And the Costume is...

Supergirl! Sorry to those that voted for Cookie Monster in masses, but Katie couldn't pass up wearing her favorite letter (and first learned) on her chest. See a short video clip above.

We had a fun Halloween. Dad was proud of his little crime-fighter. Perhaps next year (after Katie has mastered the stairs) we'll join in the trick-or-treating, but Katie had fun playing host to our steady stream of visitors all night. We bought a little too much candy (after running out last year), but became fairly popular with the kids when we later started giving out two handfuls.

More Nephew News...

Mike's nephew's, Tom’s, varsity 8th grade football won their Catholic League quarterfinal game 28-24 and play Saturday for the right to go to the title game. Here he is shown in one of his 7th grade games as quarterback (in white). Tom Brady? He wishes!

Happy "Devil's Night" everyone...

Who's That Guy?

We spent a crummy autumn day at home relaxing today. You have to be pretty creative when entertaining an almost-two-year-old inside all day - lots of book reading, dancing to the Wiggles, pushing matchbox cars around (vroooom!), and even some Sesame Street watching. Can you tell whom Katie is pointing to in this picture?

Oh, and this isn't necessarily a hint for Katie's costume...or it could be....

Hillmen History

Finally, a post about something other than the usual suspects...boring, old, us! Mike's nephew's, Ben’s, JCA Varsity soccer team won their Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional with a 2-1 victory over Crete Monee. This is the first regional championship in school history and they move on to Sectionals with a game Tuesday against Bremen High School. Good luck, Hillmen...

Update: JCA lost 2-0 to Bremen on Tuesday night, but that didn't stop Ben from a mention in the "Chicago Sun-Times" for a shot on goal during a flurry of shots in the second half. The Hillmen put together one of their best showings of the season in the second half, but couldn't get the ball past an excellent goal-keeper to make up an early deficit. Still, JCA is a Junior-led team and should return a strong club to the field next year.

Hard-Knock Life

Katie has it good these days.

Most weekends (and many weekdays) involve a trip to one of her favorite neighborhood parks.

While swinging is still part of the routine, the highlights now involve any push-toy that she can find.

Here's the spoiled princess after her park visit this afternoon (i.e., wiped out). Note the one pacifier in her mouth and one reserve in each hand. That's how Katie rolls!

Only a little over two months before evil Daddy takes the pacifiers away for good...

Uhmm-Mmmm

Our family visited a local church's pumpkin patch today to purchase our Halloween pumpkins (or as Katie calls them, "uhmm-mmmm"s). Katie had a lot of fun pushing and pulling one of the church's little red wagons before finally realizing that she was surrounded by some pretty cool pumpkins. She was really drawn to the tiny 50-cent ones that were more her size. We'll probably carve our picks later next week.

Speaking of Halloween, we've gotten a lot of votes on Katie's costume...thanks for your participation! It looks like Cookie Monster is the current popular pick. If you haven't already done so, please look to the right-hand column and cast your vote!

Eating Out of the Palm of His Hand

Uh oh, Daddy, look's like your little girl was flirting with the guys again. Then again, she'd do anything for some goldfish... Her buddy Charlie (almost 2 years) was more than happy to oblige today at playgroup.

Here she is jumping for joy over her goldfish. Tomorrow's a big day for both Katie and Charlie - it's time for their annual Halloween party. Stay tuned for some cute photos!