Enjoying fall 2011

He is just getting so big

Showing off his boots (note tongue, it's hard work lifting your boot)

Watching for the train

Enjoying a gorgeous fall day w/ a train ride to nowhere.

We have been seriously slacking in the blog department. Why, you ask?????? Because my time has been devoted to so many other things. After the horrible cabin fever of last winter, we have been doing everything we can to be outside and enjoying every.single.minute of the absolutely incredible fall! It has been spectacular, filled with colorful leaves, perfect "no weather" (where you aren't hot, or cold, you can wear shorts, or a sweatshirt, and be perfectly happy), neighborhood spontaneous parties of 11 (kids that is) in our backyard, visits to the arboretum, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, train rides, walks, leaf jumping, park play dates, craft projects, camping, hiking in "our" woods, family pictures, pumpkin painting, visitors, birthdays, weddings, family time, and so, so much more! This isn't even including finishing out the soccer season, homework, projects, house painting, PTO craziness (I am vice president), Daisy Scout times, clearing out closets (b/c these kids insist upon growing up too fast), lost teeth, etc. I don't even feel I have enough time to sit down, perhaps that's why I've been at the chiropractor for my hurt back. However, we have definitely been enjoying our journey.....and that's what it is all about. I plan to do a photo blast soon, so beware. I have so much to catch up on.

Small updates: Em has lost 2 teeth, is reading much better, getting to be a super awesome speller, improving those math skills, making some new friends in the neighborhood, finished soccer, attends Daisy Scouts, went camping with DS, sold cookie dough, is now selling Girl Scout cookies, working hard at school projects, saved and saved her allowance. Hmmmm what am I leaving out? She is developing a bit of an attitude that gives me a minor glimpse of our future, yikes! Those legs are getting longer and longer, and she is definitely getting more independent.

Calvin got to take a field trip with his class, he is also improving his writing skills (made me a great birthday card), reading more words, getting taller, also lost 2 teeth, finished out his first soccer season, and getting a tiny bit less crazy. He is in a good place right now! He still doesn't love to clean up, nor does he love most food items offered, but he has been more cooperative lately, and I'll take it! He has been very into everything involving firemen lately and keeps a look out for every fire truck we pass. He is developing this love of geography that makes me smile. We have a placemat of the USA and he loves to learn all sorts of facts about the various states, regions, lakes, countries, etc. He listens intently as we share stories of the different places we've visited. I think he is going to be like me and love to travel. He's a sponge right now, soaking up everything!

Zac got to go to school. He is nearing the age of 3, when he gets kicked out of the Infant/Toddler program. At that point, he should be able to begin the developmental preschool, which is the same preschool Em & Cal have gone to, at our school. He went for his evaluation last week and we will hear the results next week. There is a good chance he will start school in January, but not sure if that is a certain thing, and how often it would be. He is gaining a lot of skills lately including true 2 year old tantrums, a great vocabulary and sentence structure, better gross motor skills, and a slightly better skill at the table. We are still working hard at some recall and learning those basic shapes, colors, letters, numbers, etc. He has begun some basic potty training, but shows no interest at all. He is still our little cuddle bug. Z is always content trailing behind by about 5 steps, but trying as hard as he can to keep up with everyone, constantly reminding us all "I do it myself". His love for cars and trains remains as strong as ever, many a night falling asleep clutching tight to a car and it is still there in the morning (who needs a stuffed animal, right?). He is a great little helper as he and mommy get to go "bopping" on mornings that brother and sister are in school.

Both Skip and I have celebrated birthdays, one year older, wahoo! We are actually planning a weekend getaway from the kids soon, and I am just a tiny bit excited :) Don't tell the kids, don't want them to be sad thinking mommy wants to escape. I just look forward to spending time with Skip, alone. We celebrated our 17 year anniversary of when we first started dating. Wow, I've been with him nearly half my life at this point! That's impressive, especially since I'm still madly in love with the man.

Be on the lookout for tons more pics.