Look What I Built

Matt has been perfecting his building skills as of late. He got a small link and log set quite some time ago and has brought it out on occasion to play with either Dave or I - we usually ended up building and he would knock it down. On this day, he was proud to show us what he was able to do all by himself. Great job Matt!!! It was another moment where I was jolted into realizing just how old Matt is and his capabilities. He is growing up way to fast.

Fall Just Isn't the Same

This is our first fall without the Japanese maple tree in front of our house. Unfortunately, it had to be cut down and removed when we had our oil tank removed last winter. I've missed seeing it throughout the year but this is the time I miss it most. It always displayed such brilliant red leaves during the fall season. Its removal also took away our annual activity of playing in the leaves when they started to fall. It seems silly, it was just a tree but it was a beautiful part of our home. We've decided not to plant a new tree. As the kids have gotten bigger they have required more "space" to play and seeing our front and side yard are the main yard, we thought we would keep it a wide open space for them. So long tree, we miss seeing your vibrant leaves. Can you believe how young the kids were in this picture?

Pumpkin Time

Last Saturday we headed out as a family to get pumpkins for the harvest season. We decided this time to head to a different "farm" than we usually do. Because Matthew is going pumpkin picking with his preschool class this coming week, we decided we would just go buy them. Both Emily and Matt were able to pick a pumpkin that they will be able to carve. Then, we got two big pumpkins to put on our front stoop. We had a very nice lunch there and then headed to a nursery nearby where we got our "traditional" fall mums that also go on our front stoop. Harvest season we are ready for you.

Out of the Mouth of Matt

So, Matthew had another hilarious interaction with a Lodi police officer who was patrolling their school for afternoon dismissal. As soon as he saw the patrol car in the parking lot across from the school, Matthew quickly ran to the window of the car. I was a little further back from where Matt was when the officer rolled his window down to say hello. The words that came out of his mouth, made my mouth drop....."Did you shoot any bad guys last night?" Fortunately, it was an officer with a sense of humor who laughed as he said "no". Matt didn't even pause to think, he immediately asked "did you shoot any bad guys this morning?" Thankfully, the officer laughed again as I explained to Matt that the police don't shoot the bad guys, they take them to jail. All I could think is that this officer must think we have a child obsessed with shooting people. Of course, he is 4 so a lot of remarks are "forgiven". Anyone I told this story to thought it was hilarious and knowing Matt, they were like "that is so Matt". So, now when we go for afternoon dismissal I am never quite sure if I want Matt to see the police officer there...who knows what he'll say next....then too it could merit another blog entry.

Student of the Month

We were thrilled when we received a postcard last Saturday notifying us that Emily was chosen as student of the month for her 1st grade class. She has been working so very hard and this is true recognition of all of that work. Emily has noticed how much work there is to be done and how long the school day is. Last year in her special ed class, I know that there was more "down" time throughout the day...now there is very little if at any down time. Emily is adjusting well though...however, by Thursday morning, she is itching for the weekend to come. We have been in touch with her previous teacher, Miss Lisa, letting her know how well she is doing. They are all so proud of her accomplishments. Emily holds a special place in Miss Lisa's heart. So, congratulations Emily at all your hard work. We are all very proud of you!