Our precious little dalmation
Our handsome fireman (who was thrilled when he saw that his mommy had made his face look like he had just fought a real fire!)
Proud mom!
Proud Dad !
DJ enjoying the fall leaves in our front yard
Look at all this candy!!! (This was DJ's first year trick-or-treating and after he got going, after about the 3rd house, he said with much excitement "this is the best day ever!!!") 
Gavin definitely approved of his cupcake tree that Lauren and DJ made all by themselves! 
We were happy that Lauren (& Grandma) could be here with us to celebrate
Here is Lauren & DJ decorating Gavin's cupcake tree
DJ & Lauren having some fun with the birthday boy (who is riding the gift Grandma got DJ for his first birthday).
So excited!
Fun with Grandma 
DJ was a big helper when it came time to open presents. (Before the party I reminded DJ that the presents were going to be for GAVIN to which my little smartie-pants replied, "I will let Gavin share all his presents with me becasue sharing is good to do!")
From the look on DJ's face, he has clearly forgotten about our little talk
Gavin enjoyed his boat for a few moments before his brother . . .
ran off and started a bath for himself just as soon he could sneak out of the room
The hit of the night (aside from the cupcakes) was his new foam-block set
Loving on our little one-year-old!
Unfortunately Lauren caught a bug (literally right as she arrived at JFK) that was spreading like crazy amongst her class at school so most of her visit to NY was spent in bed watching movies.
She did occasionally have some energy for fun . . .
But too much fun usually resulted in more time in the bathroom . . . 
Poor Lauren!
DJ was soooo excited that Lauren found enough energy to come pick him up from school.
The day I was supposed to take Lauren to NYC ended up in a mother-daughter date to a beautiful restaurant with beautiful views of the Hudson River.
A view from the restaurant (oh, how I wish I had Amy's camera here!)
Lauren, we are so sorry you were sick for most of the trip but we are still so happy you came and spent time with us. Maybe your mom will bring you next time (hint hint Tammy!) so you can see the Statue of Liberty before we move back to California! We love you sweetie (and one question for you . . . how do you still manage to look so pretty even when you're sick?!) 
Gavin trying so hard to do it too.
DJ loved the new "Build It" section which featured a "house under construction" for the children to help build. There were walls to paint, pipes to run, things to measure, wallpaper to hang and the list goes on . . . DJ spent most of his time completely focused in here while I chased Gavin around and tried to stay nearby.
Gavin tried to help too for about 30 seconds.
