Happy Halloween 2008

Although the calendar says that today is Halloween, we actually had trick-or-treats last night. This year, Jordi decided to be an Indian - big thanks to Nana & Grandad for the accessories and to Grandma Henri for the dress - and Caroline is a cowgirl princess (Note the combination of a princess dress and pink cowboy hat with a crown on top - all her ideas!)

As becoming our custom, Dad was in charge of dispensing candy from the front porch. This year, although it's not very visible here, he's even wearing a costume! That green apron should look very familiar to most of you, so I'll just let you figure out what he's supposed to be...

One of our favorite places to visit for trick-or-treats is across Lexington Avenue to little Emily's house! She is so sweet to both girls and always has an extra special treat to put in their buckets. What a cute crew!

I love to get a picture with the jack-o-lantern! Due to Aunt Donna's influence, we actually had two giant ones this year. Aunt Donna carved the face on this one according to Jordi's specifications: triangle eyes, triangle nose, and a big smile with NO teeth (so it won't look spooky, she said).

UK 21 - Arkansas 20

What a difference a week makes! This past weekend brought a complete turnaround in both the weather and the outcome of the game. Last game, we couldn't sit in the stands for how hot the sun was at game time. This time, you'll see us all in hats & gloves trying to keep warm! Welcome to fall weather in the Bluegrass!

This week, we had a special guest of honor at our tailgate: a giant cooked PIG! In honor of our Razorback opponents, we joined with our 2 neighboring tailgate groups to participate in an old fashioned pig roast. Each group provided their own sides, and we split the main course 3 ways. It was incredibly delicious!

Here's Caroline, keeping warm while enjoying her own tailgating snack: fruit, crackers, and cheese.

After missing the last home game, we were very happy that Aaron and his girlfriend, Megan, made the trip from Indianapolis. It's one of the many reasons we enjoy football season so much - getting to see our favorite uncle so often!

Here's Chris & Jordi, keepin' the streak alive! Perhaps you remember Chris' effort to get Jordi on the jumbotron each game from last season... it's still going! I took this picture after their most recent victory. (I think that's a look of relief on Chris' face that he didn't have to hoist his 40 pound kid over his head anymore!)

As the game didn't start until 7 pm, the girls & I left shortly after halftime. It was getting really cold by then, and we were were getting pretty tired. I think I didn't warm up until the next morning! Let's hope that the last two home games in November are day games!

UK 17 - South Carolina 24

This past weekend was another football Saturday in the Bluegrass. Although the outcome of the game wasn't ideal, the weather sure was; we had a glorious blue sky and loads of sunshine all day long!

This is such a great picture of the girls - too bad that half of it is so shady! It's not every day that I get both girls to smile so nicely!

This is one of my favorite vantage points from which to take a father/daughter picture. So sweet!

Once in the stadium, we girls discovered that the sun was going to be bake us to a crisp if we stayed in our seats very long. In this picture, Caroline's vainly trying to keep the sun out of her eyes..

Ahhh, sweet relief! We ladies - Nana, Susie, Megan, Aunt Donna & me - quickly got ourselves & the kids out of the hot sun. We spent the majority of the first half here on the concourse, enjoying the lovely shade & cool breezes. (We weren't alone either; there were lots of other moms & kids down there, too!)

A busy morning of tailgating sure can tucker a person out! We girls returned to the tailgate after halftime. I'll admit that I was as tired as Caroline is in this picture, and managed to catch a few zzz's, too, while I sat with her asleep in the car.

Thank goodness that next week's game is at night; I don't have the stamina for any more day games!

Dinner Cruise on the Cincinnati Belle

You may remember a similar picture of Chris & I from this time last year:

Here we are posing on the deck of the Cincinnati Belle riverboat with the Ashland bridge in the background. The occasion was that we were once again invited to attend the annual meeting of the Ashland Alliance, which happens to be held - luckily! - aboard this lovely boat. It was a fantastic evening: great weather, delicious food, plus the company of many good people. I'm quite sure that we weren't the only one who had a wonderful evening!

Congratulations, Leslie & Mick!

Last weekend, Mum, Donna, & I traveled to North Carolina to attend a family wedding. Cousin Leslie finally tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend, Mick! Their wedding was held at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center in Cary, NC, a charming historical building with a lovely garden & grassy area.

The ceremony was held outside under a picturesque gazebo with all the guests watching from the grassy area inside the garden square. The evening air felt wonderful, and the gardenias made it smell wonderful, too! Here's a picture of the happy couple after being introduced for the first time as "Mr. & Mrs. McCoy!"

Weddings always provide excellent opportunities for family photos. These are cousin Patti's children: Matt (12), Emily (14), Chris (12), and Molly (22). The last time I saw these good-lookin' kids was six years ago when Chris & I got married - they sure have grown up!

Speaking of growing up - look at us now! (left to right) Patti, Donna, Leslie, Deb, and Lisa. (note to Renee and Tony - where were you??!) There aren't many people that I can say I've known for my whole life; that's just one of the reasons that makes being all together so special!

And this lovely dancing lady is big reason we all feel so special when we're together - Aunt Edie, you're one-of-a-kind and we all love you!

On a lighter note, the food was fantastic! Everything was very delicious and very foodie - just check out the "horns" on this this "devil" egg!

Congratulations are due to this happy couple, too! Cousin Deb and Miguel are planning to wed in April 2009 on a plantation in Louisiana. I can't wait to see everyone again so we can pick up where we left off this past weekend!