Happy Halloween!

Got pumpkins? Let's see! Send us photos of your creations - and your costumes!

Shannon, Andy, Christine and their carvings

Back in time to Colonial Williamsburg

Marie, Brian and Xander spent a September day soaking up history at Colonial Williamsburg.

During the visit, Xander took part in "RevQuest," an "immersive game" in which he played the role of a colonial spy during the Revolutionary War.

Xander picks up intelligence from an innocent-looking fellow spy.

One of the highlights of the living-history museum is the blacksmith's shop. After all, Xander's great-great-great-grandfather was a blacksmith - not in Colonial Virginia, but in 19th Century New York.

From our archives:
Dolores and Hugh spent a day at Colonial Williamsburg in December 2012
Cathy, Christopher and Stephanie visited Colonial Williamsburg and other Virginia historical sites in October 2007

A fine Fall weekend, visiting in Virginia

Dan, Julie and Christine took a scenic drive to Virginia to visit with Marie, Brian and Xander in mid-October.

Dan writes: I took Friday off from work and we headed out through Pennsylvania and slivers of Maryland and West Virginia to Front Royal, Va. There we picked up Skyline Drive, which runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.

The foliage wasn't at peak color yet, but the weather was beautiful and we took in the great views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the rolling hills to the east. We stopped at one of the west-facing overlooks to watch the sun set over Massanutten Mountain. Here's a handful of the photos I took.



We arrived at Marie, Brian and Xander's house Friday evening. On Saturday, we all went to the Fall Harvest Festival at Belvedere Plantation outside Fredericksburg. The attractions included some simple rides, a "maize maze," pig races and, of course, a hay ride to a pick-your-own pumpkin field. Here are some photos from our day at the farm, and back at the house.



We're not sure why the plants in the "maize maze" were only a couple of feet tall, but the pathways were so complex that it was still hard to find our way out!

We brought with us the costume Julie made for Andy in 2004, of Fluffy the three-headed dog from the Harry Potter stories. It still looks good!

On the way home on Sunday, we stopped in suburban Baltimore and enjoyed a visit with Julie's parents, Hugh and Dolores, at their Oak Crest residence.

Family team walks to win against Alzheimer's

Bea at Walk to End Alzheimer's in honor of Great Grandma Lorraine.

Ten members of our family team took part in the annual New York Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sunday. Nine walked the route through Manhattan's Riverside Park while the newest team member, Bea, rode in style.

Team captain Shanna, who has organized our family's participation since 2008, reports that family members and friends have contributed over $1,700 to our effort. "Absolutely amazing," Shanna writes. "Thanks everyone!"

For a brief time, donations toward our total are still being collected at our team page. The funds go to the Alzheimer's Association to support care and research programs as well as support services for loved ones of those affected by the disease.

Join the family team for tomorrow's Walk

Thanks to all the family members who have contributed to our family team's annual effort to raise money for Alzheimer's research and care. Now it's time to Walk to Win.

Shanna and other team members will gather at Riverside Park tomorrow for the New York Walk to End Alzheimer's. If you'd like to stroll along with them, contact Shanna for details. There's an e-mail address on our team page.

Also go to the team page if you'd like to contribute to the team's donation. Thanks to all who help!

This Sunday: We walk to win vs. Alzheimer's

Our family team at 2014 walk

The forecast is favorable for a brisk walk in Manhattan's Riverside Park this Sunday. Once again our family team will be "walking to win" in the New York City Walk Against Alzheimer's.

Shanna, our captain, is hoping for a good turnout -- but the team effort is already a success, as family members and friends have contributed well over $1,000 to the fund-raiser.

The annual walk raises money for the Alzheimer's Association, which supports research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's and assists families coping with the disease.
To join our team of walkers and/or add your donation, please visit the team page here.

Darby band plays at Ohio State stadium

Stephanie and her Hilliard Darby Marching Band performed last Saturday in the Buckeye Invitational competition, held at the Ohio State University football stadium.

Cathy writes: "Darby placed 5th out of 38 bands, earned a Superior rating (1 of only 9 bands that did so) and our Color Guard won the award for Best Auxiliary!"

Here's a video of the performance.



This fun photo was taken by a friend at an earlier performance held at Hilliard Bradley HS.