Big girls, fall fun

Dear Maya and Emi,

Ahhh, mommy missed a week blogging! Between normal school and home duties, the children's consignment sale mommy sold and volunteered at, and the busier photography schedule that comes with the month of October, I just haven't had enough time in the day lately. I'll try to do better!

Emi, we've really been realizing how big you're getting lately. You've had a growth spurt physically, but your personality has also grown. After we see sissy off in the mornings, you come back in and settle down in her chair at the table as if to say it's your time to rule the roost. You try to say "apple" and "I love you." You make us laugh with just a look and have a very contagious laugh yourself. You throw occasional tantrums that are pretty unpleasant but luckily they don't usually last very long.

Maya, you've been doing so very well with school. Today your teacher sent home a progress report that was absolutely glowing with praise! We called grandparents and great grandparents to brag and mommy has read it out loud 6 times for everyone already. Sometimes your behavior and attitude at home can be a little trying and hyper, but we are so very happy to hear that you are a well-mannered, reliable, independent student at school. What an awesome kid you are!

Okay, so here's what we've been up to:

Emi, we drove up to Troy one day while Maya was in school to meet up with mommy's New Zealander friend from my Japan days.

You two had a nice ride on the Rail Trail on one of our last really warm days, no doubt--Maya, you on your bike, and Emi, you in the stroller.

Maya, our Friday afternoon trips to the farm are going to end soon, too, and you will miss the rope swing (and the veggies, too, of course!)

Today was the PreK fall festival so Emi, you and I went to Maya's class for a couple hours of fun activities. Maya, you did a great job painting pictures of a tree and an apple, decorating a mini pumpkin, helping your classmates build a scarecrow, and participating in singalongs and storytimes. It was great to see you in your classroom environment. Emi, you were happy to join in the fun, too, especially when it came to playing with the hay when the big kids were making scarecrows!

Well, mommy needs some sleep! Love you both!