Who says that Halloween has to be only one day?  We got a head start on the festivities (and some extra mileage out of those costumes!) today at the town's Spookeree Parade.  It's a nice little parade around the ball field at one of the local parks.

Even Grandma got in on the costume action!  When we first got there, it was a little disorganized.  It took a while for them to get everything together, so most of the kids were running around the playground.

Our Little Flamenco Dancer

Cute as a (Lady)bug!

Once they got everyone registered, they broke them up into two age groups, 2 - 5 and 6 and over.  I guess next year the girls might not get to march together?

After everything was all figured out, they finally got going around the ball fields.  Mommy went walking with the girls while I hung out with Grandma & PuPa, and took some pics.

After the parade there were prizes for each age group for cutest, most original and best costume.  Our little Ladybug brought home an honorable mention for Best Costume!  WAY TO GO ALLIE!!!!! 

Since we're all booked up between now and Halloween, we decided to get our pumpkin today.  Sophia started her 8 weeks in Gymnastics today, and by the time we got out, it didn't really pay to go to a farm, so we went to Stew Leonard's in Danbury.  You can't beat a $5 carving pumpkin, and all the free samples of their food that you can eat!  Plus we were able to get a nice little family portrait with a 1035 lb. pumpkin.  Who could ask for anything more?

I guess if you wanted to be greedy you could ask for pizza!  How about some home made pepperoni pizza made with the assistance of the two cutest sous chefs you could ask for?

Today was an Open House at the Carmel Fire Department.  It was a really cool way to spend the afternoon.   They had all kinds of activities for the kids, and Sophia and Allie really had a good time.

      Here's Allie and Sophia trying out the fire hoses.  

All of the local fire departments had equipment there.  There were fire trucks, ambulances (more than a few flashbacks for me!) HazMat trucks, etc.  We were able to check out all of the trucks, and the four of us even took a ride in the bucket of the Brewster F.D ladder truck.

Hey Dad, can I borrow the keys?

Only Sophia can make this look stylish!

Good one, Mom!

In addition to the Fire Departments, there were also demonstrations by the NY State Troopers, the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, and a fly over by the Carmel Police Helicopter.  The girls favorite part was a trailer that was a mock up of a house, just their size.  They had to go through and identify all of the fire hazards they could find.  They had stuff like matches laying around, a dish towel sitting on the stove, etc.  The sneakiest one, that got by most of the grown ups too, was a can of soda sitting on top of the TV.  If it spills into the TV it could spark and cause a fire.  Obvious once you see it, right?

What better way to end the afternoon than heading across the street to Scoops for a couple of milk shakes while the weather will still let you?

All in all it was a fun day for the girls, and us.   And, if you don't believe me, would this face lie????

Here are some more pics of the girls from Sunday.

Hey there!

Look, no hands!

Let me try that too.

Sophia & Tia Kathy

Allie & Tio Hector

Spooky!

You have a little something... right there.

Cherry Cheeks?

We spent last Sunday apple picking with Tio Hector, Tia Kathy, Christina & their family. A beautiful day, and we made sure to carry as many apples out in our bellies as we could!!  I even forgave Hector for planning this on the first day of football season.... once I watched the game on tape and saw the Jets win ;o)

I got some great shots, but am still working on them.  I just wanted to post this one of my three beautiful ladies, as a preview.

As you can see, I hang out with them because they make me look good!  People forget about my mug when I'm with these three.... even with the funny make up jobs.

More pics coming soon!

Here she is waiting for the bus with Allie, and her friend Alexa!  Allie doesn't look too thrilled to not be going with her!  We are so proud of our scholar.