Happy Halloween!

Another Halloween has come and gone. Russell was Lightning McQueen from "Cars" and Punky reused Russell's James the Red Engine from last year. The kids gobbled up their M&Ms, Skittles and lollipops, while we gave away all the other candy they received.

This year, we took the kids trick-or-treating to both Bay Farm and Fernside. We liked Bay Farm because it was calm and we got to see the Johnny Depp-lookalike do his Pirates of the Carribean schtick. On the other hand, Fernside was completely overrun with hordes of children who cross over from Oakland. And I have to clean up the candy wrappers these kids drop all over our lawn.

Punky lines up at his preschool's Halloween Parade

The Brewster Boys get ready to go Trick-or-Treating

Along the way, Russell spots his favorite car (a yellow Mini Cooper)

Punky to Russell: "Let's go get some M&Ms!"

Halloween Preview

Our neighbors the Amans recently came over for dinner and to carve pumpkins. For the kids, Halloween is one of the biggest events of the year. They can't stop talking about their costumes and trick-or-treating. Strange, since the kids don't eat candy. This year, Russell is going to be Lightning McQueen and Punky will be a cowboy. Pity they couldn't reuse last year's costumes.

We carved the pumpkins in our backyard

Punky holds onto his tiny pumpkin while Jenny carves away

The spooky results

The Diaper Chronicles: In Praise of Punky

I am pleased to report that Punky has mastered the art of using a toilet. In record time (less than two weeks), Punky now asks to go to the bathroom for both #1 and #2. More importantly, this saves me roughly $1 per day in diaper expenses.

Punky will still be wearing a diaper at nighttime, but during the day we'll send him to school wearing his underwear. For the record, Punky is 3 years and 1 month old. Please join me in congratulating Punky for this remarkable achievement.

Punky is pleased to learn that he is eligible to join the He-Man Bathroom club

Punky drums a tune as a diaper-free kid

The benefits of toilet training include more time to eat ice cream

Punky has also mastered the art of eating donuts on a rope

Punky to girl: "Excuse me, is this the way to the bathroom?"

Busy Again

The last couple of weeks have been crazy, both at work and at home. I haven't had a chance to relax on the weekends, either. I just joined a gym, so I've been working out during the only free time I have all week: from 10PM-12 midnight. That's one of the reasons why I haven't posted much the past 2 weeks. I'll try again later this week. I've taken some fun pictures the past few weekends.