31 October

Happy Halloween!

They were so much fun this year:)

30 October

Today.......Josh finished the Marine Corps Marathon in 3:38, a personal best, I mean a smashing personal best by at least 10 mins. (photos to come).

I so wish I wasn't in the middle of a power outage, dealing with snow and cold (inside and out) so I could fully focus in following the race, Oh well.

I did however, take out my "teach yourself to knit book" and some cheap free yarn I got and taught myself. I didn't know a thing about it before today. The repetitive nature of it is just so soothing, I can find myself really getting into this. It has been on my bucket list for years. I will have to rely on the knitting experts (I hope to see one on Thanksgiving!) for a few more pointers, however, if I hope to ever graduate to making more than a potholder with a few holes in it:)

29 October

It's snowing ! 19 Days ago it was 85 degrees. It's magical, it really is, the first snowfall (especially before Halloween). The kids were out making snow angels, having snowball fights and catching the giant flakes on their tongues until bedtime (and I know I won't be using the word magical to describe it come April:))

28 October

This morning we woke up to a microscopic dusting of snow. Ice covered the front steps and the winter coats, hats and mittens came out. More snow (inches this time!) is on the way for the weekend. Even though we know it's coming, it's just such a shock when winter gets here:) Josh and Kevin left on their plane for Washington DC to meet Jeff for the the Marine Corps marathon this weekend, we are wishing them all the best!

27 October

The scariest little guy at the preschool Halloween party.

26 October

We're getting crazy with our pumpkin designs. They are getting better (and more complex ) every year! Lucas: Scary ghost with a big mouth Bre: Lightning Mcqueen, Trevor: Gremlin. I love how they picked out their own designs. J is the pumpkin carving master, crazy good.

25 October

What's for dinner these fall days when it''s getting dark before 6? We're putting the grill to rest and having:

Shepard's pie

rotisserie chicken

Chicken Parm

homemade pizza

Pot Roast

Meatloaf

Fish sticks and alphabet Fries

Hunter's stew

Guiness Beef Stew

Chicken soup and biscuits

.....and for the picky eaters: 1 bite of everything plus Chocolate milk with a variety of fruit (hey there's always breakfast!)

24 October

These days.......

late afternoon activities are moving closer and closer to our cozy fire :)

23 October

Love this shot.

You at seven.......

Are in first grade

Are reading, everything and anything you can get your hands on.

Love Dance class and Dance Party: Favorite Songs are "Rock it" and "tonight, Tonight"

Love playing games, Cars trouble, football guys hide and seek and Memory are your favorites

Are going to Be lightning Mcqueen for Halloween

Love it when your teacher or anyone tells you, Nice Job"

Love movie night and will always ask for Cars or Mater's tall tales

Love Girl Scouts

Get hot lunch every day and eat just about everything (especially anything dipped in ketchup)

Best friends are Anna, Emily,Sam and Rory although you like and play with everyone

You say "hi" to everyone you see and call them by name if you know it

Say"goodnight Mom" every night and are sounding so much more grown up these days

Are constantly asking, What are you doing?" or "where are we going?"

Hate coming in from recess

Have homework every week

Like shopping, and clothes, and boots

Have two loose teeth on the bottom

Have a positive effect on everyone you meet

Love playing with the dog and your brothers

Are beautiful, sweet and have your own opinion about everything:)

22 October

We've been doing some house cleaning around here, getting ready for winter and holidays and tucking in our gardens and yard for the many cold months ahead. Kitchen cabinets one by one, toys, and closets. We've slowly been letting go of baby "stuff" aside from a few special boxes of things in storage. Here we are with our new big kid swing. I think we may need one more, although the girl rather enjoys pushing:)

21 October

Because when you are four all that matters about soccer is the trophy and the snacks after the games :)

If I had an iPhone......

I would totally be snagging myself one of these.

20 October

I can’t repay the lessons That you taught when I was small.

Or give you gift for gift The daily treasures I recall...

I can’t return encouragement And loving words of praise.

In quite the way you did for me Through all my childhood days.

But there is one gift that I can give, It’s all the love you’ve earned.

For love is what you always taught... And love is what I learned.

Happy 38th Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

19 October

Loving.....

::The fact that you aren't ready to give up those shorts quite yet. "After Halloween" you say.

::Listening to the quiet at home that a Wednesday extended day preschool brings (9-1), and thinking a dreaming of all the "me" projects that this little block of time affords me (but missing them all at the same time).

18 October

Loving....

That this girl is so into everything sports right now, and that we are untertaking a major fall "cleanout" so as to rediscover just the few things the things that we love playing with over and over again (and get rid of the rest).

17 October

this is So sad, yet so inspiring all at the same time. We could learn so much from her.

And this.....oh my very inspiring also.

17 October

Loving.......little projects that are popping up all over the house totally unknown to the grownups before hand. :)

16 October

Fall Love (part 3).

Three kids +one rake+one leaf pile=hours of fun (I love that they are still not too old for it!)

Bre came downstairs herself this morning and said "get dressed myself" (which she does sometimes, but rarely). Then she said "Tom Brady, football!" She has her football shirt on and was all set to go. She must have known it was Sunday. Love that.

15 October

Today, This boy finished the last book of the Harry Potter series. He read all 7 books, every last word. Now he says he's on to the movies and reading Diary of a Whimpy kid and then some more of the Percy Jackson Series (Rick Riordan). We're so proud of him!

14 October

Fall Love (Part 2)

Lucas: Today at school I did really good at pumping my legs on the swing......I'm going to skip all the grades and go straight to college.

J: Which college?

Lucas: Third or Fourth grade college.