Autumn fourteen

The leaves are falling. The air is cooler. We are spending as much time outside as we can.
 

This little turkey was about to dump leaves over the photographers head.

We have three Elementary schools all within about a mile of us. The kids love to vote on which one we should go to. Someone usually ends up in tears when the votes don't go their way, but they quickly get over it. All playgrounds are fun, right?!

Paisley was really difficult from 1-6 months, then again from 18 months-24 months. Hudson was difficult at the end of three, into four. Madden was most difficult from about 10-24 months. And Everleigh, I'd say now...yep...now is her most difficult time. She loves to do things her own way on her own time. And she refuses to wear anything that I think is cute. No dresses, no skirts, nothing fun. She wants pockets and t-shirts. So after several minutes of a limp, body-throwing, screaming tantrum one morning, I gave in. This is how she went to daycare. It was 35 degrees. And yes, those are pajamas.

Friday I was able to meet Paisley for lunch. I love walking down the hall hearing little voices saying, "Hi Paisley's mom!" It's always fun seeing her in her environment...even if I did have to sit through a painfully annoying game of 'tag' at the lunch table. I mean....you can't get up, so it's like the 6 people you can reach, tag, tag, tag, tag. tag.....

 We also had conferences for Paisley this week. Her teacher had wonderful things to say about her, and academically, she's doing great! I'm especially proud of a story her teacher shared of Paisley coaching and helping a student who speaks very little English. She said she's so patient with her, and is always willing to suggests words so the girl can communicate. Now that makes a mama happy.

Her reading and writing are growing by leaps and bounds. She's starting to read chapter books. Love! A book that Paisley made earlier in the year was sent home. It was so cute; I had to share a couple pages from it.

If Paisley doesn't become some kind of teacher, I'll be surprised. I love how in the bottom right one she is asking the reader a question...almost like she's always trying to teach us something (or tell us what to do! :) ). "Did you know that when you dance, you are warming your heart up? It's true! Bye! And please dance too" hahaha!

 

 

We carved pumpkins this weekend. For the first time, Craig and I didn't spend hours getting the kids their perfect character pumpkin. They did it themselves! It was much more fun.

(until I was left with the last pumpkin...that had a huge rotten spot in the back. My idea quickly had to turn into a polka dot pumpkin to incorporate the rotten spots. Dumb.)

Hudson's 'scary' face makes me literally LOL...

 

I look forward to posting pictures from Halloween next week. See you then,

Brook