Happy Halloween.

We had a nice night for Trick or Treating. It's a good thing too...because this year, Colin was like a machine. I think he would have kept going all night if we let him!

The Firehouse Parade.

Our good friend Bryan is a volunteer fireman, so he invited us to the parade and Halloween festivities at his firehouse! Colin had a real treat- he got to walk in the parade, meet some real firefighters, and Bryan let him sit in one of the trucks. And of course, he loved wearing his skeleton costume again. He really got his money's worth with this costume...and it isn't even Halloween yet!

 

See our little skeleton in the drivers seat?

Our friends and their son Ryan came too!

 Walking in the parade.

Tadads, The Italian Pretzel.

My family has this tradition that dates back to when my Grandfather was little, or probably even longer. We make Tadads. What are Tadads, do you ask? I'm really not sure how to explain. It's not a cookie. It's not cracker-like. They are not sweet. It's almost like a pretzel, but with no salt sprinkled on top. The dough is flavored with salt, white wine and fennel seeds. After the dough is made, it rests, and then it is rolled out into twists, then boiled and baked.
When I did a little reasearch about them on the internet, I found that they originate in Bari, Italy (which is where my Grandpa is from). From what I gather, their "real" name is Tarales. I'd be curious to hear why my family calls them Tadads. We've even seen them on the shelves at Wegmans in the Italian aisle.  All I know is, about half of my family loves them and about half of my family does not. I happen to be in the love category. Not only because I think they taste good, but also because it's a unique tradition that brings my family together!

Making the dough. 

 My Grandpa and his sister kneading the dough.

The rolling begins!

Colin rolls out his first Tadad!

 Waiting to be boiled.

 

The finished product.

 We took a break from the Tadad rolling, and Colin went out in the backyard to visit Emily's minis! 

Carving Pumpkins.

Colin and I went to my parents house to do some pumpkin carving. Our pumpkins came out pretty good, if I do say so myself!

Fun at Wegmans.

Wegmans has done it again! Seriously, can this store get any better?? They put on a cool little Halloween party for the kids, complete with cider and donuts, games, face painting, and pumpkin decorating. I loooove this store!

Our little skeleton.

Gone Fishin'.

Papa took Colin fishing! It was a nice night, but unfortunately no fish were caught. Oh well, a good time was had anyways!

Farm Boys.

Here are Colin and Austin at Gro-Moore Farms!

Garden Factory '11

The Garden Factory always has the best set-up for kids around the holidays! The fall festivities were fun...can't wait to see what they have in store for Christmas!

Colin with his Grandmas!

Papa took Colin in the "spooky" haunted house.

On a ride with Lily.

The three cousins on the spinning ride!

Three little pumpkins!