Just Chillin'

Halloween Festivities

 Emily was so excited that she got to where her costume three times this year. The first occasion was my sister's annual Halloween party. The girls were super excited to see their cousins, James, Kaleigh and Lauren. The second occasion was the Gilford Elementary School Halloween Parade. I had no idea how big this parade would be. The turnout was amazing! The kids had so much fun. The third occasion was for the actual event...Halloween. We went to our friend's, The Blandford's, neighborhood to trick-or-treating. Emily and Abby had a blast with John, Tyler and Rylee.

Abby excited about getting candy

 Emily's bag is all loaded up

The cousins and then some

Abby, Rere and Lauren

Dr Billings, Principal, leading the parade.

Emily waving to the crowd

Em's friend, Aly

Heading back to school

The kids fighting for first position at the door.

Thanks everyone for a great Halloween!

Apple Picking

One of Todd's fall vices is cider donuts.  Surprisingly, there are not a lot of places locally that carry them.  One day we both heard  an ad from Meadow Ledge Farm stating they had the best cider donuts around.  There was no question, we had to try them out.  We also took this opportunity to pick some apples.  

 T with his girls

 Big Helper

Great day!  Oh, and the cider donuts were ridiculous!

Beautiful Fall Sunday

 One Sunday the girls and I decided to visit a local farm stand.  They played in the hay maze, feed the farm animals and picked out pumpkins.  I decided to take the opportunity and try to get a cute picture of the girls.  Emily embraced to task with vigor.  Abby, on the other hand, decided that this day was the day for the goofiest smile I have seen.  Maybe next time. 

                             Loving the smile!                            

 Emily perfecting her pose

 Look Ma, no hands!

They were both allowed to pick whatever pumpkin they wanted as long as they could carry it out.  Abby was pushing it with her choice.  

All I Want For Christmas..

Emily lost her first tooth this morning.  For those of you that know me, you know that I do not handle loose teeth all that well.  Emily tried to understand this as best as a 5 year-old can, but she was a little disappointed this morning when I was lacking enthusiasm while she showed me, with her tongue,  how loose her tooth was this morning.    While she was watching her morning cartoons before the bus Emily pulled out her tooth.  We were both jumping around the kitchen.  I was excited that my baby is growing up and Emily was excited to see what the Tooth Fairy was going to bring tonight.

Team Extreme

Extreme is the name of Emily's new soccer team.  We had our first practice on Saturday and the kids did great.  I forgot how much fun it is to coach this age group.  It is not so much about teaching as it is keeping them focused.  All in all, the kids did great and Emily had a blast. 

 Pre-drill chat.  I think they were actually listening.

Putting her new found knowledge to use.

 Michelle and Abby

 Very focused.

I can't lie....love seeing my little girl all geared up for soccer.  :)

Emily's First Day of Kindergarten

Emily started Kindergarten today. I still can't believe we have a child old enough to be entering elementary school. She was very excited and was not nervous at all about going on the bus. In fact, we have been on countdown for about a month now as to when she can ride on one.

Emily is a fearless little girl. Rarely is she ever afraid to try something new, make new friends, etc. Watching her walk on the bus for the first time I thought I would be teary eyed and emotional. Instead, I was so proud of her and impressed with how much she has grown in the past couple of years.

First day of school pose

Daddy and his girls

Sisters

Getting on the bus

Getting off the bus...notice the pose

Friends...Andrew, Ella, Grace, Emily, Tyler and Paige

Look at that smile!!

Grandma with the girls

Emily said she had a great day. She was a little skimpy on the details but that is usually how it goes. I am sure I will get more and more details as the week progresses. One bit of information that I got was that she painted leaves for a "naked" tree. Interesting.

Congratulations Emily on your first day of school!