September went by in a flash. We have been busy with activities, social obligations and school. On the activity side, here is a breakdown by little person -
Lily is swimming two days a week. She likes this year's group much better than last and is having a good time with all of her pool friends. She is taking piano again and has picked up right where she left off - less Beach Boys so far, more Beethoven. She is also playing lacrosse and is busy with Sunday school. This Friday marks her first Club Friday at the local community center where she and her friends will be busy with activities each week. Lily also just started participating in a girl-power running program two mornings a week call Girls on the Run. So far she seems to be enjoying it and by November, we will be running a 5k fun run together. Marcy is one of the coaches so it is a family affair!
Jack is busy as well. He is playing basketball and soccer one day a week and has baseball practice and games. He is also taking piano and he loves it. Once soccer and baseball wind down he will be starting swimming and flag football. He had a really good time playing flag football last year and is looking forward to getting out there again. Swimming should be fun as well since he has a bunch of friends who will be at the pool with him.
Lily is having a good third grade year so far. Unfortunately, her regular teacher is off right now on long term leave since she just had a baby. Her sub is ok but we are counting down the days to the return of her regular teacher. She has a good blend of existing friends and new kids in her class. She and Jack have lunch and recess at the same time so she has been able to keep a watchful eye on her little brother. Lily is reading up a storm and busy with her arts and crafts projects on the side. She is a rainbow loom bracelet maker and she loves to draw.
Jack has taken to kindergarten like a fish to water. He is in class with a couple of good friends and he is having a blast. He has a great teacher who really knows what she is doing with little students. Jack is learning the rules that govern life (keep your hands to yourself) and is becoming more and more independent (while remaining a Momma's boy). Jack in finally showing an interest in learning to read and he happily tackles homework. We have not had a single issue with Jack getting on the bus or being reluctant to go to school. He has even bought lunch in the cafeteria - something his sister did not tackle until first grade.
We have had regular weekly visits from Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom who continue to come over on Tuesdays to pick up the kids and keep track of them while Marcy and I are at work. Lily and Jack also got to spend an entire weekend with them while we were at a friend's wedding. Aunt Kelly and Bodie have also been over for visits and we have seen them at their new digs.
We have had visits from Grandpa Maurice and Grandma Phyllis. They have had the kids after school one day and have babysat on back to school night. Lily and Jack are getting used to having both sets of grandparents in town for now before the snowbirds officially depart again.
And last but not least, just this past weekend had a nice visit with Uncle Jon and Cousin Robyn and Matt. We had a very nice Saturday evening bbq with them and the kids had a great time showing off their rooms and the basement and playing with new toys. Just as with Uncle Jon's last visit, Lily managed to lose another tooth. This time, finally, one of her silver teeth came out so she is down to only one filled tooth! She was a trouper and the tooth fairy awarded a solid $3 for the fancy tooth.
During September we also celebrated the Jewish holidays - we went to synagogue a couple of times - and Lily's 9th birthday. It is hard to imagine that we have nine year old roaming in our midst. Between the holidays and some other travel, Lily's party got pushed back so it was a two week birthday celebration. We had a nice time on her birthday - sharing donuts with friends at the bus stop, eating homemade cupcakes and opening presents. Then the next night, Grandma Gail, Grandpa Tom and Aunt Kelly all came over for an early evening at Chuck E. Cheese. Then about 10 days after her birthday Lily had her party at an indoor rock climbing spot. It was sixteen girls, Jack, Marcy, me and Grandpa Maurice. She had a great time and all of the attendees got a ton of climbing done in two hours.
Here are some picture and video from the past month.
P.S. - belated blog birthday wishes to cousin Stephanie.
Jack and his buddy Charlie playing Just Dance.
Ready to go to synagogue.
Out to dinner while Marcy was away. After dinner we caught a showing of Despicable Me 2.
Opening presents on birthday morning. Here is the horse stable she got from Jack.
A rainbow loom storage kit from Aunt Tracy, Uncle Stan and cousins Casey and Garrett.
With Chuck on the second day of Lily's birthday celebration!
With Aunt Kelly and Marcy.
Opening presents with Grandma Gail.
During their weekend with Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom, Lily and Jack had lunch out with Aunt Kelly and the Obamas.
Jack at bat.
These were the amazing cupcakes for Lily's party made by our friend Bridget. The rock climbing theme was amazing and they tasted even better than they looked.
At the climbing center. It was a great party - the staff there works really well with kids.
Climbing on the lower levels.
...
A bit higher.
Lily at the top.
Jack get harnessed in.
Jack at the top.
Ready to go.
The whole gang.
Working on crafts with cousin Robyn.
Showing off rainbow loom bracelets with Uncle Jon.
Reading a book with Matt.
