October Follies.....

Welcome to Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

In perfect Abby-form, Miss Abs (although under the weather), rallied and led Team Abby's Cadabbies at her 6th Annual MDSC Buddy Walk this past weekend. Abs earned an MDSC Buddy Walk All Star ranking for raising more than $500 (she earned well over that amount) for the MDSC, and her 25+ member team filled with wonderful family members and neighbors were incredibly supportive on her special day. Uncle Ed even carried our little Abby Pie for a mile or so so that she could ultimately finish the 3-mile walk on her feet--holding Daddy's hand.

So precious. :)

Abby on the Wall of Fame -- second year in a row! :)

Uncle Ed B. carries a sleeping Abby--who made it the first mile and a half--and due to her sickness, pretty much collapsed. :( Thank you Uncle Ed for doing some really heavy lifting while your wife pulled the wagon containing yet another team member or two. :) Queen Wendy showed her fitness ability by shoulder-carrying Alec! :) Those 5 a.m. workouts are paying off!! :)

Crossing the finish line.... YEAH!!! :)

Since the entire month of October is recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we encourage all who read to make a donation to the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (www.mdsc.org). It is a FANTASTIC organization (of which the kingdom's royals are all members), but more importantly, it supports thousands of families not only in Massachusetts, but around the world through its relationship with Children's Hospital Boston.

THANK YOU!!

After a very busy weekend, the royal kidlets weren't feeling so hot. Both Princess Abs and Prince Aramis had fallen victim to a cycling Fall cold, so we kept the royals home for most of the week so they could recuperate and regain their strength.

With all the rain we've had, we found ourselves busy in the kitchen--again experimenting with Halloween cookies. The kids are now officially hooked on baking--a good sign and pleasant surprise for Queen Wendy--who LOVES to be in the kitchen!

Abs cuts out some ghosts...

Aramis grabs a pumpkin, but as you can tell, he's a little overzealous with the flour! :)

"What'd you say, Aramis? you want to push my face into the flour?? That is sooooo mean!" :)

Our little Alec is so pooped and likely catching whatever his brother and sister have, so he passed out cold on the couch, snuggling with his train and bear--hopefully dreaming about something lovely, warm and happy.

It is Buddy Walk season and National Down Syndrome Awareness Month (officially).

It is a wonderful month in the Kingdom and we're looking forward to 'representing' at this year's MDSC Buddy Walk. Team Abby's Cadabbies will have more than 30 team members and will raise more money than we have in previous years! It should be a great event!

Oh, and Princess Abby again makes news headlines. She seems to be a natural....

http://northandover.patch.com/articles/walking-onward-abbys-unstopable-story

The crisp Fall weather always brings excitement to the walls of the Kingdom. The mini royals revel in the crisper weather, although Aramis dreads giving up his shorts and short-sleeve t-shirts! Fall weather equals many, many adventures....period! To start, the twins' birthday was the kick-off for our first visit northbound to see the changing leaves in Northern New Hampshire, and a trip to Storyland and Kahuna Laguna was in the cards--enjoyed closely with Auntie Laurie, Uncle Regis and RJ! What fun we had on all the Alec-named 'fun rides.'

It's a whale of a ride! :)

Alec and Abs take a turn as well....

After celebrating the boys' birthday, it was time to turn our attention towards holiday decorating (Halloween/Harvest/Thanksgiving) as well as preparations for a slew of events, parties and activities planned throughout the month of October and November. The royals began to prepare themselves--making Halloween treats themselves. From a parent's perspective, it was a huge, disasterous mess. But, the final product--pretty good, I'd say!

Thanks go out again to Auntie Wendy and her successful business, Chic Boutique, http://www.chicboutiquecreations.com whose super-incredibly creative skills have struck once again and our little ones are dressed to impress with new designs are now being worn with pride! Alec however, got his picture snapped while stealing a little treat from the snack closet--without permission. hmmmm.....he looks a little guilty, doesn't he?

Happy Fall from all of us! :)

Don't forget, the MDSC Buddy Walk on October 9th!

If you are interested in joining us or donating, we're Team Abby's Cadabbies! :)

http://www.mdsc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=436&Itemid=1

Prepping for 'Irene'....

After some preparations for Hurricane Irene, our tiny family of royals escaped northward to the coast for some school shopping, park crawling and of course, a walk along the Maine coastline to investigate the increasing winds, waves, tides and horror that we're bracing for in the next 24 hours. While the beaches and general area, typically CRAWLING with summer renters had become a vast ghost town, the eery mood was quite captivating so we hung around and took complete advantage. This is one of our favorite spots to bring the kids. Sadly though, we've been so busy that we've not been since September 2008!http://kingdomandcastle.blogspot.com/2008/09/adventures-on-north-shore.html :(

But, we finally made our way back (SANS strollers) and it was another adventure to pack into the memory books! :)

Taking a quick 'pit stop' along the cliffwalk, (http://marginalwayfund.org/ )

Marginal Way in Maine...

Waves are looking a bit more trecherous....

The wind is kicking up, the skies are darkening, but it actually looks quite beautiful....

"OK, Hurricane Irene...we're ready for you...." (said out loud...right on the easternmost coastal point, in the undertow, staring down the forthcoming storm). All we can say at this point is that she doesn't look like much from here. We'll have to see what tomorrow brings! :)

Black Belt Navigation....

And so it begins, our little princess who just isn't a soccer chick (sorry Papa Tony), but who IS extremely talented at martial arts. She's the only girl in her class, but in just one visit, has made all the little boys fall madly in love with her. They are helping coach her through new moves, letting her cut in the sparring line, and encouraging her to 'run like the wind.' We couldn't be more proud of our little lady, who is venturing into very new territory. As her parents, we are almost speechless. Not long ago, our precious little girl moved from place to place by bouncing/scooting on her tushie. We weren't sure what type of physical future her life would hold, and today we got our very first glimpse.

Simply put: It'll be just like everyone else's!

Definitely a day and a moment to remember...forever. :)

Abby earns her first official belt. Sensei Louie teacher her to tie it.

"Arms up" for Fighting Stance....

Stretch...stretch and rock like a spider....

Don't forget to hand in your attendance cards!! :)

Candlepin and Cream....

Our weekend didn't really begin with this massive ice cream mess. It actually ended with it! :)

No matter what time of year or when it happens, whenever we meet up with Alec's Godparents, something unusual and absolutely memorable ensues. This weekend was no different. After catching up with the Dube's over brunch, the New England rain ended our outdoor plans, so Uncle Regis made a suggestion that we'd never even considered...candle pin bowling.

Bowling? Are we ready for this? Ready or not, off we went and what a spectacular day it was! :)

Abby steps up to take her first official roll.....

and she likes it! :)

Aramis gets a little coaching from Papa....

..and he too, loves it! Whew! Prince Alec took to bowling like it was his regular job, so we now know that we'll be heading back to the alley, very soon. :)

After bowling, Uncle Regis was again hungry, and suggested we go out for ice cream. Hmmm..who could say no to that? Not us! Once we sat down and saw the menu, the boys immediately ordered the 12-scoop (6 topping) sundae and mowed through it like it was a single scoop. :) See Uncle Regis 'finishing' up the 'trough' below. :)

Moral of the story, candle pin bowling makes you hungry!!!

Next up for Tony and Regis: Harvest Hell Night 2011...get ready Uncle Regis!