Fall Kicks In

We are falling into the new season!

 

Gammie loves to be here for Halloween and we are so glad to have her

We enjoyed our school Chili Cook-Off

I worked hard to make my own banner and ran an intense gaga pit to raise money for field day

I also put together my first raffle basket - PE Teacher for a Day

Alexander and I enjoyed a fall field trip to Farm Fest

Learning how to milk a cow

My beautiful big one

His self-made lunch received a chef's kiss

After an unfortunate last minute change, Jan gifted Aly and me with tickets to The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere

We had the best time!

I caught a floating leaf, and we were able to catch an apple from a row that threw extras after snagging multiple

Jan led the Parkies in some yummy and adorable fall treats

Our big one got shoved to the ground during a soccer tournament. He hit the ground so hard, he could barely sit the next day. No foul was called, so he played through, but came off the field in tears when it all ended. This was so unlike him!

When it still hurt the next morning, we took him in.

Thankfully, there were no signs of a fracture, but he suffered a level 1 growth plate injury.

The doctor recommended a cast to ensure proper healing and subsequent growth.

He let brother give the first signature!

Chris and Steve flew in for a long weekend visit

Their visit was perfect timing!

Jan sat for hours having my car diagnosed and a recall taken care of to find out why it kept revving at random times.

Chris jumped at the chance to get under the hood and take care of the issue, even in the rare Las Vegas rain shower.

We welcomed our newest Parkie member!

Welcome to the neighborhood, Larke!

Our annual tradition of Golden Corral and Spirit Halloween did not disappoint

Both boys made sure to eat their greens, and Alexander made sure to cover all food groups through his many trips to the buffet

We have recently focused on increasing protein in the boys' diet, specifically high-protein breakfasts. We have seen them both grow, and have more even temperaments after only a few weeks!

So regal!

We are so grateful Jan comes through to keep our Corral and Costume tradition alive

Both boys recently upgraded to green/white belts under Master Tony

Their skills in Taekwondo have markedly improved!

Soccer juggling

Alexander's coaches have started giving them weekend challenges. The first, to run four miles, was an easy box to check, as we run every weekend. The second, 15 juggles without a miss, was far more challenging. Alexander persevered and mastered the goal!

The U7 Warriors team remains undefeated

These three play together every day at our school's soccer academy and it shows when they meet opponents on Saturdays

Our Fun Run was a beautiful day

My two boys ran their hearts out, with many teachers and parents catching me to express how strong these boys are

Energy burn is vital for our mental health, and we love to run together!

We are looking forward to Halloween festivities

We have plans for pumpkin carving, trunk-and-trick-or-treating, parties, and sleepovers!

Super Seven!!!

 

Our littlest has already been seven for a month?!

Time really does fly

We had a blast celebrating his birthday with two of his besties, Gatlyn and Jack, along with Alexander and Aiden, at Top Golf

The boys all had a blast

Closer to his actual birthday, we did a park party with cake and friends

He loved opening Pokemon, Legos, and all sorts of fun things from his Parkie friends

I am grateful every single day for this neighborhood!

Milestones

Our big Nikolai is kind, large, and loud

He loves soccer and recently joined a team with Coach Tommy from school and two classmates

The team is unstoppable! Their size, their skill, and their camaraderie make them unmatched in their U7 league.

His brother is his best friend. They fight, they pester each other, and they choose each other over all others.

He is an early riser, a bit of a picky eater, and a total snuggle bug

He loves a good salad, chicken pot pie, and breakfast for dinner

He is reading big chapter books, can do mental math in an instant, and is becoming very self-aware athletically

He has been inducted into the island crew - those of us who have had our desks moved to the edge of the room by our lonesome as a last ditch effort by teachers to lessen the motor-mouth (Big brother and I are members, as are both Gammie and Papa)

Funny story - his teacher randomly passed out scissors without checking names to see whose was who. One kid said, "Wow! I actually got my own scissors!" The teacher said, "What are the chances of that?!"

My child promptly responds, "One in fifteen!"

That's my boy!

His own island