Tiny Dancer

Abby has been going to dance class every Friday and I dare say it has been the highlight of her week.

We are not even sure where she stumbled upon this love of dancing as it isn't like she's danced around the house - ever. But love it she does. Grandma made her this super sporty suit to wear to class. You can be sure that we go nowhere without a comment on its colorfulness. The last three classes, we have had to opportunity to go in and observe at the end of class. I am not really sure what we were expecting, but this is what we got:

Just another reminder of how sweet [and little] she is.

It's Today

Last night I was observing while Noah read to Grandma at bedtime. He has become such a good reader. He still needs help with the occasional word but, let's face it, there are plenty of words in English that just don't look like they sound, right? But he reads with such inflection and at a normal pace, it is so easy to follow along. So, as I was listening in last night I was wondering how much longer it would be before he realized that he could read without one of us around. And I was wondering when he would learn that he could read in his head without having to read it aloud. And I was probably hoping it was years from now. However, I looked downstairs while I was preparing breakfast this morning and this is what I saw:

That day is today. He got two chapters in before breakfast.

I am going to propose we not ever teach him how to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so that he will still need us around.

Florida

So, Grandma had a big birthday last month. Grandpa Doug called us early on to see if we would help celebrate. Of course! We offered to make our way to Michigan for her party. But, when Grandma got wind of it, she outvoted everyone with all of us meeting in Florida. So, we packed ourselves up and headed to Florida. Again. (That was Forest Gump, did you hear it in there?) But this time we went to Uncle Joel's new place of residence, Destin. For the first time on a long time, we flew hassle-free. We arrived on time and were off and running. We spent the first night being spoiled by Uncle Joel. He took us to his club for a special dinner and then the kids got to stay and watch him play piano. (More on that later because I have to get the pictures from someone else.)

Friday was a beautiful day so we took full advantage of it. Once we were all up and ready, we headed down to the pool. Well, after we stopped off for a quick ride on a pelicanand a dolphin.

Sad location, don't you think? Not! It was beautiful every which way you looked!

Everyone got in a little jumping.

After lunch, we decided to hit the beach. We were a little concerned we would never make it out of the parking lot. Can you see all the butterflies in these bushes?

While not all were Jakes, there were certainly a lot of them. So, so pretty.

We eventually coaxed them over the bridge to the beautiful beach. They went with butterfly [crab] nets in hand, just in case.

However, they quickly lost the nets for lure of the sand. Abby started this sand slide, but soon all were involved. They didn't go anywhere fast but they sure had a lot of fun with it.

And in to the great Gulf they went. It was a LOT colder than the pool water. But the waves made up for that, I think.

See that face? Someone is not a fan of salt water.

And a couple of parents were not fans of the jellyfish...

Mommy didn't really want her jumping in the waves without hands-on supervision. (Yes, I am a stick-in-the-sand. I will be the first to admit that. I am not ashamed.)

Before we left, Noah had to get buried. Little sister thought that was big time fun.

Got ourselves cleaned up and out to dinner in time for sunset. They actually shoot a cannon at the exact moment the sun is officailly set.

A really bad picture of all of us enjoying our dinner.

One little boy just wanted to finish dinner so he could watch the World Series. Is this not the saddest picture ever?

The boardwalk provided a little feathered entertainment after dinner. Only one boy was brave enough to hold them all.

But this one was cute enough to try a little one.

We tried to get Abby in on the action. She didn't want any part of them sitting on her. The bird man suggested she hold him in her hands. Big brother wanted to demonstrate. So happy to demonstrate. She, however, did not want any part of it.

Saturday, Uncle Scott took us to the Gulfarium.

Then we were off to lunch at Fudpucker's. This is a name just begging for mishaps, don't you think?

This restaurant's claim to fame is its live alligators.

We tried feeding them.

They were not interested. Too busy warming themselves in the sun, I guess.

Saturday night we decided to hit the beach one last time. In truth, we were searching for crabs. Unfortunately, we were a couple of months too late. But they had fun digging and flinging anyway.

Our hotel from across the waterway.

Sunday before we headed out, the boys had to check their online portfolios. From the looks of it, things were not good. (In reality, I think they were playing Dora video games. That is usually what they do on Grandpa's computer.)

Abby needed to study her animal book just one more time.

Group shot.

Thanks for having a birthday, Grandma! And, for including us in your celebration. We love you!

Happy Halloween!

Whose idea was it to put Halloween on a Monday? On a Monday after a 4-day weekend even? A 4-day weekend that found us 950 miles away from home. A 4-day weekend that you didn't return home from until 11:30 the night before. Ouch. But, we made it. How did we spend our Halloween? Well, funny you should ask because I am getting ready to show you just that....

We got everyone to school. Managed to forget a couple of backpacks and some lunches, but all three kids were indeed at school. Benjamin and Abby had their costume parade first thing.
After a couple of passes, the classes all stood in the center to sing a few songs.Some little cicadas may have thought they stood too long. (But she did stay in her little spot the whole time!)

And this one was just a-singing and doing all the hand motions. Yeah, Benjamin!!

Daddy went to Benjamin's room for the class shot.

Mommy went to Abby's room. (I should mention that over the weekend Abby decided she was going to be a cake for Halloween. She cried each time I sweetly reminded her that she was going to be a cicada. What are the chances that the twins in her class would be pink cupcakes??!?! Thanks, Fiona and Rafaela!)

An hour later, I was back in Benjamin's room for his class party.

Daddy and I did remember to make these cute little mummy cups before our trip.

2:00 we were up at Noah's school for his parade and party. (I wonder if you get extra credit for dressing just like your teacher...)

Once we all got home, we decided it was time to "carve" our pumpkins - the ones that the squirrels did not eat, that is.

Then we set the table and got ready for the big evening. (This cute little ghost compliments of our first-grader. He tells us regularly that his daddy should have one just like it somewhere.)

Our favorite friends joined us for some yummy jack-o-lantern pizza.

And then we were off. First stop? Grandma's...

Second stop, George and Edie's.

Then my camera broke, so you have to just imagine my cute children running from house to house and shouting "Trick-or treat" and "THANK YOU!" Made a mama so proud... As we got closer to home, the pumpkins were getting heavier and heavier. I offered to help carry Abby's. She would have none of it. But she did say I could carry her a little. Our three munchkins:

The wings.

The only cicada we saw all night. She even buzzed at a few houses we visited. (I was amazed at how many people asked if I made her costume. If you ever see a cicada costume for sale at a store, please let me know.)

The littlest trick-or-treater. He didn't make a peep and may have taken a little nap on the way around the neighborhood. We had an absolutely beautiful night for being outside and his mommy and I have put in a request that Andrew never have to know what it is like to trick-or-treat wearing long underwear under his costume.

FINALLY! Counting the loot!

End count? 72.

A perfect night all around.