Pumpkins (Plus Updates)

We -- along with the Nicholas and Raleigh Clan -- headed out of the city to a favorite farm for pumpkin picking this morning. Fueled with tiny donuts and apple cider, we managed to roam the pumpkin patch, hop on a hay ride, socialize with the farm animals, and play with toy trucks in a heaping pile of dirt.

On a side note, I have a couple of updates. First, I've found my way back into the world of education teaching middle school Language Arts and Social Studies at a small private school and am thoroughly enjoying the contrast from my initial years of teaching. Second, we've purchased a home in a new neighborhood with ample opportunities to walk and/or bike to amenities. Lastly, the kiddos have started preschool and love it. Transition all around.

Airplanes

Airpark time! Anders, Jorja, Nicholas, Raleigh, and The Adults spent the afternoon together gallivanting from one airplane to the next. The kiddos had a blast being Pilot and Co-Pilot and we had a heck of a time chasing after them from one wing of the museum to the next.

Beach Time

With an afternoon of sunny skies, we headed over to the beach for a bit of outdoor adventure. We met our friends -- Britt, Eric, Nicholas, and Raleigh -- and spent a couple of hours wandering the sandy beaches, climbing the extensive driftwood forts, and admiring the lighthouse.

Nicholas showing off his aquatic plant discovery.



Shoreline splashing -- in very chilly water.



Anders engaged in one of his favorite activities -- splashing.



Anders and Jorja on the "roof" of their fort.



Can you spot all four kiddos?



Hiking down the trail to the lighthouse and accessible iron bell.

"Stop Talking To Me. I'm Busy."

After a recent whirlwind grocery shopping trip, Jorja decided to plop herself down in the middle of our living room and browse one of our big, glossy coffee-table type books. When asked if she'd like her jacket off, a snack, or a read-aloud, she replied with a dramatic, "Stooop talking to me. I'm bussssy." Anders proceeded to use this opportunity to sit a few feet away on a rocking horse and bombard her with statements to which Jorja repeatedly replied, "Stooop talking to me. Can't you seeeee I'm reading?"

Where does this child get this from?

So frustrated with our "interruptions", Jorja lies back in defeat.



Back up and reading.





The scenario -- Anders talking and rocking, Jorja reading and being indignant.

14,411 Feet of Greatness

Without the kiddos this weekend, Meg and I headed south to Mount Rainier National Park for a hike along the High Skyline Loop trail. With a free entry, amazingly blue skies, 80+ degree weather, and a view-laden trail, the day played out well.

The House of Boys...

and one girl.

The kiddos and I went to our friend's house for a morning of play. My friend Tiffani certainly has her hands full with 4 boys -- Joe, Jackson, Brian, and Cashell. Anders and Jorja were thrilled with all of the energy, excitement, snack options, and assorted toys.

Stacked from tallest to shortest are Joe, Jackson, and Brian with Anders and Jorja in the background immersed in toys.



And Cashell in the midst of it all resting in his blue bouncer.



Joe in full ice hockey garb.

Low Tide

Beach time with the kiddos and friends -- Kim, Shay, and Theo -- this gorgeous afternoon. What a spectacular area we live in...

Kim and the three older kiddos playing in the sand.



Gailyn and Baby Theo -- napping in his blue tent -- soaking in the scene.



Kim, Anders, Jorja, and Shay engaged in sand play.



Making "Sand Turtles".



Investigating the barnacle encrusted rocks.



Anders toting a blue, plastic boat.



Yep, I was there too.

Post-concert Bliss

I took the kiddos to a free concert -- Caspar Babypants -- in the park this afternoon right around their usual naptime. We made it home without any major hiccups and they proceeded to nap for nearly 3 hours. I finally woke them up at 4pm due to visions of a never-ending evening...

Sweaters For All Seasons

Hey look! Heavy, sweater hoodies for 75 degree weather. Anders and Jorja insisted on wearing these sweaters -- with the hoods on and buttons buttoned -- despite my trying to bribe rationalize with them.

The Other Coast

Following my graduation, I boarded a plane and headed to Massachusetts to spend time with Meg and her family and friends before her West Coast relocation. With humid 90+ degree weather we spent lots of time outside -- and inside -- sweating profusely. Which, of course, warranted all of the beach side lounging, forested hiking, and abundant consumption of cold beverages that took place throughout the week. If only the kiddos and my mom, the forever in-demand Grandma, had been there as well...

Meg braving the cold water -- in contrast to the mid-90 degree air -- in her hometown.



An opportunity to wear my Polka Dot bikini!



Beach babes.



Meg's hometown. Not quite like mine.


A trail in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.



Mid-hike.



Meg, posing for an REI shoot(?), at our final destination.



Meg icing her 2 week post-op knee.



I have no idea what is going on in this photo.



Gorgeous lady -- various dirt deposits on her face and all.



Meg's current workplace at Harvard soon to be replaced by the Pacific Northwest.