ROCKTOBER!

So it's October here at 83 Durant (and, I suppose, in most places using the same calendar as us), and we all just LOVE October.  It's the best month.  I've already fallen behind on documenting the many and sundry things we've done, but here are a few highlights so far:

Family Day/Fall Festival @UML:

Lucy had a grand time today at the Fall Festival, an event we attended last year, too.  Unfortunately, I didn't actually have the camera at the event this year, which I seriously regret, because Lucy RODE A HORSE there.  It was great. They had these three small horses, and anyone could get a ride.  Lucy was a bit scared, but ultimately delighted.  I'm not entirely sure how the pony rides related to the main event, which, thematically, was not (as far as I could tell) at all horse-y.  Last year, they did a "Wild West" theme, and they were supposed to have pony rides, but it rained & hence they were indoors.  Perhaps this was the "rain date" for the pony ride part.  Who knows.  This year, the theme was "Anchors Away," and wouldn't you know it, there were pirates, sailors, and fish everywhere.  A lot of fish.  In fact, we even got to take one home:

Yup, that's a small fish tank.  And it contains Lulu, the newest addition to our household.

Here she is:

Carter hasn't noticed her yet.  Not really surprising.  Maybe if she smelled like bacon he'd care.

Visit to Carlisle (to meet JAMES!)

We had a lovely trip down to stay with my mom over Columbus Day weekend, and Jennifer, Brendan, Luke, and James came to join the fun.  It was lovely.  James, we're delighted to know you!

See the flickr for further documentation of the fun.

While we were there, Jake participated in the Iron Cross, posting a pretty great time & placing 30th in a field of over 100, even WITH being a good samaritan and helping some dude with a flat tire. Good stuff.  We also got to have an awesome lunch at Cafe Bruges just down the street from my mom's house.  It was so delicious!

The Warren/Brown Debate @ the Tsongas Center

Ok, so it was pretty appalling, but it was cool to be there, particularly as a follow-up to my previous (and first) attendance at a political debate.  We do not (yet) have any political signs in our yard, but if we do, it will be for Elizabeth Warren.

There's lots more on the schedule for October (including seeing Jack Kerouac's first, only, never-before-performed play on stage here in Lowell tomorrow), but you'll have to stay tuned.  I hope to have more updates soon.