September

Photo dump for the second half of September.... fall suddenly feels like it's flying by!

Alden doesn't cry at drop off anymore, but he does insist on carrying Adara's backpack into school every day and stopping to say hello to Ms. Vicky.  He also likes to tell anyone who will listen that it's his "first day of school."

A random Friday afternoon I decided to take the little two on an adventure while Emily was at gymnastics; we got as far as the garage and remembered the car was in the shop.  So, we took the (free!) bus!  That was enough adventure in and of itself; I'm not sure I've ever seen Alden so excited.  We rode through White River Junction and into Hanover, wandered around Main Street in the sunshine, and checked out a new-ish chocolate and cupcake shop.  The kids did such a good job just choosing one thing to share, that the girl behind the counter gave them each an extra rainbow-sprinkle covered truffle.  Then, Alasdair brought the older girls to meet us and we watched an acrobatic dance show on the side of some campus buildings.  Such a fun afternoon.

And then, two of my very favorite people came to visit me in the same week!  Just when September was really getting me down, this was such a sweet gift.  We didn't do anything special; it's a real friend who will come to visit you and spend a few days hanging out while wrangling kids. :)

We barely took any pictures while Annabel & Adia were here, but the kids loved playing with her.  It's so fun to see them be the big kids.

Emily's teacher got engaged, and Emily stayed home from one of our walks and made her this amazing card.

The kids loved baby Molly!  We abandoned the 'no climbing on the table' rule for a few days because Alden just could not stay away from this adorable centerpiece.

Last weekend was gorgeous, and we had some great family time.  We had family photos taken and then took the kids to lunch at Harpoon Brewery in Windsor, which turns out to be a great family spot.  We at outside and the kids played on the playground and the lifesize chess board.  And the food was awesome.  My dad stopped by that night on his way home from the lake and brought us Indian food.  On Sunday afternoon, we went apple picking with Tom & Leslie & Laurel at Riverview Farms... which was pretty much an excuse for me to get maple ice cream (with maple sugar candy sprinkles)...SO.GOOD.

And, it's hiking season!  

Emily's transitions from school to home have been much better this year.  Here the girls are catching up on their days one afternoon last week.

a couple random pictures I found on Alasdair's phone :)

It's truly fall now, and Alasdair's  travel season started this weekend.  Sigh.  I did still have some cute company on the front porch for awhile tonight while the girls watched a movie. :)