So Proud

Voya, the restaurant Rob has been working so passionately on for the last year, is up and running. Very smoothly, it would appear, as judged by this amazing first review in today's Westender. Congratulations Rob!

http://www.westender.com/articles/entry/five-star-voya-is-worth-the-long-wait/

Pre-Halloween Fun

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."

"Oh? Did you say that's a Christmas song? I never knew, and evidently the kids don't either..."

There is lots of spooky energy spiriting its way around our house. Not surprising for two very spirited kids, of course.

Today was "Daddy Day" (Lord, that makes it sound like we're divorced not just that I'm a restaurant widow!) We went to the pumpkin patch for a whole lot of fun; warm donuts being one of them.

It did not disappoint. The weather was fantastic, the pumpkins were abundant, the mud was deep and the line ups were manageable.

Oh yeah, and the hay was dry and oh-so-throw-able!

Until Mia had had enough. It's going to be a busy week!

Turkey day

I must admit, I have always loved Thanksgiving. I love the turn of the season, the change in the local harvests, the return to the school year and the celebration of family. To me, an occasion in which we get together simply to be together and count our blessings is itself, a blessing. There are no grand expectations except of a moist turkey, heaps of stuffing, pickles (of course), pumpkin pie and a house full of love. This year was no disappointment. In fact it was one of the best we've had in years. The kids are finally old enough to entertain themselves and each other fairly harmoniously and so we were able to eat and chat in peace.

And so with this strange virtual genre of blogging, I thank each of you; family, friend, reader or passer-by for all that you are and all that you do. May your days be filled with joy and your soul rest contented while you sleep. Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to you all.

Happy 4th Lucas!

We celebrated Lucas' 4th Birthday in grand style as usual. We had 21 kids, many more adults and a whole bunch of laughs. Lucas' chosen theme of a bike party went over well. The kids and parents did a great job of decorating bikes, scooters and ride-ons and then had a wild, multi-speed parade down to the school where the kids rode around a pre-set course in happy delirium. Even better was that the parents got to watch the event while sipping hot coffee.

After a frenetic lunch the young ones whacked an unsuspecting Lightening McQueen pinata and were whisked away in a sugary blur. Aaahhhh.. another one hits the dust.

These two fantastic photos are taken by our good friend Jeff Ow, not me, as you may be able to tell. Any of you young enough to be getting married or lucky enough to be getting married again (hahaha!) should check out his really fantastic photography.

Isn't this an amazing shot?

Mia, Rob and Jeff relax at the park

The birthday boy and lots of cake fans.


There's nothing quite like waking up the next morning to new toys.