Changing of the Seasons

This week everyone returned to normal (thank goodness). Monday was Labor Day so no school or work. Since we had been confined to home for so long with Hand, Foot & Mouth, we finally ventured out Monday afternoon. We went to the mall and a few other places to shop. I'm working on building up the kids' winter clothes. They each had a few items but needed more. So we bought a few more things and will get more as the weather begins to cool down.

Thursday evening was Parent Information Night at Anna's school. We got to meet Anna's teacher again and she explained what they do during the day. Anna's teacher seems really interested in making learning fun for the kids. That is great! They do mostly hands-on learning. She said that she doesn't believe in all paper and pencil learning. I think that will make learning a lot more fun. It felt good to have contact with the teacher again and learn more about Anna's day at school (since we get very little info from Anna.)

Anna had another great week at school. She has continued to get smiley faces every day for her behavior. She got another treasure from the treasure box- a princess wand. (She already has about 10 of them!) She had school pictures on Friday. I can't wait to see them. We've already ordered a yearbook, t-shirt, truck decal and there is a book fair this next week. We may not be paying for daycare anymore, but they are getting our money in other ways! : ) Anna had her first negative experience at school this week. Someone kept stealing her afternoon snack from her cubby. Friday I told her to leave her snack in her backpack until snack time. I guess this kept the stealer from getting hers but apparently he took someone else's. Anna said that the little boy that got his snack stolen on Friday saw another kid eating it and told on him. So at least the teacher now knows who the stealer is. It is the same child that Anna thought she saw eating her snack one day. But she was too kind to tell the teacher.

Mason had a good week at daycare. No time outs were reported on his daily sheets. So I guess his behavior was calmer at daycare this week than at home last week. For that I am extremely thankful! His daycare is raising money for Make-a-Wish. This month they are collecting pennies. The class with the most pennies will get a pizza party. Mason is taking pennies every week for his class. But if they win, I bet they would rather have a chicken nugget party.

Since the temperatures haven't been bad lately, especially of the afternoon and evening, our family has been spending more time outdoors. The kids love to play outside so much.

Here Anna is teaching Mason how to ride her old battery operated 4-wheeler. He can't understand the concept of taking his foot off the petal to stop.

Friday we took the swimming pool down for the year. I think Anna & Mason enjoyed this process almost as much as swimming. As the water flowed from the pool and made puddles on the ground, they took off their shoes and had a blast. When we were finished with our project we were all soaked. The kids on purpose from playing, and Kevin and me from working.

Playing in the pool water one last time...on the ground.

Saturday evening Kevin and I had a church function to attend. The kids went to Timmy & Debby's house to play. Timmy & Debby took them to DQ to eat and then to a playground. The kids had a great time! We didn't get home until past their normal bedtime and they were exhausted. Thank you Timmy & Debby for keeping them and wearing them down for bedtime!

One more thing that is a reminder of Fall coming...the NE Arkansas District Fair is one week away! Anna can't wait!