School started in September and my kids are back in public school full time this year. They were both a little nervous, but they adapted quickly and are both doing so well. We don't love having to set an alarm to wake up, but we're making it.
Matthew with our volunteer pumpkins
Sean after the first day of school
These two are often drawing on the white board.
September gave us some really pretty days. The flowers lasted a long time which always makes me happy.
This was one evening on the way to the library. It was so pretty, I had to stop and take a quick picture.
One day, Sean was helping me look for something and we found Jon's heavy duty rain gear. He needed to try it on. Maybe one day he'll fit into it.
I spent a lot of time in Vancouver to hang out with Matt after a surgery. I FaceTimed with the boys a lot. They are so silly. I was so grateful that my cousins are able and willing to help with the kids so I could help Matt. Also, it's been so nice to have extra adults around to encourage my kids to be more helpful in all house duties. They're learning so many life skills!
My aunt and uncle came for a visit in October. It was so fun to have them here for a bit. Their visit coincided with my aunt's birthday and Ella's. We had a very pony-themed party, complete with unicorn horns for everyone.
These two fight a bunch at home, but they really do love each other so very much.
More life skills: how to cut onions without crying.
Matthew's school held a Fall Festival and both boys helped at a couple game booths. It was a fun night.
All October long, the boys asked when they could carve our volunteer pumpkins in the front yard. I told them they had to wait until almost Halloween or they would rot on the front step. The day finally came and they got to work! The last couple years have been great for carving pumpkins because the boys are old enough that they don't need my help. So I can keep my hands clean and just take pictures of the boys at work.
Sean the Cereal Killer
Matthew as Link from Zelda for the 3rd year
Sean got glasses at the end of October. One of the unintended consequences of him having more peers is that he tried on a friends' glasses and could see better. He's pretty happy to be able to see clearly now.
We visited the Davis family and on the way there, Sean commented that he and his cousin James are glasses twins now. These boys are such good cousin-friends. Sean looks up to James so much (literally and figuratively). I love them both so, so much.
I left my mom in charge of the kids for a bit and got back to find them like this: eating Mint Moroccan Ice (mostly referred to as Icy Stuff) and reading comic books. What a perfect time with their grandma.
Sean is at such a great age! Those middle school years are so fully of awkward changes. Since he got glasses, he definitely needs braces too, right? Well, since all his adult teeth are in now, it is time.
I got him a warm drink to ease his suffering. He was sore for a couple days, but he's doing great now.
Sean reads in some of the craziest positions. Sometimes he even has a cousin on his back. He's never phased.
Weekend snuggles are pretty great!
My friend Angela is a musician and she was doing house concerts in the fall and I wanted to host one to support her, but also just to see her. She and I grew up in the Philippines together and the friends I have from that time in my life are so like family that I love chances to visit with them. It always feels like hardly any time has passed. Those are great friends to have! I actually got to pick up her son the night before she came and he and my boys had such a fun time together too. We went to an indoor Nerf arena which was a blast.
Angela was so nice and engaging with my kids. Matthew told her about him being on Stage Crew at school and she said he could help run the sound during her performance. He took that task very seriously. Sean told her about how he's been playing cello for a few years and she invited him to play a song with her at the end of her set. I played ukulele with them too. We practiced a few times in the afternoon to prepare. I love when people encourage my kids to put their skills to work!
Angela being such a pro!
Matthew running the sound.
She's so talented, and if you want to hear her songs or learn more, please check out her site:
For Thanksgiving this year, we went to my dad's house. Rex and his girls came up from Vegas and Adam was able to join us too. We had such a nice time eating, and taking walks, and eating, and playing games, and also eating. My dad loves Costco, and sometimes forgets what he already has. Rex found so many pairs of work gloves, so we ALL put on a pair for a picture while he was out shopping (but not for gloves this time).
One day, the kids noticed there was a cat hanging out in the back yard. My dad isn't a fan of animals inside the house. His mom always fed stray cats at her house. He has no intention of following suit. I think he was a little nervous that Matthew might let the cat inside the house, but he knew not to.
Adam's dog, Lobo, taking a look at the cat.
It was going to freeze that night, so Matthew made a little bed from a cardboard box and some shredded newspaper. We didn't see the cat the next day, but we are all pretty sure that it came from a loving home since it was so friendly and evidently well fed.
That wraps up most of the Fall.
