Pie!

We did virtual pie-baking this year! I thought it would be a little sad but we had a great time! Of course, in person would have been better but we still had a lot of laughs and the pies were yummy!

 

Apples and Pumpkins

We snuck in a quick trip to Red Wagon Farm over the weekend to get our pumpkins and apples! It was kind of an iffy weather day but we didn't have a lot of time anyway so we skipped the corn maze and food. One of our favorite parts is seeing how many pumpkins Pat can lift. It's all you can carry for $10. Pat guessed he did 7-10 last year but we checked last year's post and it was actually 5 so we had a good laugh about that. He managed 5 again this year. Then we headed over to the barn to pick up apples and cider. We had to make a special stop to Spudnuts to get our apple fritters and although they weren't the best we've ever had, they were decent enough!

 

Long Fall Walk

We had an unseasonably warm day last week and I used it to go on a very long walk with a friend! The pictures don't do the scenery justice!

 

It's Baaaack!

Trio practice has begun! Paige and her friends started up practice for their Hocus Pocus dance from last year. They didn't get to take it to many competitions so they decided to keep the same dance, with a few minor changes, and maybe some bigger costumes:)

 

Ballet Day!

It feels silly to keep saying this but Ballet Day was a little different this year... :) In the past, other studios would come to our studio to compete for scholarships and take classes. This year, on Friday, everyone stayed at their own studios and were judged by judges watching virtually. Then on Sunday the girls had a two hour virtual ballet practice followed by awards. Paige was not thrilled about participating this weekend initially because it meant taking away two days she'd normally have free. Saturday she's at the studio for a long time as well just for normal classes! But guess what...she had a blast on Friday hanging out with her friends so I think she changed her mind pretty quickly:) And in other great news-she won First Place!! It was down to her and a good friend for first and second so I know she was already excited with either spot at that point but it was really awesome to see her get first! So proud of Paige! She won a $20 voucher for Cecchetti apparel (see what she picked out below) and two free years of Ballet Day participation! 

I love this picture of Paige and Mikayla waiting for awards to start!

First place! Posing with her studio's owner/teacher

All the ATB kids with their awards. Again, other participants were at their own studios

Maeve and Paige! They both picked out soft, pink hoodies!

 

Cross Country Wrap-up!

The cross country season has come to an end. I know Owen will miss it but I also know he's going to like having some more free time too. This might have even been the end of his cross country career because next year he'll be playing high school soccer at this time! Well, hopefully! 

This picture was from the last practice. It was raining so they took things inside and played a version of kickball with only two bases. Owen said he liked the practices even more than the meets.

Group picture before getting on the team bus

The course for the last race was the best one. It went through the woods and didn't repeat any sections

Owen and his teammate were neck and neck for the end and finished in a tie!

Luca, Jalen, Omar and Owen

 

Leaves

The annual first leaf pile of the season pictures

 

Back to School!

Whelp. The kids had their first day of hybrid learning! They woke up very sleepy but both were excited to get going with their day and ready to see what it would be like to be back in the building. This was Paige's first time ever riding a bus to school so she had an extra element of newness beyond even just starting middle school. There are a lot of changes to keep track of too! They'll be in the building two days a week with half of the students. The kids have to wear masks all day, unless teachers mandate a mask break outside and they can't use lockers so they're stuck carrying around all of their supplies, textbooks and lunch for the entire day. You're not allowed to share supplies so if you forget something you're out of luck! No water fountains either so you have to bring a water bottle. For Paige, lunch means eating at a table alone or with one other person. Owen's lunchroom is bigger so there are a few three-person tables. Owen wasn't super impressed with in-school learning but Paige loved it! She was so happy to see her teachers and felt much more comfortable learning that way.

 

The Week

            The kids virtual school setup has devolved somewhat...Owen a lot more than Paige:)
Lights off, and still in bed!

Paige is still at her desk but no longer turning on her camera 

Pesto Chicken Panini with Sundried Tomatos- Pat probably liked this the most. The kids tolerated it for one meal and I just felt like the basil taste was too strong.  

Colder days means Griffin is curling up more than usual

3 person piggy back ride

Cozy cat, Halloween decorations and Harry Potter!