Fall is football

I tried to get a shot of the girls and their dad watching football, but I could only get Jud to look away from the television. The girls love to wear dad's Pats tees, sneaking them out of the drawer and then giggling when they show up with them. Go Pats!



















This fall, the girls choose gymnastics as their sport. Eleanor is on her own with the instructors, but they request parents stay with the younger ones. As you can see, chalking up for the bars is Gemma's favorite part of the lesson.

Gemma starts school

Gemma has been pretty excited about going to school by herself. Here are pics from Jud on her first day...



















One thing she was very excited about was that she was going to school and Eleanor was going home! Here they visit with Ms. Stephanie, Eleanor's former teacher.




And then...Gemma is off to play on her own. And there is no looking back. Ms. Stephanie says she is holding her own despite being the youngest in the class. And she's so proud that she goes to school just like her big sis.

Too cute outfit

Here is Gemma in the backyard looking like some European maiden out on the hunt in the backyard. Thanks Auntie Ray!

Fun at the Fair

What a treat to have 3 Jay and Ray come for a night and than to accompany us at the Common Ground Fair in Unity Maine. It was way crowded, hopefully a sign that earth conscious folks are a growing breed. We were able to have fun despite the crowd.
Jude was happy as long as he could push his stroller around.
The girls went for a wagon ride.
And Gemma just loves giving love to Auntie Ray. Thanks for coming guys!

Almost like Daddy's

As we are finishing our cereal with frozen blueberries, Gemma says, " My have a new special, special song. It's almost like daddy's" and she sings (with the correct melody structure) "Blueberry Time. It's Blueberry Time."

While back at home...

And can you guess who wants to be riding the bus? We have to walk a half mile to the bus stop. On the way home, Gemma was bemoaning the fact that SHE doesn't get to ride a school bus. She is extremely talkative in Eleanor's absence. Perhaps filling up the space? She discussed her future on the way home. "Mama. Maybe my be in an airplane when my all grow up. My ride in Blue Angels! (they were flying over in prep for the air show) My ride in Blue Angels and then my come home and say 'Momma. I'm home'"

Goin Solo

Eleanor is at school by herself today. She's the first one on the bus and has the bus to herself for several miles. And she's lovin it. Seems like Ted the bus driver doesn't mind this chatty little girl.

Thoughts on the big day...

First Day of School

If the first day is any indication, Eleanor will be having a great kindergarten year. She was totally comfortable with the many new faces, greeting the bus driver, principal, and teacher with enthusiasm. One parent got to ride along on the bus both to and from on the first day, which was fun, but I don't think she needed me.

Here she is talking to dad on the line in Oregon as she waits for the bus...Eleanor is the first of only five students who ride the pm K bus #43 with Ted.
Here she is in her classroom after finding her spot.