Halloween Fun

Right now Mom and I are enjoying all our October Favorites. Movies, candy, baseball; we have been overindulging in the perks of the month.


Post season baseball has been amazing, and the Yankees are doing AWESOME! Thanks to my support they will most likely make it to the World Series. The only thing I am not thrilled about is adjusting to watching baseball on East Coast time. I rarely am able to watch a full game since most don't start till my bed time. Regardless, I am still a fan and enjoy watching highlights on Sportscenter in the mornings.

The cold weather has pressured Mom to explore indoor activities. At first I was a little hesitant about the idea, but I started gymnastics classes this past week and am LOVING it! Being stuck indoors can be fun after all!!!

Because I only have class once a week Mom takes me to open gym at the Dublin Rec Center whenever she can. This week we went to Open Gym Family Night and I got to run around and play with all sorts of things. I had a lot of fun working on my somersaults, but still have a long way to go...

With Halloween rapidly approaching Mom decided it was time to finally carve our pumpkins. We set out our equipment on the front porch one morning and went to town.

I DID NOT like the pumpkin guts that Mom pulled out of the pumpkins, and kept my distance until it was all cleaned up. Since I didn't want to touch anything I quickly assumed the position of "creative director" and instructed Mom on how I wanted her to carve the pumpkins. Smiley faces are much more welcoming than the scary ones, so I thought they would balance out the creepiness of the skulls, pirates, and spiders we used to decorate the front porch. Both Mom and I were really impressed when we they were complete.

While we busy tending to the pumpkins Macie did what she does best and slept.

Dad had to leave town for work on Tuesday night, but promised he would be back to Trick or Treat with me on Halloween. While Mom was feeding Macie in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday she turned on the news and discovered that here in Ohio not all kids Trick or Treat on Halloween. Instead each county has its own Trick or Treat day or time. In Franklin County we Trick or Treat on Thursday from 6-8. Mom was sad that Dad wouldn't be there, but promised that we would still go. Dad was really bummed that he would miss all the fun, so he told me that we would drive to the next state on Saturday if that's what it took to take me Trick or Treating on Saturday.

On Thursday night Mom, Macie and I suited up in costume and set off to pick up Caroline and Megan to go Trick or Treating. Dressing up like a Kangaroo sure was fun this year, and my outfit was once again a big hit (I think the tutu adds the perfect finishing touch)!

The three of us made quite the crew, and set off to fill our pumpkins full of CANDY!

We had a great time, but after the 3rd house I got smart and informed Mom that there was NO NEED to say "trick or treat." I had cleverly shortened the phrase to "treat." That way there was no confusion about what I wanted. Mom laughed as she was reminded that the apple does not fall far from the tree.

2 whole hours of trick or treating left all of us exhausted and in need of some energy. Back at home Mom let me dump all my candy on the floor and pick one to eat. I called Dad to tell him what a great time I had, but don't think he could understand me with a mouth full of chocolate.

Dad got back on Friday night in time for Open Gym. Mom dressed Macie and I up in our holiday apparel and the whole family went out for some fun. Dad and I practiced walking on the balance beam, and even Macie gave it a try.

I showed Dad how I learned to do a spider crawl earlier in the week (like a bear crawl but sideways) and he was really impressed.

Mom was a little frustrated that the one thing I really wanted to do was play on the trampoline even though I have one at home. She kept encouraging me to play on all the other things, but I sure love to jump.

Macie watched in awe of all the amazing things I was doing, and can't wait to join in the fun.

The next day was Halloween- I could not believe it, it was finally here!!! After Dad spent the rainy and cold morning at the DMV we suited back up in our costumes (over layers of warm clothes) and went back to Boo at the Zoo!!!! The rain had stopped, but even bundled up I had to keep moving so I wouldn't get chilly.

The animals were glad that I had finally arrived, as I brought them much needed entertainment. Even the snake snuggled up to me when he recognized that I was back.

On our way to visit the Kangaroos Dad and I took a ride on the Scareousel together.

As expected, it did not disappoint.

The family had an amazing time seeing all the fun things decorated for Halloween. It was a little too cold for Macie, so she stayed wrapped up in the stroller and slept while I played.

Even Mom loosened up a little bit and rode a wild boar with me.

The scary train ride was closed for the evening, so Dad and I took a horsey ride instead. In retrospect I am very glad that the train was closed down because riding the horse dressed as a kangaroo gained some much needed attention from the crowd. I did my due diligence and gave them my best "cheese" smile as I rode through the trail.

We spent the whole afternoon at the Zoo, but as twilight approached we had to end our visit to the Zoo as it was time to trick or treat. Dad had spent some time on the computer the previous week and had found a county close to ours where they still trick or treat on Halloween! We said our good byes to all my animal friends and were on our way!

Dad and I had a great time collecting candy from all the houses and I was sure glad that we got to spend that special time together. I know that this is one memory I will look back upon and smile.

We stayed out till my little legs were too tired to move, and when we got home I went straight to bed (an unusual thing, considering I didn't even have the energy to go through my candy.)

I woke up early the next morning and insisted on seeing my candy. Mom told me that the stipulation was that I got myself dressed, so I picked out my favorite outfit and went downstairs.

After breakfast Mom helped me dump out my pumpkin and we counted all the candy!

I had a ton, and after we were done sorting the candy into piles according to yumminess (chocolate being the best and smarties being the worst), Mom let me pick one piece to eat.

I chose a bag of skittles and went out to the garage to eat them. After a few minutes Mom came out the check and see how I was doing, and I let her know exactly how I felt...

Just in case you couldn't understand, I informed her that candy makes me happy and makes my teeth feel good.

Later that afternoon after I woke from my nap the family packed up all our Halloween decorations. Mom left me alone with my Halloween stickers while her and Dad were taking down the lights. When they came back in the house they found that I had decorated myself. I think I did a pretty good job. Mom was just glad I didn't stick them on the furniture again (I guess they are a little hard to remove...)

While I was keeping myself occupied Macie was up to some antics of her own...

Looks like I may have some competition for the spotlight in the future!

Halloween was amazing this year, and I can only imagine that it gets better and better especially since my little sister will be able to join in the fun. Can't wait to see what Macie and I will be next year...

Now I know why they call it Fall

In California seasons tend to all have one type of weather; nice. In Ohio we actually have seasons that are distinctly different from one another. Summer was sunny, and on some days really hot and humid, and up until recently I couldn't understand what, aside from the cold weather, made Fall so special or unique.

Then the leaves started falling from the sky. Mom and I were fascinated!

The leaves began falling in the beginning of the month, but as of recent have been falling in droves. Mom and I spend hours raking the yard only to find that later in the afternoon the ground is once again covered. It is frustrating to think that our efforts are going unnoticed or unappreciated, so we came up with a new tactic and only rake once a week, usually on the weekends so that it can be a family affair.

This weekend Mom, Dad, Macie, and I spent the whole morning outside taking care of the lawn. Mom was in charge of raking, and Dad did lots of supervising and playing with the blower (he is, after all, the law). Once the leaves were made into big piles it was my turn to do my job- PLAY!!!

I had tons of fun jumping in and out of the piles, and got to have a leaf fight with my DAD.

You can't tell by the look of indifference on her face, but even Macie had fun in the leaves.

After we were done playing the whole family helped bag up the mess we had made.

Macie and I have been spending lots of time together and Mom is really impressed by how gentle I am with her, though she still insists upon watching me like a hawk. I keep trying to reassure Mom to relax because Macie is, after all, my BEST FRIEND, and I would never do anything to harm her.

The other day we had some fun around the house taking pictures together.

I even got to help Mom use the big girl camrea to take some pictures of Macie. Check out how cute she is...

She even stuck her tongue out at me when I laughed at her.

In Exciting Home News Mommy packed up the pump this week, and was sad to see it go. I, on the other hand, was very grateful because I couldn't stand it taking up so much of her time (good thing it will be another 3 years or so before we have to see it again). Before we put it away she let me play with it.

On the 25th we celebrated Macie's 2 month birthday. We dressed her up and took some pictures to show how big she has gotten. She may not appear large in photographs, but according to the doctor she weighed in at 9lbs 9oz and measured 22.5 in. I guess Macie's pictures need to come equipped with a warning like car mirrors stating that "objects are larger than they appear"

Mom was SO excited that Macie had grown so much in one month. She is now in the 50th percentile for height and the 25th for weight! The doctor told Mom that she was very proud of all of Macie's accomplishments, especially her improving communication skills. She smiles a ton, and makes all sorts of silly noises.

Macie isn't the only one growing up in the house. Check out what I can do ALL BY MYSELF! (I like to do it all, and DO NOT want any help from anyone!) Going number two has posed a small problem as I am not that great of a wiper. Sometimes Mom has to do some damage control when she notices the mess, but hey its just par for the course. Here I am doing some reading on the pot...

Mom thought it would be fun to take the same silly pics of Macie that she took of me when I was little to document the similarities and differences between us.

Macie is on the left and pictures of me are on the right:





























We were about the same age (7 weeks) when Mom took these pictures and weight about the same. The main difference is that Macie is about 2 inches longer than I was.

To celebrate Macie's big 2 month birthday we decided to make some cupcakes and have a party. Caroline and Megan, our neighbors, came over to help us get ready for the party. Mom set up camp on the kitchen floor so that we didn't have to worry about making a mess while we cooked. It was fun helping put the different ingredients in the bowl, fascinating watching Caroline scoop the batter into the molds,

and AMAZING sampling the cuisine.

After all of the cupcakes tins were filled with batter Mom let us take the remaining batter left in the bowl outdoors to the picnic table to eat while the cupcakes were baking. It was every woman for themselves.

As you can see, we managed to lick the bowl clean.

I can't say the same for my face...

Once the cupcakes were cool, we got to frost and decorate them. I really enjoyed this part, but was very particular about placing the sprinkles.



When all the decorating was done the party began. Everyone got to sit down and sing Macie the birthday song, and once she blew out her candle we all got to eat our finished product. The cupcakes were amazing, and Macie really enjoyed the party.

Mom couldn't believe that I still had room in my little tummy to eat a whole cupcake.

The following day Mom and I went to the dentist. I was so excited to go and show off my pretty teeth. Mom and I had been practicing for many months and had finally perfected the art of brushing. I couldn't wait to show off my skills...



We arrived for our appointment, and Mom decided it was best that she go first so that she could tend to Macie when she woke from her nap. BIG mistake. After watching her have her teeth scraped, scrubbed, and polished (for an hour), I decided I DID NOT like the tools, the chair, or anything associated with the dentist- I was terriffied. Mom pleaded with me, and even tried bribery, but soon realized there was nothing that could get me to stay in the chair and have my teeth checked. The dentist suggested that we come back in a month, but I don't think my opinion will change...




Both Mom and Dad are getting pretty good at multi-tasking these days. Sometimes it seems that Mom has grown an extra arm, but more impressive is Dad's ability to feed Macie her bottle with one arm while still hanging out and playing with me.



Dad could take on Superman anyday! Somedays Macie and I go down to the Man Cave just to snuggle with him. This tops my list of favorite things to do!






Mom is almost completely done remodeling the house, and it looks great! Uncle Shawn is going to have to eat his words!


One of the last things that she is doing is re-hanging pictures, artwork, and miscellaneous wall decor. I have missed all of the mirrors lining the walls from our home in Huntington and Pa's house in San Diego, and was really excited when the mirror was placed down to my level so that I could entertain and amuse myself. Mom is considering purchasing and installing some full size mirrors to keep me occupied.

Halloween is rapidly approaching and the countdown is on!!! I am really excited for all the fun events to come and can't wait to tell you the stories of my upcoming adventures with my best friend Macie.

October is AWESOME!

Mom has always told me that October is her favorite month of the year. Although my reasons are different from hers, I totally agree that October is awesome. Mom likes post season baseball, scary movies, haunted houses, and chocolate; I love it because I get to dress up, go lots of fun places, trick or treat, and get LOTS of candy (even though I am only allowed to eat a little bit- somehow it mysteriously disappears...)


This October has been lots of fun, but there are some things we could live without- like the cold weather that has swept through Ohio. It has been in the 40's during the day, and even colder at night. The sun may be shinning, but it isn't to fun to play outside when you cant feel your fingers. Macie and I spent lots of time indoors playing with each other. She is fascinated by me (who can blame her???), and loves to watch as I play.

Mom has continued to work on the house, and has managed to paint most of the downstairs. I have to give her some credit, it looks a LOT better than before! Uncle Shawn may have to eat his words.

Macie and I have taken advantage of the indoor time to hang out together. After playing beauty shop the other day, Mom put us in some pretty dresses and tried to get us to pose together. She soon realized that the chance of getting the two of us to smile at the same time, while looking into the camera, was slim to none (Macie still doesn't get it.)

I, on the other hand, never turn down a chance to pose for the camera.

Macie is acting more like a big girl everyday- random people in public who stop to look at Macie comment about how alert she is for an infant. Mom agrees, and says that it feels like she is communicating with her eyes- I think the lack of sleep is finally getting to Mom.

I think that Macie has to be alert if she wants to keep up with me...

I may be a little loud and ostentatious, but Macie doesn't seem to mind...

This week we FINALLY got to go to the church pumpkin patch with my friends Caroline and Megan. I had been waiting to go for weeks! Before she set me loose, she made me stop and pose.

Soon I was off to find the perfect pumpkin.

Caroline and I looked at all the different colors, shapes, and sizes,

until I found the perfect one. It was a little heavy, but I used all my strength to pick it up.

It's a pretty great pumpkin, don't you think?

While I was busy rummaging around for a pumpkin for Daddy, Macie sat in her car seat looking perturbed (she was upset that she couldn't participate, and wanted to be warm and cozy at home.)



After I had picked out some BIG pumpkins for the front yard I found an array of baby pumpkins and insisted on getting some for Grant, Reed, and Annie (Annie is the newest addition to my family of babies.)

I knew they were going to be SUPER excited!

Despite Mom's best efforts to get a picture of Macie and I together at the pumpkin patch, she couldn't manage to keep me focused for long enough to get a good shot- I was just too distracted by all the exciting things around me.

I am sure the phrase "point taken" is the first that went through your head when you saw this- I mean, who could resist playing with a wheelbarrow???

On the way out I decided to throw her a bone, and took a quick picture with a scarecrow.

When we got home we placed all the pumpkins around the house. They totally contributed to our amazing Halloween decor. We will take some pictures of the house, and its decorations, once we carve the pumpkins the week of Halloween (something for you to look forward to!)

The weekend came, and the cold weather held strong. Dad decided to suck it up, and braved the cold to take me to the Zoo. I was SO grateful considering Mom doesn't even want to go out to the mailbox. I can't believe she is such a wuss. Rumor has it that she used to live in the snow, but I'm not buying it.

Dad and I bundled ourselves up and spent the morning together. After seeing my pals the snakes, and touring the aquarium Daddy bought me a new pet frog. Isn't he the best! I insisted that frog take a trip on the carousel.

We both had a great time!

By late morning the sun was shining, and although it was still chilly the warm sun felt good. Dad even lent me his shades so I could stroll down the sidewalk in style.




In one of my favorite new books (sent to me by Awesome Aunt Connie) a princess goes on a hike and sees all sorts of animals among the trees in the forest, so right now I am obsessed with exploring through tress and bushes to see what I can find...

One of my favorite parts of the trip was spending time in the play place with the friends. Check out my sliding skills...

I had an amazing time with my Dad, and am grateful that he faced the elements to take me to the Zoo.

When the weekend was over and Dad was back at work I was once again confined to the house due to Mom's fear of the cold outdoors. Our neighbors invited us to a Halloween party the city was throwing later on it the week, so my excitement got me through the boring and monotonous days preceding it.

Despite the warnings of temps in the low 40's, Mom kept her promise to take me to the Halloween Fall Festival in Dublin with my friends. I got to play beauty shop and even put on some lipstick before dressing in my costume.

Mom told me that I had couldn't wear my costume in the car, so I gave her my best sad face, and even forged some tears, but she held strong and made me wait.

After what felt like hours (in reality was only minutes) we arrived at the Halloween Fall Festival and I got to put on my costume. I make a pretty cute kangaroo, don't you think?

Mom didn't want to put Macie in full costume due to the weather, and the fact that she was going to be sleeping in her stroller most of the time, so she put her in her uniform (tough most people assumed she was dressed as a ballerina- jokes on them.)

There were all sorts of activities at the Festival and due to the cold Mom chose the first, and only one, indoors: Cookie decorating!!! It was so much fun to frost the cookie all by myself. I even got to put sprinkles on it. Mom laughed because I put each sprinkle on individually so that I wouldn't make a mess.

As much fun as it was to decorate, it was MUCH more fun to eat!!!

We had only done one activity and already I was having an amazing time!

Back out in the cold I decorated my own bag with stickers and stamps, and even drew some circles on it.

After a trek through the Spooky Forrest, Mom decided it was time to Trick or Treat!!!

I had lots of fun, and got all sorts of yummy candy.

After I made my way through the Trick or Treat Trail, I danced with some ghouls, and listened to some scary stories. By now it was almost dusk and Mom was frozen- she had failed to realize that most activities would be held outside and DID NOT dress for the occasion, wearing flip flops and a jacket not sufficient for 40 degree weather. She had held out as long as she could and finally wussed out. I had a hard time leaving all the excitement and kept stopping along the way, in hopes of persuading Mom to stay a little longer.

Back in our warm and cozy home we shared some candy and talked bout all the fun we had!

When the weekend came and Dad was back at home we went to Boo at the Zoo!!! Can you believe I got to dress up again!?!?! This time Mom bundled up the family accordingly and promised that we wouldn't leave early due to her inability to withstand the cold. Our first stop, as always, was to see the snakes. I was concerned about their response to my costume, but found that snakes don't discriminate. Here I am petting a Children's Python!

Our next stop was one that both Mom and Dad were eager to get to- the Kangaroos. Unfortunately it was the afternoon and cold (they like to come out in the morning, and prefer the warm weather), so the Kangaroos were off the trails, but one in particular was fascinated by me.

He continued to stare at me while I showed him how to hop!

Mom says we will come back again soon to take some more pictures with the pack.

We made our way through the Zoo stopping at our routine spots. Some exhibits had Halloween decorations, and some even had spooky music and activities. Though there were lots of great things to do and see, I had to most fun messing around with my Dad!

Night was falling, and it was almost time to go, so we took a ride on the Haunted Train. Check out Macie in her Chicken costume (an important rite of passage for a first Halloween in the Frankwick Family.)

After our ride Mom told us it was time to get going home. I was sad, but Dad and I managed to find some fun along the way.

At the entrance/exit of the Zoo there was music playing, so I strutted my stuff across the dance floor. I have never been one to turn down an opportunity to put on a show in public...

My performance went on for about 20 minutes and Mom was bummed that her camera ran out of memory because as you have seen in past videos, I am quite a good dancer.

October has been filled with lots of fun activities and Mom tells me that there is much more in store for me in the coming weeks. I can't wait!!!