Well first of all, the big news around here is that our little Ellie Belle has decided to go mobile.  It just happens to be the forearm crawl, but it means that pennies and poisons need to be kept up off the floor.  I guess it also means that a little more vigilance is in order around stairs and small objects.  With the newfound mobility comes exploration and the unwillingness to be picked up for even a second.  It also results in Thing 2 yelling, “Ellie!!  NO!!!”

Thanksgiving has come and gone and Thing #1 has turned five years old.   Birthdays are a big thing around here and T1 not only loves the planning and excitement, but he wants to call everyone and sing them Happy Birthday as well.  Happy Birthday Jakey!

Jake’s birthday and Thanksgiving means two more things – winter and SNOW!  We’ve had our first two storms now and the boys have found the absolute magic once more of sliding on tubes and playing in the snow.  The first snowman has yet to be built, but you can be rest assured that there are many prayers for “sticky snow”.  For now, the green grass has been transformed into a winter wonderland.

Lastly, the Hudson News reports that there is great dilemma in the Allan household.  While there was much planning and hoping to finish the basement for guest quarters, the contractor quotes brought a little sticker shock.  The question for you all is this: should they outsource the work and contribute to local Hudson employment, or should half-pipes be replaced by basements and the project be tackled by Danny.  Comments are very welcome!! 🙂

In July, we had one house. In August we had two … and today, we’re back to one again. While I wouldn’t wish a move on anyone, it does force you to go through everything you own and determine what you want to keep and what you don’t. The first 90% of your things are nicely boxed up and labeled appropriately, and the last 10% are simply thrown in the closest available box and sent on their merry way. Fun fun fun! For those of you who look for us on Thurstons Dr, you won’t find us there anymore. We’ve moved … 🙂

So the sunshine has finally broken here in Hudson after 26 straight days of rain.  Obviously, this requires us to be outside for all waking hours as we renew our levels of Vitamin D.  I know that there is rain in the forecast for tomorrow and the next day, but I can live with that as long as there is sunshine too.

Saturday found us down in Wakefield, MA where we were able to relax for the 8th largest Fourth of July parade in the United States.  My only complaint?  While there were lots of marching bands, clowns and fire engines, it was completely lacking in bagpipes.  There was not one bagpipe in the entire 2 hour parade.  It just wasn’t a real parade in my books … Apparently, they replace bagpipe bands with American muscle cars.  Oh yes, I have a second complaint – candy.  No one was throwing out candy.  Give me a parade on Foord street anytime.  Regardless, the boys had lots of fun and Jake happily blew his one note trumpet with all the bands as they went by. Smile! 🙂