Fall has finally arrived. The weather is much cooler and crisp. Earlier in the week it was sunny and cool. The past couple of days wet and cool. But either way, we are glad for the change of weather. And the kids seem to be enjoying it as well. Ben has really enjoyed it as it makes it seem more like "football" weather. Too bad the change of weather didn't help Ben's team "change" either; they lost again making them 2-4 on the season. On the brighter side, Ben had his best defensive game with 8 tackles and 2 quarterback "rushes."
Yesterday we visited the local Yankee Candle with all the kids. We didn't go there to shop but to listen to the Von Trapp Children Singers. It was a fun little outing. We even remembered to take the camera and took some of our first pictures of all the kids. It gets harder and harder to take pictures with all the kids smiling AND looking at the camera. As you can see from the two pictures here. But again, it was fun.
Since we have been back, we have been a bit tighter on our finances. We spent a lot on the trip to China AND I had my taxes due last week (I got an extension from the IRS since I switched jobs near the end of last year). Anyway, we have found ourselves taking more "free" outings the past couple of weeks. We have gone to the park a couple of times, walked around Colonial Williamsburg, gone to Ben's football games, and took in the free concert yesterday at Yankee Candle.
I think we have been doing these "free" things not only because of finances, but because we find it good to get out of the house, but not necessarily go on a big outing. We are usually gone for 1-2 hours which is just about right for the little girls. Happily, the "big" kids seem to be enjoying the time away from the house as well. It is refreshing to spend time together as a family without the stress of getting our "money's worth."
Sarah really seems to enjoy these outings. She has been having to work really hard to catch up in school since our return. She took her school work to China, but we kept her schedule light. We wanted her to really enjoy her time sightseeing in China as well as get to know her new little sister. She did a good job keeping up with the essentials as well as learning to relax. We were proud of her being able to balance both of these tasks.
As I mentioned in the previous post, we are happy with how Amy and Kate are getting along. They are both two very sweet little girls...much like their sweet big sister!
Finally a word about this handsome little man. Sam has really had a pleasant and gentle demeanor since we returned from China. He is really growing up. He is more polite and obedient than ever. He really is learning to help out around the house. He is doing an awesome job in school, working hard early in the morning so that he can play in the afternoon. And he is really blossoming as a big brother. He loves to play with both Amy and Kate and they laugh and giggle with him.
ok marty - where did you get that cute little red hat?
your family is beautiful.
Posted by: Susan Chenot | October 20, 2009 at 08:51 AM