Sunday Hike

Saturday night Justin got the idea to go for a hike with the girls via our backyard. We got off to an early start to the gym Sunday morning so that we could go on our hike right after a normal time lunch (a.k.a. noon and not our normal lunch time of 1:30 even 2:00 on a weekend). I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to adequately explain the feelings Justin and I have when we are in the woods right behind our house. These trees are enormous and you can the panoramic view is so peaceful and breathtaking. Literally three minutes after walking outside our back door, it feels like we are in isolation. Yet because we know we are not, it is so magical.img_2222
The girls were on a log that wasn’t steady and the second picture is right before they all fell off.img_2218 img_2216
While the tree branches and paths are clearest during fall and winter, there are still branches and trees to maneuver through, which is still a little scary for the girls, especially Avery and Harper. We made it through to the bike path and then crossed over to the path that leads to Meadowlark. The girls were feeling confident and wanted to walk all the way to Meadowlark. We figured why not. Avery kept saying “I’ve got this”. We approached the back side of Meadowlark and while the girls were still doing well, Justin and I were a little fearful that there would be a meltdown at some point making the way back home difficult. So we decided to turn around saying we made it to Meadowlark (which we did sort ofJ). One or two of the girls may have popped a squat along the path (starting them young)! Then we stopped once we reached the bike path again for a refuel with granola bars. img_0091We walked back home via the Hillington entrance path.img_2226 img_2229It was so much fun! The girls did awesome and we can’t wait to go on a family hike again!

Show Me Your Nuts

Last night at 7:30 we were finishing up dinner and having the girls take turns of presenting their artwork portfolio and Tuesday folder information.  In Avery’s Tuesday folder, she pulls out a homework assignment due TODAY to find acorns!  Seriously! The girls get off the bus at 4:30 and it gets dark at 5:15 and this homework is due tomorrow!  Are you telling me I’m the only parent who looks at the Tuesday folder information Tuesday evening AFTER I get home from work!

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Nonetheless, Justin pulled out the flashlight and Avery and him bundled up and went outside in the backyard for a few minutes and came back with their little snack bag filled with acorns.  That’s my girl and guy:)

So this morning Justin overhears Emerson talking to Avery while eating breakfast…”Avery, show me your nuts.”

Yes, I am 37 years old, but some things never get old!

Quattro Gumba

Saturday afternoon we headed to Quatrro Gumba Winery and Brewery where we met the Russo’s.  We enjoyed good beer and pizza.  The kids had fun running around and playing with one another.  Allison and I even snuck away for a half hour for a wine tasting.  Jamie and Justin held down the fort with the five kids and apparently many onlookers thought they were a couple:).  We tried to get a good picture of the five kids….while I took 15 pictures, not a single one were they all looking in the same direction.  They were still cute though because they represent kids being kids.  (Notice Owen and Emerson’s hands):)img_4305 img_4313img_4320

This Girl

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Seriously, she makes my heart melt…her smile, her sense of humor, her laugh, her personality…EVERY single thing about her I LOVE.  Seriously, how did I get SO lucky!!

Witches and Princesses

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Halloween 2016

  • Avery dressed up as a witch.  Her hat and her broom didn’t last very long and the purple and black tights didn’t even make their way onto her legs!

  • Emerson dressed as Rapunzel and experienced the blister problems that arise out of wearing high heels for the first time and having bangs that won’t cooperate.
  • Harper dressed as Sophia the First and stuck close to Daddy as she was scared of the witches!

_mg_4446The witches…_mg_4444-3

Maddy girls and Mei Mei…_mg_4449Gladwells in their Ghostbuster attire…._mg_4451

We had the pre trick-or-treating cul-de-sac party with pizza and drinks.  Then the kids took off for trick-or-treating!   Justin, Ludmilla, and I all went this year and we made it to way more houses than we did last year.  I was really proud of the girls, especially Avery who walked the entire way (and didn’t take a turn sitting in Harper’s stroller).