Congratulations Emily!

Emily's theater company, New Century Theater, won Theater of the Year at last night's Gregory Awards.  How terrific!  Hooray for beautiful, smart, kind and talented Emily!

Happy birthday, Joshua!

Could Joshua be adored by the children more than he currently is?  No.  He is the center of our lives and we happily live in the center of his.  What a good spot for all of us!

Spending the weekend celebrating him (and him happily going along with all of our plans -- apple picking, charity walking, hosting family) made for the best weekend for all of us.  This may be our family's favorite holiday.

School Days

First Single-Handed Rig Sailing Race

On Saturday, I got to enjoy my first single-handed rig race with the Marsh Creek Sailing Club.  I've been obsessed with Lasers since my college racing days and it has been so nice to finally get on one.  Previously, I've always raced with another person on the boat with me.

With gusts up to 22 knots and a full sail, it was an exciting day!  I solidly came in last place in every race because I could barely handle the boat in so much wind.  Even with flipping the boat repeatedly (four times in one race!), I somehow avoided swimming.  That made me the true winner for the day as it was very cold (... on Sunday we had sleet).

The MC Sailing Club has been overly generous to me -- lending me a nice boat, helping me to get it set up, and encouraging me to keep coming back.  We are lucky to live so close to the lake and such a wonderful group. Also, Joshua is so great for watching the kids for the day so that I could beat myself up on the water and come home sore, bruised, exhausted and extremely happy.

James and the Giant Pumpkin

James has been loving school this year.  He seems to know all of his classmates ... and all the details of their lunchboxes, jackets, shoes and clothing.  He especially likes the assistant teacher in the class -- Mr. Billy -- who is a young man who enjoys all of James's hugs and awe.  Every morning as soon as he gets into his classroom, James has been asking for more math work and is excited to join the reading conversations we are having with Alma ("that's a b!").

Here's a picture of James during the class field trip last week to a pumpkin patch.  While he loved the farm, James spent most of the evening after the trip detailing the ride in his friend Payten's car which included tv screens to show Paw Patrols.  Ahhh, children.

The other day, James was showing me his addition work.  He was excited to read off the equations and his answers as follows: 2 plus 4 equinox 6, 3 plus 0 equinox 3.... That's what you get when you study the phases of the moon and addition at the same time!  So sweet.

While I'm jealous that his teachers get to hang out with my ambitious, enthusiastic, caring, and creative little guy, I'm so happy that he is gaining such wonderful experiences in such a nice environment.

The Best Ages: 3.5 and 5.5

These kids are the perfect age -- a great blend of independence, inquisitiveness, excitement, wonder and appreciation for everything.  The fact that they are best friends makes it even better.

First Freckle

James has only one freckle on his face.  He got it this summer and it is located exactly in the spot where I regularly kiss his cheek.  It is the sweetest thing in my world.  Do you see it?

Bowling Day

This past weekend the kids and I went up to Hellertown to visit my parents.  Ice cream (The Inside Scoop), bowling, naps and artwork (babypants) made for a perfect cloudy day!

Favorite Photos

A little trip down memory lane.  My favorite photos which always make me smile from ear to ear.