The big 3, a night of ghouls, and a week of the icks

We've been remiss in updating you about all the activity aboard the U.S.S. Fussy Britches.

And there's been a lot to report.

First, there was Halloween. For his first year of trick-or-treating, Cap'n Quinn did what comes natural -- gave a hearty "aaarrgghh" and donned his pirate garb. With Mommy at work, the Skipper Keaton came along for the ride, dressed as a more-cute-than-scary skeleton.

Quinn knew the drill: Knock on the door, stand back a few steps, and when the door opens holler "trick or treat!" He had so much fun, Daddy thought he'd have to take him out every Saturday night.

Halloween was followed by something far scarier -- a week of the yucks.

First Mommy got it -- the fever, aches sinus headaches. Then it hit Quinn and then Keaton and, finally, Daddy. Luckily, Keaton's powerful young immune system dispatched the yucks in just a day. For Daddy, it lasted just two days. Unfortunately, it lasted a bit longer for Mommy and Quinn. But they're on the mend, and just in time to head to Minnesota next week for Thanksgiving.

But before we get to that, there was Quinn's big day.

A third birthday may not be as momentous the first two, but you'd have a hard time convincing Quinn.

First, he and Daddy made a special trip to the theater to watch "Astroboy" and eat popcorn. Then on Saturday, after we dropped Dexie off for a haircut, he picked out some purple balloons for his birthday party. Just after we got home, our party guests arrived, and Quinn had lots of fun playing with his friends Evelyn, Jonah and Lenore.

Mommy made some great food. And while most everybody left before we cut the dessert, the rest of us enjoyed some pretty tasty ice cream cake.

It was a fun day and Quinn was wore out when bed time came.

Let's hope he and his brother are just as tired when we step on a plane next week. Minnesota, here we come!