Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! The Spencer children had a weekend of spooky fun! It started on Friday as they ran the Subase Fun Run. Actually Mommy did the running and the kids took in the sights.



Sophia accesorizes by matching her stroller to her Bumble Bee costume. Gianni is not as worried about such things.



The Ladies of Leisure are not so leisurely as they get ready to run, with matching t-shirts and tiaras.


Now it is on to trunk or treat with the Family Readiness Group. Look at all of the decorated trunks!


The kids get ready to claim their booty.

Miss Jeanne went all out for this one.

Gianni helps himself...I don't think he actually said, "trick or treat." Sophia stands guard.

Mommy is dressed somewhat like a pumpkin.

The kids have fun with homemade playdough.

Sophia and Gianni settle in the scary grave yard.

Sophia wins "Best Costume" in the contest.

On Saturday, we began with a pancake breakfast with Clarissa and the girls.

Brooke, Sophia, and Eva are ready for their grub.

After a quick break, we are set to visit Haunted Happenings at Morton Hall.

The kids show off their fabulous costumes.

At the Nautilus Museum, Gianni is content just sitting with his balloon.

Sophia hangs out by the sub.

Mommy and Gianni try to not get blown away by the wind.

Next, it is time to get down to work and hit the streets.

Ahhh, finally the sweet taste of candy in the evening...

yes, we love to trick or treat!

Annapolis Trip

It was Brenda's 15 year college reunion, so she packed up the kids and headed to Annapolis. She stopped in New Jersey to join forces with former roommate Christa, her husband Jeremiah, and their children, Ben and Owen. Since Brenda is unable to remember her camera all the time, she had to rely on other former roommate Cheryl for pictures at the football game. Those pictures are forthcoming, so I hope to add to this posting! But for now...



Gianni enjoys a night cap by the fire.

Ben is a bit cameral shy, but Sophia is ready to pose.

Sophia and Gianni let off a bit of steam by running around Dahlgren Hall.

A scenic view of the Severn River, with Michelson Hall in the foreground. The mums are in full bloom.

Brenda and the kids pose in front of Tecumseh Monument, decorated for the football game.

One big cuddle!

Gianni decides to inspect a leaf...

and promptly loses it.

Sophia and Gianni think of Daddy as they check out the Submarine Memorial.

As we get ready to leave the yard, Bill the goat appears to jump from behind Gianni.

October Happenings

October was another very busy month. I decided to split it up into three different categories. In this section, you will see "all the rest." That is, you will see the things that we did that do not fall into the other two areas...Annapolis trip and Halloween.

We start with a trip to Sophia and Gianni's personal stylist, Miss Stephanie (after all, we have to look good for all of the upcoming activities).



Gianni gets a bit hot under the collar.



Then he decides to assist by combing his own hair. He likes to primp, just like Daddy!

Meanwhile, Sophia shows off her new hair cut as she plays with the dinosaurs.

Mommy celebrated the Navy's 224th birthday...

Brenda is ready for her Ladies Night Out as she joined Melanie, Heather and Casey. Unfortunately, she has no visual record of any friends joining her.

Our month would not be complete without a visit from the family.

Here, Papa shows his diligence as an expert babysitter. What are the kids up to, Papa?

Papa is still groggy, but at least we know the kids are alive.

Lastly, we headed to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center for the kids' regular CF appointment. The visits usually last a couple of hours, so the kids keep themselves entertained.

Look what we found!

Hello out there!

I'm here too!

Nonni's Birthday

Nonni celebrated her 89th birthday this year! We had a great time at the club.







Vincent, Michael and Sophia watch koi swim around.




Bella holds Gianni back...apparently he thinks the koi pond looks good for a swim.




What, I just want to take a quick dip!






One, two, three...whoa, there are just too many to count.

Happy Birthday Nonni!

Autumn...New England Style

There is nothing like fall in New England. Brenda and the kids have been enjoying every last bit of it (until the bad weather rolls in and we become miserable). We start with Sophia's first day of school.



I am ready to be an academician, Mommy.

Nana, Papa, Michael and Vincent visit for apple picking.

We head to Whittles Farm and find lots of yummy apples.

Papa gives Gianni a lift to reach the apples.

Sophia conducts a taste test.

Gianni and Mommy enjoy the sun.

Apples, apples, and more apples.

Gianni decides to feed the chickens. Unfortunately he comes across an impatient chicken.

Sophia also starts her dance class, where she learns tap and ballet.

Sophia in her new dance outfit.

The class starts out by stretching.

Twirling!

Next its off to Stonington Vineyard for the Wine Festival.

Brooke, Eva, Sophia and Gianni decide on something for lunch.

Mommy and Gianni soak up the sun...again.

See, we get along!

Next, it is off to Olde Mistick Village for the Garlic Festival.

The kids play under a tree.

Who needs toys when you have a box of golf balls?

Caught by the paparazzi in nothing but his undies!

One day of apple picking was just not enough, so we head out to Holmbergs.

Gianni shares his apple with Mommy.

But, he is not going to share this one.

I found just the right pumpkin!

The gang heads to Subase for Oktoberfest.

The kids have fun in the horse-drawn carriage.

I bet you did not know that bouncies originated in Germany.

Sophia and Gianni join the Tiny Reader book club.

Their first book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

And of course there is a yummy craft to go with it.

We head to Massachusetts for the weekend.

Mike gives Sophia a ride on his shoulders.

Back in Connecticut, it is fun at the Corn Maze with the Moms Club.

We set out to find our way through the maze.

Sophia and Ada try not to lose each other.

The day would not be complete without a trip to Cows and Cones.

Brooke, Eva and Sophia have no problem finishing their ice creams.

Evidently, Gianni does not either!

Time for fun on the hay ride.

Sophia and Eva find some pretty flowers.

Finally, a few videos for you to enjoy.

Hi Daddy!

The Hay Ride Dance.