Snow!

Winter has arrived and with it comes the snow. Actually, the snow usually arrives before winter, much to my chagrin and much to my kids enjoyment. We had a couple of dustings and about an inch or so before we actually got some real snow fall. As always, Alex and Ava could not wait to go outside and play. I stayed indoors and watched from the window...it's way too cold out there for me!

Halloween

Halloween always means lots of kids, lots of parties, and of course, lots of candy. This year Alex was Anakin Skywalker and Ava was a butterfly. They had a great time celebrating at school parties, trunk-or-treating at church, and trick-or-treating with friends.

School parties



Trunk-or-Treating


Trick-or-treating with friends.

We even squeezed in some pumpkin carving. I think next year I will buy a kit!

Autumn

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the crisp weather, leaves changing color, and the anticipation of the holidays. There are so many fun activities to do this time of year, from apple picking to hayrides to picking out pumpkins. However, it is also a very busy time of year with the start of school, homework, and activities that I always feel guilty for not doing more with the kids during this time. This year I was determined to do some fun fall things and so we went to County Line Orchard. We went on a Saturday which meant it was super busy but the kids had a blast going through the corn maze, visiting the farm animals, and riding on the tractor.

Chinese, gymnastics, and glasses

With the start of the new school year comes afterschool activities (or in Ava's case, before school activities). Alex isn't home until about 4 everyday (4:30 when it's my turn to carpool), and once homework is done, there isn't much time for activities. However, I did sign him up for Chinese lessons (his choice) once a week, which he really enjoys. He has learned numbers, colors, a bunch of phrases and how to play mah-jongg. Alex also got glasses this fall and I'm including a picture of him in his new specs. Doesn't he look cute?

Last year, Ava got to watch Alex participate in a few activities and I felt guilty for not signing her up for anything (actually, she was in swimming but didn't want to do it after a couple of lessons). So, this year I signed her up for gymnastics and she loves it. She has also been more open to swimming so I signed her and Alex up for weekly lessons. My kids love the water and I think if they could they would be swimming everyday.

First days

I'm slowly but surely catching up with my posts. I've made it to the first day of school, so I'm only 4 months behind! Anyway, Alex started a new school the end of August. I decided to send him to the new charter school that was opening, thinking that he would learn more with different teaching methods. It was a hard decision as I loved his old school and he did really well there. Fortunately, Alex loves his new school; however, I don't love it quite as much. Oh well, we'll see how the rest of the year goes.


Ava started her second year of preschool after Labor Day. She is in the same preschool Alex was in and has the same teachers. She was excited for school to start and to make new friends. I'm excited for 2 1/2 hours to myself, three times a week!