Hodge Podge and Halloween

I thought it had been a long time since my last post, but end of September really wasn't THAT far away. Okay, it's been a busy 2 months and I figured I'd get another update in before the holidays.
1st on the docket: Great Wolf Lodge
It was still pretty warm out for an indoor water park, but that's when the good deals are! The Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg is only 10 minutes away. We stayed only one night, but managed to have a lot of fun. Yes, I took all the pictures, but I did manage to squeeze in a facial at the spa there. We spent most of the time in the water, but there is an arcade, a craft/play room, a mini golf course and more.


Ew...I really should have edited out that lady's butt.




Joe's friend Scott from Miami days was in town and stopped by.
"Blackouts" are big deals in our house, mostly due to that Curious George episode where the sun can cook a lasagne. Hmmm. Can you find Robin in this picture?
Here, let me help with the flash.
Along with the start of preschool, we also signed Robin up for a trial at a karate studio. Alas, this was no YMCA or Community Center Karate...it was the real deal. Seriously, they told us to have him wait a few months and then come back when he has more self-control. Ha ha ha ha ha. The sad part is he tells everyone he meets, "Hi. My name is Robin and I'm 3 and a half, and I go to school and karate." That's okay, we're back at gymnastics and I think Coach Brandy was happy to see him. He loves her.
Big Papa had business in the area so the grandparents came to visit for a while. Here they are whittling wood.
We brought Abuela to "Pumpkinville" and wasn't as scared this year. Had to ditch out on the corn maze when you could hear the creepy music though.
Tractor hay ride and silly faces.

Hanging out at "The Mill" at Kingsmill Resort. Beautiful day for it!
And then walking down to the marina to skip rocks and play in the sand.
Do you believe it was still in the 80's in October? We went to the beach.
And chased a cardboard box until it hit shore to see if there was anything in it. Nope.
Dziadziu stopped in for a quick visit.
This year's Halloween theme in the Meuse house was Star Wars. Robin is Jango Fett or Boba Fett depending on his mood.
All ready to walk in to school in costume.
The boys getting ready for the Halloween parade.
Robin's class.
Ready for Busch Gardens in Skeleton garb that Grammy sent.

Abby Cadabby

Gram also sent a cupcake kit. Fun & Yum.
Joe's work had a Halloween party.
Robin & Griffin ready for trick-or-treating.
This year there was no messing around. He was the first kid to the door and the first kid done and ready for the next house, complete with "trick-or-treat" and "Thank you".
Joe & Michelle.
Princess Leia and the bounty hunter.

Best costume yet!

Cuttyhunk & family

Okay, I realize this is less and less a blog and more and more a photo album...but that's okay.
We have taken quite a few plane rides since Robin was born, but never have we gone away for a few days without visiting family. And even this time, we still managed to squeeze them in.
The ferry ride to Cuttyhunk Island was crazy! This was the day after the hurricane that never seemed to hit shore, so the seas were pretty rocky. These pictures were taken before it got rough. We had to hold on for dear life, so taking photos wasn't an option.


Here is a view from inside the house. You can see John, Colin, Robin & Joe hanging out.

Here is the giant house we shared with the Hellers.

Robin & Morgan digging in the sand. That first day was pretty windy for the beach, but we went anyway. It reminded me of my childhood on the Cape. I loved spending hours at the beach just playing in the sand, the water and finding ocean discoveries everywhere I went. Glad Robin had a chance to do that.

The house had tons of board games to play. This was part of one that just looked too cute on him.

I love this off beat photo of Robin, Morgan, John and Laura in her hat.

Surfing with Dad or Trying to stand on a boogie board



Our spot

Clamming with John & Colin

Sunset from the top of the island

View from the house

Robin took this one


Robin tries out my brother's new motorcycle

and then off to the park with Mom, Dad, Justin

and Grammy

Next stop...Big Papa & Abuela's house before coming home.

Big Papa is taking a stab at golfing now, so it was fun to head to the range for mini golf and practice.

Son & Mom enjoying the day and each other. Aww.

School, friends and fun

Okay, the big day arrived...Robin's 1st day of preschool. He didn't seem nervous at all and was pretty excited. I did well, but did have to use the cell phone immediately after dropping him off. First call:Joe...but he was in the middle of a meeting, 2nd call:Mom. She empathized and just warned me that high school and college graduation will be worse. He's growing up. So, it went well. I only teared up, no tears for him, and I ran about a million errands before throwing the groceries in the fridge in order to pick him up in time. I can get used to that break. The second day I even took a yoga class.

Ready to walk in to school.

He starts his day in the playroom complete with water table and more. The nice thing about school is that it is a Co-Op and I volunteer about once a month. Today (9/23) was my first day as a helper parent. I really enjoyed seeing him in the environment, and getting a feel for how their day goes. I used to be a preschool art teacher and I think I forgot how much fun it can be. Yes, I'm one of those people who actually likes other people's kids too.

Tom, Amy & Olin came by to see us late last week. Amy had work in Yorktown so down came the whole crew. We had a great time and I think we should have been better about taking photos, but I squeezed in a few.

Yes, that is a child's play hard hat that Tom is wearing.


Watch out, kids, there's a new Bounce House in Williamsburg. It really is the cleanest, best one we've been to. It's great for super hot days (Today is 95 degrees! Yesterday we went to the beach.) and when it starts to get very cold too.

Sunday we took advantage of Member Appreciation weekend at Busch Gardens. Still warm out, Robin got soaked, played hard, rode rides, played balloon darts and ate sweets. We got $30 in free gift cards to Lowe's. Thanks, BG.




The swings were one of my favorite rides when I was a kid. Robin meets the height requirement, but of course he wanted Dad to ride. I'll get a turn next time.

Ooo, I got to go to a "yoga" concert Tuesday night. It was awesome! I had the lyrics to one of her songs henna tattooed on my belly when I was pregnant.