LUKE & GEORGE'S LOUNGE

O TANNENBAUM

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:23:00 +0000

The Christmas Tree Hunt of 2009!

Our perfect tree picked us. We found each other at Ploch's Garden Center.

It looked very much at home in front of our living room window.

And even better with our multicolored lights from CVS!

(A vestige of city Christmases past...)

"Your boughs can teach a lesson/ That constant faith and hope sublime
Lend strength and/ comfort through all time..."

We love you, tree!

GOT 'EM ALL CUT

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:15:00 +0000

It's HAIRCUT Day - color me excited!

Here they are: my long unruly locks.

Little me in a professional salon! This is awesome.

Uhm. You think you should go that short?

Ouch! Do you have a license to cut hair in NJ? Paperwork, please.

I don't recognize myself.

Oh, thank GOODNESS. I'm still my devastating little self!

AVUNCULARITY

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:07:00 +0000

According to Webster's, UNCLE is defined in the following way:

"A brother of one's father or mother"

"An aunt's husband"

Or... "A Pawnbroker (slang)"

Let's add: More fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Can someone contact them and get that added?

TWO LITTLE PILGRIMS

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:50:00 +0000

Are you more of a Pilgrim, or an Indian?

(Sorry - Native American, as my brother Luke says.)

Luke decided that I'm a Pilgrim.

As such, I was excited for my big holiday this year: Thanksgiving!

Ama cleared the kitchen to prepare the turkey, so we went for a walk in the woods with Mom, Dad and Papa Dave.

Luke - checking out Papa Dave's "before dinner" waistline.

Me - having a Walt Whitman moment.

Happiness is...heading home for Ama's cocktail hour!

Dad: peanuts, pigs in blankets, and curry dip for George? BLISS.

Lots to be thankful for this year...

...Now, what is Santa's ETA?

IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:54:00 +0000

I hope that thinking is still accepted.

See, we wanted to welcome our new cousin Thomas Christopher Byrne, born on October 27...

Luke was in charge of the sign. I was on pillow-duty. We wanted to reinforce the "Thomas" theme.

Welcome, Thomas! You are beloved by millions of children everywhere! I can't believe we're related!

Wait. You do sleep in a shed and run on steam, correct?

AUTUMN IN NEW JERSEY

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:38:00 +0000

Isn't that a Willie Nelson song?

Anyway: suburban autumn means TONS of leaves.

Dad met the problem head-on - with a new toy to blow all the leaves around!

That thing is as loud as Mom's hair-dryer, Dad.

I'm gonna burrow in the leaf bag.

I'm a suburban groundhog!

I could have a party in here.

SURPRISE! Happy Leaf Season!

HALLOWEEN 2009: Exclusive Footage from Animal Planet

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:42:00 +0000

RAWWWWRRRRRR!!!!

Halloween 2009: WILD KINGDOM!

Follow the story of a fruit bat from the dark hills of New Jersey...

And a surly tiger cub on the prowl for candy and pretzel goldfish...

(Is this the Turtleback Zoo or our living room?)

WARNING - EXPLICIT FOOTAGE: Baby Tiger attacks the documentarian!

Observe how the tiger cub ignores the bat, and hunts for candy prey in...

...The fireplace? Silly tiger!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

SUBURBAN BLISS

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:43:00 +0000

Listen: no one was more skeptical than me.

Me - the original NYC kid - marooned in the suburbs?

Lonely. Disoriented. Looking for a cab to take me back to the Upper West Side.

Turns out, the suburbs are better than I could have imagined!

Pumpkin parties - BIG ONES - with cool stuff for free!

Facepainting...

Custom balloon-designs...

And then there's my little brother.

If we were still in the city, he wouldn't know the difference between a pumpkin and an Ollie's take-out container.

Now he's a full-on Backyardigan!

And he's loving it.

Believe it. Carrie Bradshaw had it all wrong.

There is life and happiness beyond the Big Apple!

PUMPKIN SEASON

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:05:00 +0000

The other weekend we went pumpkin picking! What a blast.

We were joined by Aunt Barb, Uncle Mike, Chris and Matthew...

The Donohues x 2! Uncles Greg and Barry, Aunts Jenny and Kristen, and Lily, Ryan, Bobby and Sean.

The hayride was a real highlight.

It was George's first wagon experience.

He was a little wild and free without his car seat restraints, so I was a human barricade.

Here's my favorite lunchtime partner, Lily - and her family.

And my buddy Christopher, who is so happy I'm finally a Garden State resident!

George is all anxious. He keeps asking me when we hit the Pumpkin Patch.

Plenty of pumpkins for everyone, George - they never run out.

George thinks Bobby and Sean are hatching a pumpkin-plan to scoop up all the best gourds. The kid needs to relax!

Our gang's all here... (Almost! Ryan must be in the hay bale maze.)

Me and my main gal, Lily.

So, Lily - I was thinking we should maybe be exclusive lunch-partners...

What? Him? But Christopher doesn't even GO to Parkside.

I can't believe it! Chris is moving in on my girl!

He's a wily charmer, that Mariniello...

WHAT! George?! I can't even trust my baby brother. Lily is inspiring crushes left and right.

George wisely suggested we put aside our romantic pursuits and head for the hen house.

Best to just give Lily some space.

Of course, if I have all the baskets, a certain red-haired girl may need to borrow one...

And finally: in the patch.

George is blown away. There are pumpkins EVERYWHERE!

PAPA DAVE ROCKS

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Special birthday wishes go out tonight for Papa Dave!

We love you, P-Davey!

Papa Dave: Some win this weekend, huh? GO, IRISH!

HOUSE PARTY!

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Last month, we hosted our first big bash at our new home - in honor of Grandy's birthday, Boppa's birthday, and Aunt Liz's birthday.

It was my first hosting experience...

And I wanted everything to be PERFECT.

(I made Mom, Dad and Luke change outfits three times.)

I appointed Luke the Balloon Manager.

That kept him occupied for a good hour and a half.

This freed me up to greet guests, test out hors d'oeuvres, and play DJ!

I confess that I fell prey to some minor social stress... what if no one came to the party?

Thankfully, the Birthday gang arrived right on time.

And so did honorary Birthday Girl, Genevieve!

Luke likes to call her "Geeve" - but LOOK! She's turning away! She's totally not having that.

Isn't she the cutest?

Hey little cousin!

Guess what, Evie? I'm your BIG cousin! And this is the first time I've ever used "big" to describe myself.

Later, we played party games, like "Ride the Luke"!

Personally, I prefer the slightly more stable version of this game - "Ride the Uncle James."

But as the night wore on, "Cuddle with Grandy" was the nicest game.

Even though I personally didn't receive any presents, I was really happy that Aunt Liz and Grandy and Boppa got some great gifts.

What a blast!

(And N.B.: someone went to sleep right on time...and some crazy toddler stayed up three and a half hours past his bedtime. But I'm not naming names.)

FALLING FOR FALL

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:49:00 +0000

Happy October!

Do you like our Halloween pajamas, courtesy of Uncle Chris?

And the best part is: we glow in the dark!

Which is especially helpful, mom says, when we decide to creep around in the middle of the night...

Let the countdown to Halloween begin!

DEAR SANTA

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:12:00 +0000

Dear Santa,

Greetings from your old friend, Luke Skinner!

How was your summer? Mine was great. Here's a highlight reel.

I turned 3. That felt good. I was ready.

George and I kicked it with the cousins out East.

George really held his own with us big kids. I was proud of him.

I got my last licks at all my favorite Central Park playgrounds...

Hot Damn! Summer in the city!

George spent the 4th of July charming -- a.k.a hogging -- Ama and Papa Dave.

Yankee Doodle Cupcake!

While George and Papa Dave and Bear Bear enjoyed the sunset...

I romanced two lovely Langers! (Two girls this cute? Are there more of you?)

And we watched some spectacular fireworks!

My mom spent much of the summer putting George and I in striped pajamas.

We spent a blissful week in the Hamptons...

And then vacation was OVER.

But the fun was just starting in New Jersey!

We moved into a new house...

It rained a lot, so George and I had indoor fun together.

Oh, and George had his first birthday, said his first word ("sit") and started walking.

Big whoop, guy.

Anyway, me and George were super helpful with the unpacking, and the furniture construction. I know my way around a wrench - make no mistake.

Late summer found us back in Westhampton...

I perfected my Bathtub Backstroke!

And George... well, according to the prepared language he asked me to use:

"George just kept getting handsomer."

We hit a great petting zoo with Ama.

Hello, little fella! How are you today?

Hmph. Do they make pull-ups for baby chicks?

And in typical Francescani-Skinner fashion, we ended the summer with a rockin' Dune Road house party.

Santa: I'm EXHAUSTED!

I'm going to sleep.

xo Luke

P.S. I still take naps so I'm well-rested and ready to start my night! Have a good one, Santa!

THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN!

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:03:00 +0000

...And her name is Genevieve Dianne Skinner!

Born this morning - on Boppa's birthday! 7 lbs 5 ounces - and as beautiful as her mom!

Love and congratulations to all!

This is my Howl of Happiness.

UP!...GOODBYE TO THE PACIFIERS

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Today was the day.

After months of anticipation and discussion,
today Luke said GOODBYE, PACIFIERS!

We picked a special spot: a Central Park bridge overlooking Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir...

The conditions were perfect for a pacifier air-lift: breezy, mild and bright.

We bid the paci's adieu, and released them into the wind.
We hoped they would be in Cairo or Bangalore by sunset...

They didn't even make it to 97th Street.
The cargo was too heavy - the balloons sunk as if attached to a wet diaper.

We lightened the load, and got ready to make a second launch.

And away they went!

(Hey - the Kitty Hawk didn't take off the first time either.)
Wish my Mom and Dad luck with bedtime and naptime!

I SCOOT, THEREFORE I AM

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Yesterday morning, a very special present arrived for Luke.

As usual, I was anxious to see what the upside of this present was for ME.

Luke got a scooter for his birthday!

Let me see how low these adjustable handlebars will go...

Uh-oh - Big Brother is onto me.

(Just wait until Luke goes down for a nap, Scooter... you're my new stealth ride!)

LUKE IS THREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:45:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to me!

I'm supposed to blow out THESE candles because it's MY cake. I hope Christopher doesn't try to sneak in here and blow these out as payback for his birthday candles last month.

Wait one second... Dad: this isn't cake.

Mom: PIE? Even Marie Antoinette got cake! Birthday boys need CAKE!

THE GAMBLERS

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:17:00 +0000

Like my cousin Henry, I have a deep love of Johnny Cash* music.

Here's one I like to sing in the car...with the windows open...REAL LOUD...

"You got to know when to hold 'em...know when to fold 'em...

Know when to walk away...Know when to run...

You don't ever count your money while you're sittin' at the table

They'll be time enough for countin',

When the dealin's DONE!

*Yes, I realize Kenny Rodgers popularized it, but I prefer the Johnny Cash version. Check it out!

ROMEO AND JULIET: A tale of two sweethearts separated by the Hudson

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:17:00 +0000

I am here to tell you the story of
Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona -- uh, I mean, NYC and Montclair, where we lay our scene...

From forth a pair of star-cross'd sweethearts did emerge,
For a lunch-date of some apple juice and pizza.

My brother, Luke - impetuous, loud, and love-struck,
And
His strawberry-haired Lily - gentle, sweet, and slightly grilled by the recent arrival of her adorable spotlight-stealing baby brother.

Luke, looking for the exchange of his love's faithful vow...may be moving a little too fast.

Wisely and slow, my brother! They stumble that run fast.

Lily thinks it over, and decides that Luke was not stepping o'er the bounds of modesty.

Nurse Bernadette is skeptical. She asks how these two crazy kids can make it work when a bridge, a tunnel, and tons of commuter traffic divides them?

Love is a tender and fierce thing, Nurse B! Don't you agree, Ryan?

Fear not!
And don't be fooled by this innocent sand play.
These two are hatching a complicated real estate coup by which an apartment is bought and sold, a house is acquired, and countless local playdates ensue!

Young love and suburban bliss WILL prevail!

PRESCHOOL VISITATION DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:17:00 +0000

Teachers. Administrators. Parents of the future Preschool Class of 2009-10.

I'm Luke Skinner.

Let me tell you a little something about myself...

[A MESSAGE FROM GEORGE:

Lock your classrooms! Hide your crayons! Nail down the furniture!]

A-HEM. Pay no attention to the small man in the striped pajamas.

Who is he? Oh. He's my darling little brother... I actually taught him the alphabet, and how to crawl, and talk. Matter of fact, he ironed this dress shirt for me.

[GEORGE: Admitting this kid into your preschool would be like throwing open the windows and welcoming a tornado into the classroom. Don't say I didn't warn you.]

ME AND JULIO

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:05:00 +0000

Lately, Dad has let Luke help out in the kitchen.

If Julia Child and Jamie Oliver, the Naked Chef, had a baby - that kid would be Luke, Mom says.

She calls him "Julio Child, the Little Chef."

He's pretty pushy about getting me to try his creations.

Right here, he's asking me why I won't eat his chili.

I've got four teeth, Julio! I barely choked down your Flinstones Vitamin Omlette.

I'm sticking with milk for the foreseeable future.

TWILIGHT TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:57:00 +0000

It's my favorite time of day!

Storytime with my dad and my big brother Luke.

Hey, Luke: ever notice how I'm two years younger than you, but I don't need or want a pacifier?

I can tell - it's a sobering thought for you.

Of course, I do shriek and scratch like a monkey when Mom tries to wash my face...

We all have our demons, brother.

CODE NAME: BEAR BEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:43:00 +0000

So, George:

When I was your age, I raided the fridge so often that Dad and Mom thought a baby bear was loose on the Upper West Side.

It's time for you to forage for berries for us in the kitchen.

Here are your instructions for the mission:

1. Speak to no one.

2. If apprehended, admit nothing.

Let me spin you some theme music.

From here on out, you go by "Bear Bear."

And.....GO!

Break LEFT, Bear Bear!

No, man! AWAY from the table - the kitchen is the other way!

Hard left, George!

Clearly, the rookie is still too green.

You heard it here first: I'm coming out of retirement for the next mission.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Yeah! It's Dad's birthday!

Luke and I have been hunting for the perfect present all week...

(Oh wait. Have you seen my foot?

How great is this footie? I never get tired of kicking it out at mealtime!
OK - back on point now.)

Luke thinks we need a pet. A leopard would be perfect for Dad.

Mom said we already have a sharp-toothed four-legged predator at home.

Luke is seen here scouting elephants.

I just told him that we can't get one of these guys on the subway, much less into our building elevator.

Oh well. We tried!

WE LOVE YOU, DAD! Happy Birthday...CHA CHA CHA!

GEORGE CRAWLS!

noreply@blogger.com (Luke and George) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:15:00 +0000

Believe it, people.

I am on the MOVE!

Allow me to submit exhibit A - aerial photographs.

Photo 1:

Photo 2: !

Hmm.

Perhaps some more illustrative photoes.

Here's me going for a block. Object spotted...

Moving in....

CONTACT!

(OK, my parents need to just tech up and get some actual video footage of me on youtube! COME ON!)