October Fun

Every October, every year --- our calendars are so full.  The fall is my absolute favorite time of year.  I love the fall colors, the cooler temps, and football.  This year is no different.  We've had Preschool bike-a-ton, Hokie games, neighborhood Trunk-or-Treat, and Pumpkin Patch fun for all.  Next up is Halloween on Tuesday.

I know I wrote about this in the kids "back to school" post --- but there is such change happening this year with our Katie Bug.  She is maturing in ways that I'm not sure I expected at age 8.  The rides at the Pumpkin Patch didn't hold the same appeal for her as years past.  She prefers now to do the challenging corn maze with her dad, or paint ball gun.  Its a new phase we are all doing our best to navigate --- the first of many new phases I'm sure.

Jenna loved the bouncy house, the wagon ride, pumpkin bowling --- and her favorite was the corn kernel pit!!  She did not love mommy taking her picture a thousand times.  And oh, can she give "the look"!!!









We let both girls pick their own costumes this year.  Jenna chose Princess Pea (from Super Why).  She is obsessed with that show and is convinced that Princess Pea is the best of the super readers.

Katie chose to be Tinkerbell --- and with her blonde hair it fits.  She made her final decision as soon as she knew that light up wings were part of the deal.  

Riva Fun

Matt's family purchased a 'Riva House' about 10 years ago.  His father had always wanted a place on the water where he could fish and relax in his retirement.  I'm sure there are weekends when he gets to do both.  However, with the grandkids around, there is little relaxation.

Living in Richmond, we are much closer to the River House and have been fortunate enough to visit multiple times this summer.  Over Memorial Day weekend, the entire family was together......even Uncle Jake made it in from Wisconsin.  Bob spent the weekend with all three of his boys, and all 4 grandkids.

The girls absolutely love these trips.  They get to experience so many adventures --- camping in the backyard, popsicles on the dock, jet ski rides, water gun battles, tubing off the back of the boat, marshmallow roasting, lightening bug catching, and so much more.  They both love the water, and time with their cousins.

Included are a few pictures and videos from our recent trips.  These will be such wonderful days to remember!  As Auntie Kat says, just a bunch of Riva Rats!!!  :-)

2017: First Days of School

Last year, we had a fair amount of tears on the girls first days of school.  This year --- none of that!  And phew was I thankful for it!

Katie is beginning 3rd grade and its a year of changes.  Parent volunteers are no longer encouraged in the classroom and a high degree of student independence is expected.  I can already tell it will be a year of significant growth and lofty academic expectations.  Katie is taking it all in stride and doesn't seem too concerned about --- well --- any of it.  LOL!!!  She is happily existing in the land of 8 year-old obliviousness.  Nana and I are both Type-A personalities and it drives us crazy when Katie forgets some item of homework.  Katie, meanwhile, is like "its fine --- I'll just get it tomorrow."  AHHHH!  Are you kidding me?!?!?  But, she's happy and off to a great start!!  I know it will be a challenge, but I'm hopeful for a good school year.

She has so many friends from last year in her class, and even one of our close neighbors.  She loves her teacher and the year is already off to a good start.  Here's hoping it stays on track.

I often tell people how many young families there are in our neighborhood.  Our bus stop and one other down the street fill up an entire bus.  No joke!  I love having so many families and playmates for our girls!!  Included below is one picture of all the kids at our bus stop --- as well as a couple of others with our cul-de-sac crew on the way to the bus stop.  Notice Jenna's ride?!?!  LOL!

Oh Jenna, My Jenna ---- This girl is something! 

She's headed back to preschool this year, but at a new location.  This year will be 3 day 3's --- with a longer day.  Preschool runs from 9:30-12:30, then she stays for Lunch Bunch from 12:30-2.  She is learning about alphabet soup, congo line with letters, and so much more.

The teachers of Jenna's preschool asked parents to write an "All About Me" letter to help them get to know each child a bit better.  As I wrote the letter it because even more apparent to me what a HAPPY child Jenna is.  Don't get me wrong, she has her tantrums and fits like every other child.  But, most days --- she is just happy.  Each day she wakes up talking and ready to start the day.  She sees the good in everything, and has such a kind nature about her. She is fiercely independent, and still chasing Big Sis.

If I could alter one thing, I would ask her to just TAKE A BREATH.  I don't think she stops talking for a full minute at any point during the day.  And she is LOUD.  Always!  I had to laugh when she came home from preschool and told me that they learned about inside voices (good for the classroom) and outside voices (good for the playground) one day at school.  I'm pretty sure that lesson was dedicated to her.   LOL! 

Here's hoping for a wonderful year of Preschool for you Miss Jenna!!

Topsail 2017

I read an article recently called "18 Summers - That's all you get."  The purpose was to remind parents that the time we have with our little ones is fleeting.  There are days when I do a good job of remembering that advice, and days were my patience is slim to none.

One of my goals for our 18 summers is to take a family beach trip each year.  This year we returned to Topsail Beach, NC as part of our summer fun.  We had a wonderful trip and below are a few things I want to document and remember for years to come.

 - Jenna does not walk.  She skips, gallops, and runs --- But doesn't walk.  Even strangers comment.
 - Katie is great at making new friends.  She made 4 new friends this week and was so sad to say goodbye.
 - Rainy days at the beach are good, as long as they are few in number.
 - My kids hate sunscreen.  The smell, the oily feel, the fact that sand sticks to it, and the process of applying it.
 - The girls could search for shells for hours.  And they appreciate entirely different types of shells.  Jenna loves all the oyster shells, Katie prefers the smooth, worn stones.
 - Jenna has one volume.  LOUD!
 - Katie has an eagle eye.  She was the only person to find a shark's tooth --- in fact, she found 3!!!
 - No more floaties!  Jenna is now independent in the water.  She was even diving in the 5 ft. for dive toys.  (This terrifies me!)
 - We didn't Putt-Putt.  How did I fail on this one?!?!
 - We did enjoy ice cream.  More than once.
 - Jenna likes the pool.  Katie likes the beach.
 - The girls slept until 8:30 or later almost every single day.  They are going to rock sleeping-in when they are teenagers.
 - The girls fight - over the most inconsequential things.  Like who will press the elevator buttons.  Not kidding!  They also love each other (when not fighting).

Pumpkin Patch - 2016

We are back in Richmond this fall, so we headed to one of our old favorite spots --- Chesterfield Berry Farm. It hasn't changed much since we used to bring Katie there years ago.  Similar rides and attractions, and plenty to keep the kids busy for hours.

Jenna loved the barrel train ride and bouncy house the most.  She begged to return to the barrel ride for a 3rd time, but at 2 PM ---- so was long past needing a nap. 

Katie's tastes have changed a bit.  I can remember taking Katie to the CB Farm and she would ask ---- "There won't be anything scary there, right mommy?"  And of course I would do everything possible to steer her away from the Haunted House, etc.  This year --- she asked for daddy to take her INTO the Haunted House.  I couldn't believe it!  So much change, in such a short period of time.

Katie @ age 2:

Kate @ age 7:  She's so over the barrel rides.  LOL!

One part that was new was this Hay Bail Obstacle Course / Playground.  They had rope swings and culvert slides -- which both the girls enjoyed.

We came away with 3 pumpkins, two tired kiddos ---- and a few more memories for October 2016.
 

Swim Team

At the beginning of the school year, Katie and I discussed which fall sports she wanted to participate in. Options included soccer, dance, swimming, and gymnastics......and Katie chose swimming. I wasn't terribly surprised as its probably her favorite sport. She's tried others, but always comes back to swimming.  And frankly, given her back issues --- I was just grateful she didn't pick gymnastics.

For those of you who have not participated in swim teams/swim meets, its NUTS!  As a kid, I tried almost every sport imaginable, and attended virtually any sporting event I could.  And yet, I'm still amazed at these swim meets.  At our last home meet, our team alone had over 200 kids swimming (with 3 other teams there as well).  The indoor events only allow about 50-100 spectators into the pool at a time (due to capacity constraints) so there is a constant flow of people coming in to see swimmers, and people going out when their swimmers are finished.

And then there are the little kids.  You probably think I'm referring to Katie's age group.  But no.  There are some as little as 5 out there.  I just love the "little kids."  Some are totally awesome and can probably already outswim me.  And some can barely make it down the length of the pool.  Oh, but those sweet little faces when they get to the end.  Just amazing!

A full swim meet will often take 6 hours (fortunately, the younger kids are only the 1st half).  Thank goodness!  The noise level is off the charts.  And you have to bring enough snacks to feed an army (swimming does make you hungry, after all).  Its an interesting sport.  One that Katie has allowed me to learn along with her.

One of the best parts of this year's swim team --- Cousin Claire and Katie are on the same team!  A couple of these pics are from their first swim meet together.  So, so much fun!!