The Parrillo Family

All three had unique, interesting costumes that seem to fit their own personalities.  Eloise went as "Boo" from Monsters, Inc along with two friends who were Sully and Mike Wazowski. The Big Beef as a store-bought BumbleBee from Transformers.  And Sadie?  She was Red, the new pirate on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  She had rum, of course! We went around the neighborhood with Uncle Bill/Aunt Sisi and their two boys plus our dear neighbors.  After the kids had hit a bunch of houses and were poop'd, we came back to our house for a little neighborhood party!

This is four.  For Frankie Parrillo.  He's a really awesome kid.  Full of goofs.  And so much gentle, gentle love.  Frankie was greeted on his fourth birthday with the traditional Parrillo family accoutrement including a cupcake breakfast and a party with his family.  Earlier in the week, he was celebrated at school, too: By the end of the day, we finally got around to sing-ing him Happy Birthday and he made it a dinosaur party by wearing his T-Rex paws and having his sisters growl like dinosaurs with him. He's a sweet boy who is increasingly becoming *all boy*.  He likes all things distinctly boy-related and wants to hang out with the boys more and more.  At the same time, he's super gentle and loving and will tell you - on a dime - that he loves you so much. Hard to believe he's four already, but can't wait what this coming year does for him in terms of growth.  I'm excited to see him continue to grow up and be the best l...

Our Eloise is now the proud wearer of these stylish frames.  Just like her Momma. She mentioned to Natalie that she was having some difficulty seeing the board in her classroom so off they went to the eye doctor.  And they came home with a new pair of glasses.  That, she's really excited to wear.  Filing this under [ milestones ] here on the family blog.  We'll see if the other two go down this path too?

Look at that face!  That's someone who is so proud of herself - and has totally earned the right to be!  Natalie finished the 2018 Chicago Marathon and in her own, usual understated way:  kicked its butt! Nat should likely be the one who writes this post, but for now, I'll do it.  If you want to see ALL of the photos from her race, click here to see the full album .  Go ahead...it is worth it! Know this:  she worked hard.  I mean....really hard.  All Summer.  She was out there, sticking to her training schedule and program.  Through pain.  And dark morning and evening runs when she could fit them in.  But, in the end, she did it all because she did something she's really good at:  redefining her limits. We're all so, so proud of her.  Can't wait to see what challenge she tackles next.  Guessing it is going to be another race.  And @Nat...the kids and I can't wait to be there cheering you on!