Once Upon A Dream

(Gilli and Mrs. Booth), (Gilli and her friend, Charlotte)

Mrs. Kinzel's class

Mrs. Sogoian (Mary Poppins), Mr. Anders (Albert Einstein), Coach (the Hulk)

Third grade teachers and Star Wars friends....

We only have one more week of soccer left. The kids received ribbons for playing this week. Gabby had a good week. It started out great, and then there were a few kinks. First, she lost her shoe while she was running up the field (hehe)....then she took a face plant into the grass while kicking in a goal. She also took a picture with her coach.....

We went over to the Potter's house for pizza....and a party on Saturday evening...and then all the kids went out for candy. It rained on us a little, but it didn't spoil the fun.

Gabby reciting, "My Teacher Ate My Homework" by Ken Nesbitt

Gabby was eating a grilled cheese sandwich last week and discovered that her food was shaped in a perfect princess dress.

Gabby participated in an investiture ceremony for Girl Scouts the other day. She received her Daisy pin and several petals to put on her tunic. The girls have been working really hard all year. So far she has earned the center of the daisy for saying the Girl Scout promise. She has earned the orange petal for being responsible for what she says and does. She had to do certain chores around the house for a month. She earned the green petal for using resources wisely. The girls learned all about reducing, reusing, and recycling. They also earned the red petal for being courageous and strong because they each spoke in front of a group of people during the investiture ceremony.

Gillian made pumpkin bread at school the other day. Each child got to help with ingredients and mixing. They filled cans with batter and baked them. They ate some for snack and brought another can home to share with their family. She had a great time cutting and serving it for everyone. Even Dave ate some....even though he hates pumpkin bread. Can you tell how much he is enjoying it by looking at this picture.

A couple weekends ago...it was so warm. We took advantage of the weather by going down to the river to ride bikes/walk/jog. Then we winterized the house and raked the last of the leaves.

Well...better late than never! Aunt Lena inspired us to get our 1/2 birthday photos up on the blog. Gabby turned 6 and a half on September 10th, but we celebrated while we were at a restaurant....and we didn't have our camera....I know you are all wondering if I've finally lost it. Gillian turned 3 and a half on the 14th of November. The girls decorated their own cake creation. We sang a couple rounds of "Happy 1/2 Birthday" and a couple rounds of "A Very Merry 1/2 Birthday" before blowing the candles out several times. Then we enjoyed the very waxy cake....Half Birthdays are the best. We hope you have a merry one!

We went to a birthday party for Grace at the Tiny Tot Tea Room. It was completely adorable...and I think we will be having a party here in the very near future! It is so much fun to be a princess!

Gabby's grade took part in a huge Thanksgiving celebration at school today. They have been learning all about the first Thanksgiving all month. They've done tons of art projects, writing projects, and studies into the early relationships of Pilgrims and Native Americans. It has been a really fun unit. Today they wore the projects that they have been working so hard to create. Yesterday, Gabby's class made cornbread for the entire first grade...about 10 batches. Mrs. Kinzel dressed up like a Native American. Mrs. Nealon dressed like a pilgrim. The children all sat together at a huge floor table. They had a toast with cider. Mrs. Fitzmaurice played music while the students sang a few Thanksgiving songs for the parents that helped make the feast possible. Gabby wrote a Thanksgiving Day poem that she shared with her principal, Mr. Anders. It was a very exciting day in first grade!

We were away in PA for Thanksgiving. It was a lot of laughs...and food...and family...and food. Meme went all out...as always....but mmmmmmmm it was so good! The cousins played...and fun was had by all. At the end of the day, the girls fell into a very deep sleep...and they looked so peaceful.

We made some caramel apples and white chocolate pretzels for Aunt Mandy's baby shower. They turned out super delicious......

Meghan, Sophia, and Michael came up to help us celebrate at Aunt Mandy's baby shower. The kids got to play together and exchange their Christmas presents in person this year. Then they played a few rounds of I Spy Go Fish and Jenga.....Thanks for the great games Meg, Sophia, Michael, and Frank. xoxoxo....and thanks for coming to visit.

We had some other special guests show up for the shower, also.....and they traveled all the way from Ohio! It was so good to see Aunt Cheri and Grandma Barb! We had a really good time with you both! xoxoxoxo