2013 Stades Shades of Autumn

Another fall is upon us! That means that Stades farm was on the agenda.
This year the kids had a fantastic time.  Since they are getting older they are able to do much more of the activities at the farm. We started the morning with some apple cider doughnuts and then headed off to the "Shades of Autumn Festival" we met the McDowell's and Grandpa and Grandma Rowan.

These moments are going by so quickly, I'm so glad that we have been able to share them with our family and extended families.  LIFE IS GOOD! Let me say that again, LIFE IS GOOD.

The jumpy "thing"

Going down the big slide all by himself! YEAH!

And through the tube!

Penny's turn with Dad!

My little corn cob

Corn box slide!

She is the best

Look at how tall they are getting!

The best

Silly boys

My little girl, such a darling

Cateplillar Musem & Penny turns 1 in Bloomington

We had a fantastic visit in Bloomington this month!!
First stop was the new caterpillar museum in Peoria.  As many of you know Michael is huge fan of construction equipment. so what better way to made the dream a reality!

We started the tour off by entering into into a 797 F mining truck. Its like the BIGGEST truck in the world.... we watch a brief movie on Caterpillar and how it evolved. The seat rumbled and vibrated like we were really in the truck! Michael and Pen loved it!.

Next stop was the museum where you could get into the trucks and drive them. They also had video simulators so you could see what ti was like to use the various equipment. It was pretty sweet.

We then came back to Uncle Steve and Aunt DeEttes house for Pen's birthday celebration. Pizza, wine and pop were had by the gang. After cake we had a fire and roasted marshmallows it couldn't have been a more perfect weekend with Tony's side of the family. Everyone one so generous with their gifts to Penny, we are so grateful for everyone's generosity!

Scale..lol

Ready to Rock

Look at how clean that tire is!

Getting ready to go on a virtual ride!

Driving!

Little kids in a big bulldozer!

Scooping up mom too!

MPG taking care of PAG

She loved the cards!

MPG and Grandma Gorrie

Cake is good!

They are getting so big! Love love, love

Montessori update

Michael has been doing very well at Montessori. He is growing and learning by leaps and bounds!
Everyday he does his "work" sits on the line, and works toward practicing patience, dignity, compassion, and respect for his classmates and teachers. He is learning new songs and making what I hope to be some important lasting friendships.It will be wonderful that Michael can pave the way through school for his sister. Penny frequently visit the school when come to pick him up so she is getting a taste of what will come for her in the future!

He has to follow the classroom rules and be mindful of his surroundings. While he has many choices throughout the day those choices come with responsibility and outcomes. You finish your work and clean up after you are done. This is has transcended to home as well, he is quick to tell people what they should or shouldn't be doing!!

The school is fabulous about sending pictures home and communicating with the parents through a weekly folder that goes home. In the folder is Michael's work for the week and any updates we may need to know about.

We recently had our first school picture day and are looking forward to seeing how the pictures turned out! Room 2 has done so many exciting things over the past weeks, I really can believe how much planning and preparation all of the NSMS staff do, its truly amazing!

This has been such an exciting process for Tony and I, we love being part of this community and can't wait to see how it evolves over this year.We are forever grateful for the life we have been given and worked hard for, and will continue to practice and be mindful of that gratitude always.

Making applesauce for Johnny Appleseeds birthday

Arlington Heights police make a visit to talk about safety

Spanish for the week - colors