Dragons and Unicorns Forever!

Dear Maya and Emi, 

Mommy is sitting here typing this after a fun day to end a very busy month! I'm so glad to have spent all of Halloween with you two after being completely tied up in my photography business for weeks. Even though it rained on our trick-or-treating trip, it was such a great time just being together!

But to backtrack a little, here's what we've been up to the past almost 2 months...

Apple picking with the extended family in September!

School work is a little trickier this year but that isn't getting in the way of either of you! Maya, you're still reading up a storm (these 2 huge books in one week!) and started learning drums and xylophone. Emi, you're spending tons of time drawing and still going strong on the ukulele.

We've had more family gatherings in October. We had a S'mores party at grandma's house one night, and although you two didn't attend, Mommy went to Uncle Matt's 40th birthday Dungeons & Dragons game night! I took the two of you to see him a few days later, though!

Leading up to Halloween we had a few fun activities. Baba helped you carve pumpkins (Mommy was working) and of course, they were a dragon and a unicorn. You also both were in the school Halloween parade but Maya, you got to play drums with your friends and your teacher. We were so impressed with how well you were keeping the rhythm after only playing for a couple of months. Not to mention that you did it while wearing a dragon costume!

And, finally, today was Halloween. You two had planned for months to be a dragon and unicorn, and so you decided that Mommy must be a princess and Baba must be a knight. We got dressed up, set up a tripod to take some cell phone photos (that was hysterical!), then visited Grandma and Papa Stan, Uncle Matt and Aunt Rhi, and Aunt Kelsie. Then after getting caught in a rainstorm we doubled back to a different town to do a little trick-or-treating. It was fun and we are tired!

Okay, time for Mommy to get some sleep before another busy week. 

Love you both!

Bye Bye Summer 2021

 

Dear Maya and Emi, 

Today you started 5th and 2nd grades! Wow! I'm not entirely sure how the rest of summer flew by, but here are some of the things we did since mommy's last post:

You guys had a great time at your summer rec program! Color runs, crafts, stream play, air hockey, special programs, hikes, theme days, climbing trees, and so much more. I'm so glad it was available this year as we missed it last year!

You two went to North Carolina to spend a week with Grandpa and Lori! You went to a few beaches, the botanical gardens, and played with them and Dozer a lot. Meanwhile, Baba and I had a relaxing staycation and got to eat out at some nice restaurants and walk around some local towns. 

Last Thursday we were supposed to go to NYC but due to hurricane/flooding damage we had to postpone. That meant we were free to join Grandma and your cousins to go to the local zoo! It was great to see you two play with Gracie and William and seeing all the animals was just an added bonus!

Yesterday we finally did make it to NYC to get your Japanese passport, Emi. It wasn't the most exciting trip since we didn't want to stay out late the day before school started, but we managed to fit in the requested stops at the Japanese book/toy store we love as well as getting pizza!

And now, you're both home from your first day of school. You were both a little nervous at times, and didn't give the day your best ratings, but no doubt you'll both have a great year once you settle in. Emi, I'm sure your reading level will take off even more, and Maya, you're now in the big leagues--changing rooms and carrying around a laptop for classes. One of you doesn't really love getting photos taken anymore as you may be able to tell, but I know you both put your best effort forward in school today!

Okay, it's time for some dinner and snuggles and rest for all of us. Love you both!