a soggy Halloween

Happy Halloween, everybody! It was another fun night of trick-or-treating for the Sayah boys (all four of us :-)). Jason went as Mario from the Nintendo games. As usual, Jeanne did a great job of pulling together the costume.



Brian and I went as Elmer and Boris the Dragon from the book My Father's Dragon. Jeanne got off easy here, as these costumes were still sitting in the crawlspace from 8 or so years ago, when TJ and I went out in these costumes. I just had to make some new wings for the dragon this afternoon.



I don't think these books as very widely known, as noone could name who Brian and I were. But, if you have kids in early grammer school, I highly recommend you find these books for them. And if they really get into them they way all of my kids have, we've got some costumes you can borrow next year!

TJ wasn't going to go out trick-or-treating this year, but at the last minute he changed his mind and joined us. He pulled together a costume using a mask and some props from his school play last year, where he played the role of the Executioner.



Here's one more picture that was just too cute to not post.



After about forty-five minutes of trick-or-treating in the light rain, it started to fall more heavily, and we all started to get pretty soggy. My wings collapsed and I could feel my tail starting to get really heavy from all of the puddles it was getting dragged through. Brian's backpack (which was a cereal box covered with brown paper) got wet and then the shoulder straps fell off. So, we headed back home (without too much complaining) and spent the rest of the night greeting the trick-or-treaters coming to our door. Seems like the rain led to a lighter turnout than usual. Time to go turn off the lights and call it a night!

first visit to the Walkway over the Hudson

Today, I got my first chance to visit the Walkway over the Hudson which opened up about a month ago. For those that don't know, the Walkway over the Hudson is a new state park where they converted a former railway bridge into a path across the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie to Highland. You can learn more about this wonderful new place from their website.

Jason, Brian and I went together to check out the walkway while Jeanne stayed home to get started on Halloween costumes and TJ was off at play practice. I had heard that there would be a free shuttle bus from the nearby train station, so I decided to go there rather than try to find parking at the site, as I was certain the place would be crowded on such a beautiful day. Turns out that was the right plan. The lot at the park was full and the guy across the street was charging $5 to park in his lot.

Jason and Brian enjoyed the bus ride over.

Once the bus dropped us off at the park, we had to walk down a short path to get to the bridge.

With the fall colors, the views were spectacular.

Here is Route 9 from a new perspective

Finally, out over the Hudson River!

Looking south at the Mid-Hudson bridge

At this point on the bridge, we ran into the Marist women's basketball team. One of the girls was nice enough to offer to take pictures of the three of us, so I get to upload a couple of pictures that have me in it for a change.

Well, since Brian and Jason were getting tired of walking, and we had to pick up TJ soon anyway, that's as far across as we got today. So, we turned around and headed back.

As we reached the end of the path, we saw the bus pulling away, so we had to hang out and wait for a while. Brian and Jason had fun passing the time.

But, then the bus finally showed up to bring us back to the train station.

We ended up being a little late to pick up TJ, but the three of us thought it was worth it. And since TJ got to go over the bridge earlier in the week with some classmates (and none of us), he couldn't complain too much. With November just around the corner, I imagine that's the only chance we'll get to visit this year. When spring comes, we'll have to plan a nice day of it and go all the way across - maybe even pack a picnic lunch to eat over on the other side.

TJ's Confirmation

TJ received the sacrament of Confirmation last evening at our parish church of St. Martin de Porres. TJ chose to confirm under his baptismal name of Thomas in honor of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of scholars. TJ received a little special attention from the bishop due to the fact that he decided to write his letter to the bishop in both English and Latin.

Here's a picture of TJ and his Nana, whom he chose to be his sponsor.

And here's a picture of the family with Bishop Lagonegro.

I'm very proud of the fine young man my son is growing into.

PKD publicity on CBS Early Show - tomorrow!

Received the following email and thought I would pass it along on here in case this is able to reach someone not already on the mailing list. This is tomorrow! Sounds like a great chance for some more publicity for PKD. Hope they are able to draw a good crowd, but midtown-Manhattan at 7:15am on a weekday with three kids to get off to school just isn't realistic for us. If nothing else, though, set your VCRs and DVRs.

We have just officially booked the CBS Early Show for this coming Monday morning, October 19, 2009. In order to maximize our media attention, we need 20 people to come down to CBS Plaza and fill our shot - we have guaranteed air time. Wear your teal Walk for PKD t-shirt or we'll provide one. We also encourage you to make signs that include the website…www.pkdcure.org. Please e-mail us as soon as possible if you are interested in attending! tristatewalk@pkdcure.org Bring family, friends, colleagues to help guarantee us as much air time as possible! Or pass this email on to anyone else who may be interested. Please let us know if you have any questions. Hope to see you Monday morning! Meeting details are as follows: Arrive by: 7:15 a.m and leave by 8:50. Report to 59th St and 5th Ave, the southeast corner of Central Park. It's in the same building as FAO Schwartz. The camera people and crews, and barricades are out early so you can't miss it. Everyone should dress warm but the Apple Store will allow us to stay in their store for warmth. If anyone would like a tour of the inside of the studios at 9 a.m, CBS will probably do that for us

pictures from walk day

Finally got some pictures from the walk. Thanks, Dad!

Here's Sam, this year's walk coordinator, along with his bodyguards. Positions of power such as his require extra attention to security.



Here's Jeanne taking care of the Hudson Valley Chapter information table.



Jason hanging with a stormtrooper.



Brian and Pop-Pop waiting for their chance to say hi to the stormtrooper. There's Kenny the Kidney in the background.



A picture from the walk route. Notice how everyone is in front of us, as usual.



One of my favorite touches is the signs they put up along the walk route. Here's one congratulating TJ for his fundraising efforts the previous year.

Back at the pavilion, it's time for some eating and socializing!

Brian, don't fill up on soda!

TJ once again received the award for second place youth fundraiser. He's not looking as youthful as he used to, though! In the foreground, Luke raises up his first place trophy.

Thanks again to everyone who helped make this another successful year for Team Teddy Bear and the entire Hudson Valley Walk fo PKD!