Thanksgiving is comin'......

..and I think the wild turkeys in our neighborhood know it. They have been making their way across yards in search of food for the last few months, becoming even more visible as November rolls around. Here are some photos taken this morning as I returned home from a morning run in cool New England. :)
Just strolling along...dooo..dooo.dooo.doooo....

Hurry up...cars are coming!

Buddy Walk 2009....

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (http://www.mdsc.org/) hosted its 13th Annual Buddy Walk in Wakefield with guests Karen Gaffney (http://www.karengaffneyfoundation.com/) and pop singer, Ayla Brown (http://www.aylabrown.com/). The MDSC again surpassed its expected fundraising and attendee goals and it was a celebratory day for hundreds of families across the Commonwealth.

Daddy and Abby--smooches! :)

Team Abby's Cadabbies begins to form...

Robert and Carol join the Agudelo 'kidlets' for the Walk....

The Bedrosian family ROCKS! :)

Sincere THANKS to the Bedrosian gang, the Dubes, Peter Silva and Abra Degbor, and of course, our kick-butt nanny Carol and boyfriend, Robert for being part of the day. And, to Uncle Mario and Auntie Carmencita, the Metsch's, the Schmediels, and all others who donated, for your very thoughtful gifts. We love you all! Mwahh!

Karen Gaffney, who won over the nation's heart this week by swimming across the frigid waters of Boston Harbor (and who also has Down syndrome), poses with the Kingdom's royalty... :)

Princess Abs (her best 'wow' impression) and her Godmother, Abra

The family chariot...just about ready for the start of the Walk...

And, pop singer and former American Idol finalist Ayla Brown with AVA, AKA and AAA.
Run out and get her CD now...it rocks! :)

Princess Abs Makes Front Page News...again! :)

As October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Kingdom kicks into high gear, doing its part to raise awareness that Down syndrome is only a medical diagnosis, not a measure of a one's ability. Princess Abigail, born with some extra 'chromosomology,' is our family ambassador who uses her charisma everywhere we go to alert others that she is more alike than different. For the 100th time (or around there), Princess Abs makes front page news today(she's a movie star, media guru and sign language professor all at the ripe age of 4)--along with a word or two from her mom. :)

Many thanks to the North Dakota Bulawas for their investment in the Bismarck Buddy Walk. We loved the photos and were so proud to see the family's dedication to their niece and cousin, Abby. We'll be out in force at the 13th Annual MDSC Buddy Walk this Sunday where our guests include accomplished swimmer and athlete Karen Gaffney (who wowed the nation this week by completing a swim across the frigid Boston Harbor waters) and former American Idol finalist and singer, Ayla Brown. Keep your fingers crossed for great weather!

http://www.wickedlocal.com/northandover/news/lifestyle/health/x1699620857/North-Andover-families-shed-a-joyful-light-on-Down-syndrome

Ode to Uncle Peter....

He's a former police officer/Massachusetts State Trooper, and one of the greatest loves of Princess Abigail's life, her Godfather, Uncle Peter! This morning, he hopped into this car, and drove up to the kingdom for a morning visit and to do some babysitting! The kingdom's royalty was filled with joy upon Peter's arrival and he even braved changing a diaper! After some ball throwing/catching, snacky time, and imparting of ageless wisdom, Uncle Peter departed. :( The silver lining is that Auntie Abra (Peter's wife) will be joining us this weekend for the MDSC Buddy Walk! If you haven't yet donated but want to, go to www.mdsc.org and search for Team Abby's Cadabbies!

Uncle Peter and Princess Abs--"Huggies"

Uncle Peter hangs with Alec and explains the benefits of a leafy-green rich diet. Alec doesn't seem to want to engage in that discussion as he likes his carb-rich diet just fine.... :)

Snacky Time at the palace...Smiles everyone, Smiles!! :)

Attack of the Averys.....

Twenty three years ago (23), Queen Wendy was forced to part ways with her best friend from high school, whose family moved him to North Carolina. Years passed, they lost touch due to distance, life changes and circumstances. It's a story known to many of us. The years progressed, many things changed, we grew up, moved on, married, had kids, etc. --never imagining that we'd one day again cross paths. Yet, in an unusual twist of fate, (and some help from social networking), Wendy and her friend Christopher recently reconnected resulting in a wonderful weekend 'meet and greet' between the old friends and their families.

The North Carolina crew ascended on the Kingdom this passed weekend and brought with them one fantabulous chariot, filled to the brim with kidlets-- 5 to be exact. Princess Abigail and the twin princes couldn't have had more fun if they tried, and their parents had equally as much fun. Sadly, the road warriors from the south rolled out of the Kingdom at 4:30 a.m. this morning for the long trek back to North Carolina. We're just hoping the next get together will be sooner than 23 years from today!

Abby and her new friend, Miss Holly...just chatting it up on their phones--like all girls do. :)

Avery son #4, Gray, plays ball with the twin princes. Such a cutie patootie!

Pal Christopher and his youngest son, Cole, enjoying some ice cream and 'down time'...

Introducing the Avery Chariot--a 40' RV. The good news is that while it was parked in our driveway, it matched the paint of our house--so it somewhat fit in. :) Only a few neighbors stopped to find out which celebrity was in town and staying in the kingdom... :)

Christopher at the helm of the massive, rock-star RV. He's got big 'balls' for driving this betty since it's a combo tank and an 18-wheeler all in one. He took Wendy and Alec for a ride, and let's just say, they exited as quickly as they entered. :)

For scale, here's Alec (age 2) standing in the middle of the RV. Kitchen, dining area, double couches...the works! Our first, and likely our last visit to an RV. No one in our family would attempt to drive one. :)

And, for perspective, here are some members of the Avery family hanging in the Kingdom at all hours. The Avery's only daughter has an amazing (and accurate) epiphany while enjoying her ice cream sundae at "Uncle Tony's and Aunt Wendy's" house... :) (We were newly adopted as Abby pronounced her new friends 'cousins' the moment they arrived. Hmmmm....

What the Fluff...??

Somerville, Massachusetts--whether you knew it or not--is home to Fluff (www.marshmallowfluff.com). You know, the delicious, marshmallowy white stuff consumed by children by the plastic bucket full along with gobs of peanut butter--creating the ever popular, Fluffernutter sandwich. Although some local politicians (I won't name them since they are nutso!) want to eliminate Fluff from the diet of Massachusetts children (sure, go ahead and attmpt to control all my civil liberties....), Massachusetts is now considering naming the Fluffernutter the State Sandwich. Exciting time! As a fan of Fluff for many years (and still using it in my fudge and krispy rice treats), our little family sauntered down to Somerville (a cool 15 minutes away) and enjoyed the tail end of the annual Fluff Festival. Auntie Abra and Uncle Peter were brave enough to attend alongside, and although we missed the Fluff sculpture competition and the Flufferettes, we ate, we saw, we conquered. :)

Nice Fluff Face, son. :)

Uncle Peter attempting to convince Abby of Fluff's better qualities. Don't think it worked... :(

Tony feels similarly. He ate it, begrudgingly. :(

Uncle Peter and Auntie Abra show off their 'Fluff and Bread'

New England Autumn....

It's here, it's here--the season of crunching leaves, apple-picking, cider pressing, hay rides, pumpkin festivals, the Fluff festival (yes, there really IS one), the Mystic Chowderfest and harvest-oriented events across the region. The kingdom's royalty have been enjoying the cooler temps and welcoming out of town visitors to put a perfect cap on the season. Our next guests arrive next week, and soon afterwards, the holidays too will be knocking on our doorstep. Fall in New England is like no other anywhere in the world...

Prince Ari
Prince Alec learning about leaves and their ever-changing colors

Princess Abs hates the camera (just like her mommy)....

It's only mid-September, but this tree outside our home has already shifted colors and is beginning to drop its bounty. :(

Tony's childhood friend Danny V and King Tony, himself!

Sonia (Daddy's gal pal), Dan and Tony at Anthony's Pier 4

The awesome seafood platter appetizer. A little of everything from the Atlantic....Yum!

As the Fall leaves are just beginning to drop, we are again at the start of another school year. Princess Abs is starting Pre-K at a NEW school--just designed and built in the Spring/Summer. Fortunately, she has her best friend Colleen in class, so at drop-off, there were no tears, just screams of joy as she sees her teacher Lauren and of course, Colleen! Here is our big girl en route to school (she MUST be chauffered in her chariot, of course), waking up and being welcomed to her first day of school--2009! :)

"Hi Lauren!!" :)

Happy Birthday Twins!!

On this day, two years ago, the twin princes (Alec and Aramis) entered this world. Since their arrival, the Kingdom has been abuzz with new energy and the Princess has become an incredible 'mommy' in her own right. Today, we celebrate the second year of our gorgeous little men. They are huge fans of NEMO, so of course, Queen Wendy had to organize a NEMO-inspired birthday--complete with NEMO cake (don't laugh...it kinda looks like NEMO, right?) and the twins' presents--their own fishtanks, complete with fish! :) Let's see if they still want the doggy or kitty after a few days/weeks of caring for their first pets.... :) Happy Birthday Boys!

Daddy introduces the boys to their 'presents'--fish!! :)

"Introduction to the fishes!"

Aramis seeks to get the lay of the land from King Tony. His thoughts, "Now, what do I have to do with this thing? I thought I just put a hook in the water, reel one of these babies in, and mom will clean and cook it for us. Isn't that right?" :)

Aramis enjoys a few minutes pre-bedtime with some good friends, Nemo and Dory....

Aramis decides that his slice of cake isn't big enough, so he seeks out a bigger piece.

King Tony and Alec enjoy a slice of birthday cake..

Alec plays with the 'ice cream ball' gifted by Aramis' Godparents - The Bedrosians. Cool!!
Look at this gorgeous little boy after he gorges on chocolate birthday cake! Perfection!

There's nothing like getting a little wet.....

The royal family having snack.....

Although our weekend started dry, the royals from the kingdom eventually became soaked from head to toe after a visit to a water park and mini beach. Prince Ari has evolved as the great lover of water--putting himself face and body first into every body of water possible--including all puddles within foot reach!

The twins attack a water spring in the ground...

Aramis decides to go face first into a water spout!

King Tony makes certain that even Princess Abigail gets soaked!