We started out the month with a busy Saturday...(we really do most things the four of us together... there have just been a few youth things going on lately since summer is ending) Rob went to the Toronto temple with the ward youth temple trip. Abby, Ben, and I went to a friend's birthday party (Mills family- at their house, lots of water games and party food)
We also had some family time before the kids started school. One day we went out to ride bikes. We started out a Abby's school parking lot since its always empty in the summer but it was waaaaay too hot so we packed back into the car and went out to Chestnut Ridge so we could have some shade in the trees. It was actually a great place to go. Shade, beautiful scenery, hilly roads, not too busy.
Next big thing was Abby starting school! First grade! She got a haircut, painted her nails pretty, and set her clothes out the night before. Mom finished up teacher and bus driver gifts, made sure everything was good with her supplies and back pack. Dad gave everyone fathers blessings (I mentioned this in the August post). Ben started getting really excited about meeting his teacher too. Lots of back to school excitement.
The bus system definitely had some major kinks to work out the first week... including 1-2 hours late incidents, lost abby on the wrong bus, broken down mid trip, ... However, all this gave us the chance to meet and work with the bus driver, new principal, office ladies, and new neighbors...all of whom are very nice. Its going to be a good year. And we have decided that since I pick up Ben in the afternoon from PreK anyway, we are going to pick up Abby on our way home too...the timing works out pretty perfectly and now we get her home by 320 instead of 4:40. She enjoys riding the bus in the morning and going inside for breakfast at the cafeteria.
Next up, Ben got to meet his teacher the week before school started (she and the teacher assistant came for a quick home visit) and they gave him a super cool googly eyed dinosaur sticker. He and I spent a few days finishing up his summer workbook, playing at the park, adventuring and relaxing together. I love my sweet crazy boy. Then came the big first day! He started PreK at Blasdell elementary and did sooo awesome! He acted like he knew just what to do, he was excited to do projects, learn songs, and hang with friends like a big kid. I think he will continue to love it. We get Abby ready for school and on her bus, play games rest and spend time together all morning, then have lunch and take Ben to school. He is getting to know lots of cute energetic little school friends which is fun to watch. After one last hug and smooch he bravely and excitedly walks right in and begins his school day. I come back a few hours later to pick him up. I like his teacher- she seems to have the perfect balance of structure/organization and fun/silly/cuteness for this age group of kids. It is super weird to be kidless for a couple hours each day BUT since I know he is loving it I am less worried and have been using the time to run errands, exercise, shower and do my hair, practice music, practice spanish... lots of stuff. AND Rob and I realized we can have weekly lunch dates while both kids are in school which is a HUGE plus since we have only been on 3-4 dates in the last 2 years.
Another desire of mine is to have a family photo taken each year... we were spoiled in Idaho to have so many talented family members and friends who did photography. Here in NY we have been taking our own pictures with our Iphones and gorillapod in our backyard. It actually turns out pretty well. Here are a few from this fall 2016 round of family photos...
Other notes to mention-
Abby got an ear infection 1 week into school- not fun, it was just a cold but her ears quickly became painful...I knew it was time to got to the doctor when she sadly cried "mommy don't hug me on that side my ear hurts too much." She got some chewable antibiotics (better than liquid but still gross, she wants to try pills if there is a next time) and is feeling much better. Mom got a sinus cold too-again, not fun. Thankfully pushing fluids, blowing out the junk, some sleep, a little time, and a Priesthood blessing from Rob really helped me find some comfort and feel better,
Family date to the cool rides at the mall and couchbed movie night.
Rob's experience working at the Thursday night Bills game. He and a couple friends from church were able to go help out on the sidelines running play tablets and binders to the coaches throughout the game. It was great since it was a Thursday night prime time big game. They got to have dinner with the team at their fancy buffet and were given a Bills shirt and hat to wear as uniform and keep as payment for helping. It was a really awesome experience being right next to all the players and coaches that we usually only see on tv. Our families in ID were watching via tv and we were all trying to play an intense game of where's waldo- looking for Rob.
Mac has created and is coordinating the primary program. The practices felt like a disaster BUT the program turned out SOOO good! I was so proud of the kids. The whole primary of course, but especially my kiddos -biased I know- Ben and Abby memorized their parts and sang the songs so well. Apparently Ben also entertained the congregation a bit, quietly making faces most of the time.
Abby and I were asked to help sing a musical number for the Christmas program so we sill start practicing that soon. It is called "Christmas Alleluia" and we will be joining a couple other mommy/daughter pairs for the different voice parts.
Abby invited Jayden and Avery to come play. Fun to have friends...also HILARIOUS and entertaining and maybe a little scary to see our kids growing up and interacting with other people. Jayden had given Abby his phone number everyday for the first two weeks of school... little puppy love crush would be an understatement haha.
Got a third set of missionaries to our ward and had them over for dinner. They seemed really cool. We always enjoy a chance to feed the missionaries and hear a gospel message. They encouraged us to be member missionaries as well- always a good reminder- we ended up inviting Abby's friend Avery and her mom Rachel to come to the primary program. They came and really enjoyed it. We love helping others feel the spirit.
Went to the farmers market an got some awesome produce to make homemade salsa and a parmesan corn zucchini medley. Yum :) Love gardens, love farmers markets, love yummy fresh food.
Also a couple misc things- Abby, Ben and I went to a lowes build and grow class and built little wooden boats. Rob went camping at Evangola state park with the scouts. We kept busy with all our "normal" life and church calling things... Oh! and wewent to Abbys welcome back to school luau for family night...super fun. Shave ice, scavenger hunt, photo booth, face paint, hula hooping, dancing.
Aaaand the last big thing of September was BEN's 4th BIRTHDAY! He got to celebrate at school and of course we had fun birthday festivities at home too. Balloons, streamers, banner decorations. Chocolate cupcakes, blue icing, sports toppers, and ice cream as per Ben's request. A couple great presents- boy magnet doll, spot it sports card game, and first lego set. Talking to family far away via phone calls and skype. Family party games. Sharing leftover cupcakes with friends and neighbors. This adorably handsome little squirt is growing up!
