September track out!

This September track out was kind of crazy! The first week was consumed with Hurricane Florence prep, two days without power, and then a couple of days inside due to rain and flooding. Here’s how the kids prepared: play dates with friends!

We did make it to the ninja playground before the hurricane, too!

In an effort to conserve power, I hardly used my phone during the storm and power outage. So, my only photo is on a later day: 

We, fortunately, had little damage—some debris in the lawn and a minor roof leak that was there previously, but doesn’t enter the house. The boys made a “fort” during the clean up.

The following week, we tried to make up for lost time!

Monday: Marbles and the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.

Tuesday: new bikes!

Here is a video of Jason riding! https://youtu.be/GUtYDSiqyCk

Wednesday: ice skating!

Videos of each one skating:

https://youtu.be/LTGfpgCRfSI

https://youtu.be/Mv8vUJBaZac

https://youtu.be/D2nqlON_xK8

Friday: pottery painting with friends, pizza for lunch, and Harry Potter activity at the library 

Then the weekend playing with Daddy, Monday to the dentist—no cavities—, and Tuesday the big kids went to Hemlock Bluffs for a half day camp. Then, Nicholas headed to Madrid, and the rest of us headed north. New post for that!

Mutti came to visit!

Jane came to visit this week and brought her sweet dog, Bug! The kids love Bug! Olivia was glued to Mutti the whole time, too! As usual, I didn’t get many pictures, but we had lots of fun hanging out with Mutti!

Putting in addresses! Ha!

Playing dress up! 😂

Mutti’s visit was cut short by Hurricane Florence. She decided not to get stuck here with five people and no power! I don’t blame her! 

Thanks for visiting, Mutti!

Olivia's violin recital!!

Olivia had her first violin recital with all her teacher's students on Saturday, September 8 at the concert hall at Ruggero Piano. This was a culmination of SO. MUCH. WORK. on her part! She was terribly nervous that day and couldn't eat much before we left. But, she rose to the occasion, sat in the front row with the other performers--which wasn't what she was expecting to have to do--, and played bravely and beautifully! Polina and her husband tried to make it as kind a recital as possible, with Polina helping the students and their violins!

This was her first piece, called Toodle Pip.

In her second piece, she lost her place and the pianist couldn't find her. It was heart wrenching, but she kept her composure. Then at the end when her teacher asked if she would like to play it again, she said, "Yes!" I am thankful because she was proud of her performance then, and showed her hard work!

Jason’s first day of 3s Preschool

It happened! Our baby went to the threes preschool class on Tuesday! He was so ready and did great for the three mornings he went! He was line leader, and enjoyed all the responsibilities that threes class brings!

Aunt Stephanie came!!

We had so much fun playing with aunt Stephanie, Luke, and Abby! We certainly missed uncle Brandon and Craig, who had football. Aunt Stephanie drove in late Friday night and we got to play Saturday and Sunday before they left early Monday morning of Labor Day weekend. We rode bikes, went to playgrounds, got haircuts, went to the pool twice, played and played and played Legos. We did some card games, ordered pizza, grilled out, did silly string, and roasted marshmallows with the fire pit! It was a great time! My kids will be talking about it forever!