Fall is finally here!

We've been playing outside--alone and with the neighbors--enjoying these fall days! I am thankful for our backyard that has afternoon shade and for friendly neighbors who join in play when we are out! 

Yes, that is duck, duck, goose!

We've been walking home from school regularly and stopping at a small playground on the way home. I appreciate these little moments of the kids being a team and also getting to hear about their days organically.

Jason is doing "well" at school meaning that he goes and comes home without tears, plays nicely with others, and stays dry there. He likes to carry his own backpack and lunchbox now.

We went to the pumpkin patch Sunday and had fun, even though it was warmer than we dressed for. We ❤️ this time of year!

YGuides camping trip

Have I told you that Nicholas and Olivia are in a YGuides troop? It's kind of like Girl Scouts, but for fathers and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade daughters (or sons so Leo will be able to form a troop next year). This is their second year, and Nicholas is the chief this year. They have been doing some fun activities including camping this past weekend! Nicholas and Olivia had a great time with their friends! Here are some pictures...

The campsite:

Playing:

Hiking:

Before bed 

In the morning 

Fishing

I am so glad they are having this special time together!

The rest of track out and tracking back in

We had such an activity filled track out! When we got back from our trip, the big kids went to a two hour class on Reptiles at Hemlock Bluffs while Jason was at preschool on Tuesday. They did some crafts, went on a nature walk in a restricted area with their teacher, and learned a lot! Jason went back to school without tears, so everyone did great!

Wednesday the kids and I went to Jordan Lake Beach for the first time, and IT WAS AWESOME!! The kids played for literally hours and I had at least an hour--in tens of minutes--to eat my lunch and just breath!! We brought the hammock from Uncle Chuck and it worked great! Jordan Lake is a hidden gem! We will definitely be going back!

Thursday we packed snacks for snack pantry and did music lessons. Leo got his new book, which is his third since January. He is flying in lessons and is going up in levels! Olivia is doing great, too! I need to post some of her recordings from lessons...

Friday we went to the Life and Science Museum with our friends Lindsey and Logan again, and made sure to see what we skipped last time. Five hours of fun!

We rested over the weekend with just little play dates for the kids, and one party Nicholas and I went to. 

Then: track-in!! Woot woot! The big kids did great--no tears! Tuesday Jason did great, and I got a hair cut! Woot woot!

Wednesday Jason and I went to Pullen park with friends 

And this week we walked home from school every day except Thursday--music lessons day. We all loved getting back to that!