Halloweenies

We may not go door-to-door in quite the same way as when mommy and daddy went trick-or-treating as kids but it's every bit as much fun!  Instead of ringing the doorbells of the Jones, Smith and Johnson houses, we visit our beloved local retailers who doll up their windows, dress up to the nines and stockpile the candy for our little trick-or-treaters.  Sometimes its hard to tell who's having more fun, the kids or the grownups!

A local East Village shop decked out for the occasion 

(notice the tiny trick-or-treater inside).

Big Brother dressed up as (go figure) his fave Yankee Derek Jeter, while Little Sister went as the main character in her favorite book series Ladybug Girl. The resemblance is striking...makes sense that Ladybug Girl's name in the book is none other than...Lulu!

After a fun-filled trick-or-treating adventure through the East Village we arrived home to find our amazing downstairs neighbors bearing Halloween treats for the kids.  A squashy marshmallow pumpkin and Mickey Mouse lollipop delivered by our infinitely patient downstairs buddies (would you want to live underneath this family??) rounded out the loot and reminded us once again why we love it here.

Happy Halloweenie Everyone!!  

xx

The McHales

It poured last night!

So we went for a walk in our pajamas.

 And ladybug boots.

And the really huge umbrella Daddy bought to keep me dry.

-LuluMac

A birthday card for mama.

Artwork courtesy of Lulu.  A great day all around.

xx

Mama

Spooky!

The McHale Family Jack-o-Lantern: 2011.  Design by Cavan Shane Miller.  We think he did an excellent (and very spooky) job.

xx

Fall Fashion: Clover Louise Style

Who needs New York Fashion Week when Lulu is on the scene to tell you all you need to know! Miss Lu got a fabulous little denim Mexican dress for her birthday from our friend Jennine, but today she decided it just needed a little something extra to give it that je ne sais quoi.  She layered it with a long sleeved black tee, pink heart necklace and...

...black and pink star print leggings.

Later that day, while shopping for shoes for her big brother, she happened upon an incredible pair of cowboy boots!  She just had to have them!

After a very fashionable tour of the Farmer's Market, playground, and local ice cream shop, we had a very sleepy cowgirl on our hands.  Being the resident arbiter of high style is hard work!

xx

We're Halfway There!

We're officially halfway through "Grandma's Rocktober Challenge!"

Last year Cavan had a few, um, issues with remembering to write down his daily assignments and bring home all of the things he needed for his schoolwork.  To kick off the new school year Grandma came up with the idea of setting some goals for Cavan that, if achieved, would result in very cool rewards.  The first challenge?  Every day for the month of October, Cavan must remember to write all homework assignments and important test and quiz dates in his daily planner, plus bring home all materials needed to complete the day's homework.  For each day he completes this task he gets a sticker on the "Rocktober Challenge" calendar on the front door.

As you can see we have two full weeks of stickers which means Cavan is taking this challenge very seriously.  If, at the end of the month, there is a sticker on the box for every school day, Grandma has agreed to sign Cavan up for the new baseball league he wants to join.  YAY!

We look forward to celebrating the successful completion of "Grandma's Rocktober Challenge" because we're sure he will succeed.  And then it will be on to the next "Grandma" challenge!

Go Cavan! Looking forward to some serious skill building in 4th grade!

Columbus Day 2011: The Bronx Zoo

Lulu and Daddy had such a great time at the Central Park zoo recently that they decided a tour of the Bronx zoo was also in order.  It just so happened that Cavan had the day off from school for Columbus day so off they went.

Everything from tigers and elephants, to gorillas, giraffes and gorgeous birds were enjoying a beautiful Indian Summer day.

Cavan and Lulu take in the view.

Looks like one wild animal escaped his cage!

At the end of the day Lulu decided it was all too much and crashed in her stroller.  Big brother decided to climb up on a camel and enjoy a final view of the Bronx zoo.  By all accounts it was a great day and everyone slept very, very well that night.

Happy Birthday to Lu!

On October 5th Lulu turned 2!  She started the day off modeling her birthday outfit.  Lulu has developed a fondness for tutus and, naturally, a day as special as this would require one!

When Cavan got home from school the real festivities began.  On the menu for dinner?  Pizza of course!  Followed by a pistachio birthday cake from our fave local bakery Sugar Sweet Sunshine.  No one makes a better cake than Sugar Sweet!

The birthday girl admired, then blew out, her candles (with a little help from mom).  What did she wish for?  You'll just have to guess because the birthday girl's not telling!

After cake it was time to play.  While daddy kept her busy, mommy and Cavan quickly piled a big bunch of presents outside the bedroom door.  Surprise!

Lulu got so many wonderful gifts.  And while the glove, bat and ball set from big brother was a very close second...

...the runaway, hands down favorite of the day was definitely a miniature version of Lulu's stroller that she pushes her baby in up and down and up and down the hallway.

Happy Birthday Lulu.  We love you ladybug!

-Mommy, Daddy and Cavan