Fall.

Back in October I treated myself to a trip to Colorado. My trip just happened to be at the same time as the Great American Beer Festival. What a coincidence? ;-) There is no person I would have rather gone with than my buddy John.

We had quite a day.

In other news, Gizmo has developed a new habit. She now sits on the back of the couch. It essentially acts as her throne and she sits up there watching out the windows over her kingdom and making sure the apartment is in order. Regal, isn't she?

Megan and I decided to do our own Thanksgiving this year.

We cooked a Tofurkey (it's gross…never do it), Megan's Nana's cheesy potatoes, cranberry relish, and stuffing.

Also, I finally joined the 21st Century and got a smartphone (I don't understand this name for the device as it only ever makes me feel dumb). One cool feature of my smartphone is that it will take all of your videos and pictures from an event and make them into a short show for you. Below you can watch a short video of our Thanksgiving as created by my phone: 

The city was like a ghost town on Thanksgiving, so we were able to take Gizmo to a little patch of grass and play some frisbee. Her favorite thing!

I also went to a family Christmas party where my nephew showed up in the same outfit as me. I'm  glad he knows true style when he sees it.

Halloween

Like any self-respecting internet bloggers, we have a sick obsession with dressing our dog up in things that she hates. This year for Halloween we decided to coordinate our costumes. 

Gizmo was a hot dog.

Front.

Back.

Side.

So Megan was mustard

And I was also a hot dog.

The full concessions stand.

Megan's friend, Joey, borrowed one of our costumes. He made a great Geico Gecko.

NPR's Family Matters

On Tuesday we went to NPR's "Family Matters: Your Financial Lifetime." Here's a link to a news story about the panel.

The most important thing we learned is that the Social Security Administration no longer provides statements in the mail. To receive a statement you must register online. 

Grant's Farm

This week we went to Grant's Farm with Luke's sister A and her son, little A.

We all have birthdays in October.

Grant's Farm is a zoo/petting zoo/nature reserve/animal farm. The best animals were the guinea pigs, which I have never seen on display outside of a pet store or someone's home.

Second best were the bald eagles. 

Little A is learning how to grab things and then put them back. He borrowed Luke's hat for a little bit.

Flamingos!

At the park

Want to come and sit with me?

Benton Park Bobby and a Benefit

This past weekend we attended a benefit concert for Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis at Off Broadway. Luke's colleague Bobby played some excellent hand drums in the opening act.

Gizmo stayed at home on the couch.

We are still here

School has started for both Luke and I. As you can see Gizmo is still holding down the apartment while we are out.