Celebrating Fall!

I am teaching Syd and H-Dubya about the seasons. We are currently studying Fall, of course. Today we looked outside and talked about the weather. I was so happy that it was raining and cloudy to Syd could describe it. We then looked for Syd's squirrel, Miss Suzy. She wasn't in view, most likely because of the rain. Syd was a tad worried, but I think she will come back out soon. Syd named the squirrel herself, and on one of the blogs I read a mother recommended a book called Miss Suzy about a squirrel! I was able to find it at the local library, and we read it for the first time last night. We both loved it, I possibly loved it even more than she did. So precious and goes right along with our Fall theme.



We studied nuts today, and Brokeback was kind enough to try and keep H-Dub involved because he knows I so want him to participate. And participate he did for about 2 mins.

We went through a bag of mixed nuts, and Syd learned their names and sorted them. I asked her to hold them and describe their differences, and she was at a loss. We will continue to work on it. Then, we "roasted" some almonds in the oven and tried to mix them in a food chopping device with olive oil to make almond butter. The chopped didn't have enough power, so Daddy was kind enough to beat them into smaller pieces with a meat hammer, or whatever you call it. It went much better after that. Unfortunately, no one really enjoys the finished product but the process was fun.


Syd looking natural as she sorts the nuts.


Nuts up close.


Adding almonds.




Doesn't it look scrumptious? Apparently it isn't.

Syd's First Dance Class

Syd is old enough to take dance at Aunt Momo and I's old stomping ground. She was so thrilled, as was I. I actually teared up after she went in. Apparently she loved every minute of it, but I won't know for sure until the first week of Oct at Watch Day. They don't let parents watch, otherwise. They don't even keep the door open! Syd is taking both tap and ballet, and of course she prefers the louder of the two thus far.

There were several mothers I knew, which was nice. Mrs. Karla gave us all a stern talking to about not having shoes labeled after class. I cowered in shame as I was one of the terrible mother's who forgot. She also ranted a bit about wearing cover ups, which was no surprise as I heard her have the little girls chant "we always wear a cover up" a few times. At least I had that part covered.

These first pics were taken by her father before class. I am unsure about some of the poses.





I think Ron asked her to do a ballet position? It seems a tad awkward to me.


Being escorted in by the assistant.


A pic of Syd and the Grand Dame, Mrs. Karla after class. She was thrilled to see me and asked about Mo Mo, who was her star pupil for many years.

KDO is back in session!

And Mama is sooooo glad!

We started Thursday, and go this Tuesday, skip Thursday. Then it will be every Tues/Thurs from 9-2:30.

Syd was so pumped about going back to school. She is with the same class as last year, which she absolutely loves. Her teachers last year were amazing, and somehow we were lucky enough to get teachers that will be just as good, this year. Holly is a friend of mine through other friends and MOPS, and her partner seems great. I didn't get a pic of Syd with the teachers but hopefully this will happen Tuesday. Syd had a great day, I had to wake her up when I picked her up and she immediately began crying and saying she didn't want to leave. Makes me feel so good.

Now, I was very worried about H-Dub this year. New teachers, naps on a nap mat instead of in a crib, eating at a table where he could get out of his seat if he so desires. I was up til 2 worrying about it the night before like a crazy person. Last year his teachers were so wonderful, and he still cried EVERY time we dropped him off. Not for long, they say, but he was the only child who cried everyday for the entire year. Hayden did not cry this time! I was so proud. He also had a wonderful day, they said he transitioned well and they had no issues at all. He even napped on his mat. Makes my heart sing.

Practicing using the nap mat at home.


Playing well with others.


Blissfully happy to be with her "friends".


Syd's BFF from last year. So happy to be reunited.

More Crafting

School is back in session so crafting is back in our regular routine. I am trying to find things that both Syd and H-Dub will enjoy. He had a decent time with sponge painting this last week. I cut out the shapes myself, thank you very much. Not bad for a leftie whose 5th graders used to give her a run for her money where cutting was concerned.

Hayden had to be strapped in so that he would fully participate. And participate he did for 3-5 mins.

Syd did a great job, and we also did a fall craft where she painted leaves and attached them to a vine.

Got a little on his nose, there.



Painting her hand as well as the leaves.

Fun outside

Because we don't have a large space to play in the backyard, we have to let the kids play in the front. Not something we do too often, it makes Ron nervous. We left them go nuts outside on Sunday while Ron mowed the lawn. They were so very happy and sweaty. For some reason I thought they would really get into kicking the ball around and hitting the ball off the stand. But they preferred to run around aimlessly. Syd tried to drive her jeep but it was tough for her. She preferred to be carted around by our next door neighbor, Carter. He just turned 3 in June but he is a professional driver. Hayden enjoyed helping Daddy mow.

And we are crafting

Hayden has become more interested in the crafting, lately. This makes me very happy because I sometimes worry about his attention span. Of course, he is soooo terribly messy. Syd never was so it wears me out. But that is okay. I enjoy it so much when he participates.

Violating Child Labor Laws