Seattle Silly Bunch: September in Seattle...

We've been keeping busy in September, moving as fast as our bumbling legs and forgetful minds can take us. It doesn't show much promise of slowing down as the holidays approach, but we are actually enjoying the bustle the school year has brought. Today is a day off from school and we're all content to just stay home and catch up on idle time (which I pride myself into thinking we have more than most, due to my limiting activities with the kids) but there's just nothing like time when there is not much expected of you. We cherish it. The rest of the days since school started have been filled with soccer, tap/ballet, lots of overtime required of the toothfairy, little bits of home spa activities (with two girls, I have an excuse!) and a wacky, crazy spirit week at school. I only captured pictures of western day (where the girls' toothlessness added to the hillbilly look of the costumes) and crazy hair day, and then pictures did not seem to happen for the remaining days, we were probably running late.

Teacher conferences for the girls were last week and they are both doing fantastic with academics (setting aside Big S's mental block to all things math), but reading is way above grade level, and both teachers commented on their great behavior and kindness to others (of this I am most proud.) There has already been some playground drama, trying to figure out which girlfriends are still friends this year, but it has been worked out, and the sisters even see and get to play together at recess some days. Little brother is going to a nursery class while I attend MOPS on Thursdays, which he loves (we call it "school" so he can feel big like his sisters). He's potty trained and sleeping in a big boy "Lightening McQueen" bed, and my sense of having a little baby in the house is fading fast. :( I'm also teaching Big S's sunday school class leading up to her first communion this year! And she is enjoying girl scouts and Little S will be an Adventure Princess this year with V, looking forward to her daddy time.

We are still very much enjoying the Seattle area. The fall colors are starting to show, and it is hard to explain how exhilarating the cool fall weather is. N and I get nice long walks in each day to and from school dropping off the girls, and go exploring for slugs and point out all the pretty fall leaves. My social calendar is too full, but I'm enjoying it and love all I have to look forward to soon. I am having a mother's night out with my neighbor tonight at a wine bar, and next weekend I am spending a long weekend away in Lake Chelan with neighborhood ladies to enjoy a 6 hour limo wine tour, a 5k breast cancer walk, and lots of relaxation to be had in a house on the lake! I scheduled V a massage after a long weekend of childcare, God bless him. I'm not sure why I don't think I need one weekly, but I want to encourage this behavior. Plus V is working very hard at work lately, although he still loves it, it is the most demanding job he has ever had. It is hard for him to turn his brain off (and blast his phone constantly receiving msgs!) but he'll get better at managing that as he starts to feel more comfortable (not in his work load being less, but in knowing it will always be there calling him, and eventually he will have to shut it off and have a little fun. I know this because numerous MS spouses have told me this is how it goes the first couple of years. Lucky for him, I'm willing to wait it out.)

Here are pics of our September...