September! Wow, I don't think I've ever blogged about a month before the month was over. (I must be stuck in bed recovering from surgery or something.)
This was a month of new beginnings, and lots learning and growing.
Robin (photographed by Esther)
We decided to go to the Carnival on Labor Day. It's the first time we've been since Eliot was about a month old, which means it was Esther's and Robin's first time.
This is the first time I thought I was actually going to throw up on a ride. It was by sheer will power that I didn't make a huge mess all over the other passengers and everyone watching. You're welcome carnival goers. Also, I feel old.
View of Anthony, Esther, and Robin from the Ferris Wheel
First day of 1st Grade, 3rd grade! 2 days from Esther's first day of Preschool.
My first day of being 35 years old! We had some friends over (the Williams and Bennions) over for some Hawaiian haystacks, cake, ice cream, and a water balloon fight.
Robin's first day swimming!
Our first pets! A friend was giving away 6 guppies, and since the kids have been asking for fish for over a year, we decided to go for it.
Esther's first day of Preschool with her old friend Jacob.
The ride to the bus-stop. The boys are taking the bus this year, which is a huge time saver. It's Eliot's first time riding though, and he's not sure if he's wild about it. But if Ira has the option of ride vs. bus, he'll choose bus every time.
Esther's first flower interpretive dance?
Eliot and Ira started soccer and had their first games. This is Eliot leading the pack. Last week, Ira was excited to come home and give me a play by play of his first goal!
As a member of Women March On-Washtenaw, I helped organize our first event. It was called Potluck and Politics. We had several candidates and activist groups come and had a sort of speed dating set up, where representatives would rotate to different picnic tables to speak with small groups of people. The turnout was not as great as we hoped, but it was still an amazing opportunity to learn more about the upcoming ballot, and what the candidates stand for.
This is U.S. Senator Debbie Dingle speaking with members of Washtenaw Youth Initiative.
And here she is holding Robin. I wouldn't let just any politician hold Robin, but Debbie is a fighter. We love her.
Our friend Stephanie helping out with Robin
Feminist coloring sheets
Sadly (for us), our friends the Luft-Heaneys moved away. Hopefully we'll get to see them when they move back to the states eventually. This is their first time moving to Scotland. And in keeping with the them, Suzanne's labor, was the first I assisted with.
First time buying Rice Krispie Treats. O.k. This is blog worthy because it symbolizes a new phase of motherhood for me. I always thought paying money for these things was mildly ridiculous. What's cheaper and easier than making your own rice crispy treats? Really. But then, we had a crazy week. I'm talking 6 social engagements 6 nights in a row, and on either side of that, there were two soccer games I was suppose to bring treats for, and one scout pack meeting I was asked to bring treats for right in the middle of it all. So, when I saw one box that could feed all those scout and soccer kiddos all in one go, I didn't feel like I was selling out, I felt like I won the lottery! Yep, I'm in the "Buying Rice Krispie Treats" phase of life.
I got to visit the boys at school for a special 1st grade family day.
Parfait bar for a babyshower for a friend who's having her first baby! It was also my first time making chocolate granola, but definitely won't be my last.
Grandma Eileen's first snuggles with baby Robin.
It's hard to read Robin's expression here. Tolerant? In any case, this is his first time playing in a box.
Life is generally full and good. I've been busy juggling family, with birth class, Women's March On, preschool board obligations, and teaching at church. I'm looking to simplify. Anthony's enjoying work, his calling in the Sunday School presidency, and being a super star dad.
Ira's agreed to join the Mighty Math Mustangs, which is the elementary school's attempt to help kids who aren't exactly loving or thriving in the topic. He used to love math, so we're hoping that it'll become enjoyable for him again soon. He's devouring books and is continuing in piano.
Eliot is...passionate. He's been pretty emotional lately. Excited and happy, and sometimes not so much. We appreciate his amazing focus in the morning as we're getting ready for school. He's usually the first to be waiting at the door.
Esther loves Robin! She's had no problem at all adjusting to preschool, and loves "practicing letters."
Robin is a cutie as always. He currently finds the Leapfrog Letter Factory song hilarious. Start singing it and you'll get an immediate reaction from him.
Robin is a cutie as always. He currently finds the Leapfrog Letter Factory song hilarious. Start singing it and you'll get an immediate reaction from him.
That's us. I hope all is well with each of you! Happy Autumn!
