

The preparation for last night's party at Sean and Rebecca's. Perfect.
(photo by Amy)

Give me that train!

Buses!

Aunt Amy, Cousin Leah, Princess, the boys, and I visited downtown Brooklyn to see old buses on the first Sunday in October.

Otis was a bit intimidated by the large steering wheel.

Hey Otis - check out the dog right behind you!

Sam loved the yellow bus.

Otis was having a moment.

Otis did one of his patented fall backwards protest.

Sam was left to wonder what the heck was wrong with his brother.

Oh Otis.

He eventually calmed down and we walked a block to check out the annual Atlantic Antic. After eating some lunch in front of the former detention center, the boys and Princess enjoyed a moment.

Bye Cousin Leah. See you next year! Have a good time in India!

A Trip to Stone Barns

Usually I like to post the photos I take in order. But somehow I missed some photos from early October. So the next two posts are a bit out of order. This first installment is from a trip to Stone Barns. Sujan and I hadn't been there since 2009 and it was fun to get back. Thanks again to Nena for hooking us up!

We didn't get too many good pictures on this venture. But we did get a few.

Upon arrival, the boys enjoyed some yummy apple cider.

On our way out, Sam posed by the blue tractor while Otis and I were trudging through mud and looking at cows on our way to the car.

Yo Gabba Gabba, Take 2

For the second straight year, we took the boys to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live. We talked it up for weeks and the boys were excited.

Although while we were waiting for the subway, the boys were pensive. Otis even said he didn't want to go.

Sujan scored us some amazing tickets in the 6th row. Brobee!

Sam was fine for the first couple of minutes until the streamers were shot out. He thought it was firecrackers. He hates firecrackers.

Sujan convinced him to stay for another minute but then he had a meltdown.

Otis watched the first half with this exact same pose/look on his face.

Sujan wandered the lobby area with a miserable Sammy.

For the 2nd half, Sujan was on Otis duty. He wanted to leave though and they left right after Biz Markie. I was up in the 3rd level because Sam kept saying he wanted to go upstairs.

Although what he really wanted to do was hang out in the lobby and not be anywhere near the performance.

We left before the show was over. Over the past 10 days, they have repeatedly mentioned how they didn't like the show. They say they only like Yo Gabba at home. What's the deal?

A Visit Upstate

It had been too long since we had seen our pals Jim, Pam, Nora, and Miles. The last time we saw them, they lived in Brooklyn. Now they live somewhere upstate. Far far away.

Over Columbus Day Weekend, they had a number of people over.

Sam was excited to take the trip. He loves Ping Pong.

Trampoline time! Sam immediately liked it.

Otis had to get the hang of it before fully agreeing to like it.

Takedown!

Still unsure if he liked it.

This might not help.

Jumping Sammy

Getting off the mat.

Finally coming around.

Finally loving it.

After trampoline time, it was football time. Can you spot the Otis?

Through the magic of photography, it looks like Otis is about to complete an amazing pass.

And Sammy caught it! The magic of photography!

Multiple Choice

The following picture shows:

A. Otis tossing a perfect spiral over Sam's head.

B. Sam throwing the ball straight up in the air.

Otis has to learn that crying doesn't help with the tackling.

After football, it was movie time with the big kids. Otis cuddled up with Nora.

The next morning. More trampoline fun with Nora and Miles.
(photo by Pam)