Richard is 7!

Richard had a birthday! He is getting so smart and doing so well with reading, math, and playing the piano. I'm amazed every day at just how big he's getting. He's still extremely skinny, but he keeps growing too tall for his pants and his arms are too long for his shirts. We're so happy to have him as part of the family.

He wanted a cheesecake with strawberries and blueberries. I love cheesecake. I'm so glad my kids do, too!

Happy Birthday, Richard!

Grandparent's Day

Did you know there was a Grandparent's Day? Yeah, me neither. The First Grade had a program to celebrate it, though! My parents came up for the program since they live close enough to do that. Richard did a great job, but I can tell he's a little more reserved and shy in performing situations. He's like me in that regard.

Party!

Our neighbor had a Harry Potter party just because she's awesome and loves to have parties. It was amazing how much work she put into it! I think they had over 100 kids come. Plus, there were about 20 adults and even more teenagers to help man the masses. All the adults dressed up and helped with various activities. These included a train ride to get to Hogwarts (using cardboard train cars. The park was set up as Hogwarts.) a Quidditch match, a trip to Honeydukes, a Potions class, and a Defense Against the Dark Arts class (which Scott made special appearances at). All the kids were sorted into houses and got a wand. It was quite the production. Audrey got to join in last minute, so she didn't dress up. It wasn't required to dress up if you were a kid, but most of the kids did.

Richard wanted to be Harry Potter. We didn't really have the stuff to do it, but he nixed my ideas that I could do. His broomstick doesn't have bristles, but he found that stick at the cabin and set it aside specifically for the HP party. The bowl is for his Potions class.

Scott was asked to be Voldemort. Our neighbor provided the cloak. His feet look a tad out of place without the paint, but the paint was getting all over and we wanted to reduce the mess.

Dance

Marie and Audrey started dance again. Marie has been so excited ever since seeing Audrey's recital back in May. She kept asking when she could "dance on the big stage."

Can you tell Marie is excited?

Remember this? Audrey was NOT excited about her first day of dance.

soccer

Richard played soccer again this fall. He really improved! Why, do you ask? Because he had two coaches who cared! They actually tried to teach the boys technique and skills and didn't just stand there on the field and say, "Go boys!" They taught them the difference between an offensive and defensive player. They didn't hesitate to correct them. They were REAL coaches. I was pleased. Richard scored a goal in his second to last game and two in the last game. Go Richard!

Here are pictures I took of the other kids at the game. They're posted just because.

Labor Day

We went for a hike on Labor Day. I wasn't sure Marie and Peter would be able to handle it, but we wanted to do something as a family. I decided we could start and I would just stop when Marie and Peter were done. Scott could finish the hike with Richard and Audrey. Marie and Peter were determined and fought their way to the top! We didn't even have to carry them!