Pumpkin Patch Visit

Stella and I tagged along on Thomas' pumpkin patch visit with his class today.  Stella enjoyed sitting with the class and wandering among the pumpkins.  She loved them all and we left with three pumpkins. It was great to see Thomas with his class too!  He's got a great bunch this year!

The Big Wheel

We visited one of our local hot spots this weekend--The Mill, or as we call it--"The Big Wheel and the Waterfall.

The Little Gardener

We hope to see tulips in the spring!

Stella's Hair

She's finally getting into having her hair up for more than 5 minutes.

Thomas Update

Thomas is a planner.  He planned a picnic for our family this weekend.  He made the list of food.  He decided we should have the picnic indoors where it was warm, comfy and we could watch "The Cat and the Hat."

Recently Thomas has had a great interest in reading on his own so we dusted off some of my books from teaching and we've been learning about picture walks, sight words, and other good reading strategies. 

Stella Update--20 months!

Stella is starting to string works together more everyday. 

After her nap on Wednesday she asked, "How about some apple juice.?" 

She regularly rummages though my kitchen cabinets looking for marshmallows and chocolate chips.

If she wants a snack she goes to get a bowl.  If she's thirsty she'll likely get her own cup for you.  She likes to take her dirty dishes to the sink too.

She knows how to put her laundry in the laundry basket and she helps me unload the dishwasher.

She LOVES to help her Daddy make coffee in the morning. 

She loves on Thomas with hugs and kisses and follows him everywhere.  She calls him "Nomas."

Every time we approach his school she announces "walk." 

She loves to laugh, sing, and dance too.

Apple Picking

The weather has been absolutely amazing this weekend.  We decided to go apple picking.  It was a great choice!  The trees were loaded with apples and the kids never wanted to stop picking.

2 Bushels later we headed back home.

Three Sweet Words

I "dove" you.

and then a big hug!

Back to School 2010

Thomas started school today.  5 days a week, all half days.


He's so excited and loves his class and teachers.

He walked in with no problem. 

Mom was the one who got a hug from the teacher and needed tissues. 

Stella's Backpack

Stella saw T getting a back pack.  She started calling out--"backpack, backpack. Dor, (Dora), Dor."

Who can resist that face??

I don't think she'd be too happy if I actually left her at school.  No school for her for awhile!!!

Using a Fork

She's trying to use her fork now!

Moving to New Heights

I wish I had a picture, but that would be dangerous.

You've seen the photos of Stella on the very low train table.

She's moving on to kitchen tables and adult size desks now.

I even walked into the playroom yesterday to see that she had moved a chair over to the shelf, climbed the chair and stood straight up to reach markers.  She learned that one from T.

Beginning to Read

The first words Thomas read to me--

I love you Mom!

melts my heart.

Thomas was Never a Climber

But Stella is the opposite--

A Lesson in Manners

Okay, maybe not!

Laundry Basket

She loves a good ride in the laundry basket, otherwise known as the spaceship.

Sunglasses

Other Trip Highlights

We were so thankful to meet up with my cousin Mary Joan. She got to meet the kids and watch them burn some energy around the children's museum and the aquarium.

It was too much fun!  We can't wait to see her again!  Thomas keeps "calling" her on his pretend phone!

It was another magical few days on our trip.  We had the best time!

The Wiggles Show

And again, Stella was NOT along for the ride.  Girlfriend was dancing in the aisles with all the fans!

As expected Thomas was in heaven. We are so thankful he could see his buddies--The Wiggles!!!

Florida 2010--Magic Kingdom

30 + hours in the car, lots of snacks, great conversations, Magic Kingdom, and a Wiggles Show and we made it home, not only safely, but in one piece and happy.

Magic Kingdom--

We headed straight for Dumbo.

And yes, that is Stella--18 months old!  She was so much a part of this day and I thought she would just be "along for the ride."  She was able to go on almost every ride that we went on!

We met up with Winnie the Pooh and his gang for lunch!

Stella loved seeing the characters from a distance, but when they approached the table she wanted NOTHING to do with them!

I have to say those characters were SO accommodating to the kids.

Spinning Tea Cups!!!!!!!!!

This last picture was right as we left and as we vowed to be back soon!

What She Likes to Do--18 Months

Okay, so she likes to ride the vacuum. Really, she is into everything these days!

Stella--
wants to color with crayons and markers
she brings me books and plops into my lap to read them
she can really "egg" her brother on
she runs up to Thomas and hugs and kisses him
climb the stairs
make coffee with Daddy
fill water bottles with Mommy
fill up her snack cup
rides the "ride-on" truck
sings her "ABC's"
swims--kicks her legs, puts her face in, and likes to jump in to us!
put dishes in the sink
get her diapers
tell me she has pee-pee and poopy
she pets the cats and brings the dirty dishes to Mommy and Daddy


More later!