The summer ended, and school started again - just like that!
I'm in 3rd grade this year, and really enjoying it so far. I was a bit nervous because it is definitely harder than last year, but I'm doing well so far! I still love my classmates, and have a really good core group of girlfriends.
Declan is in 7th grade! He has a good group of friends too. He loves his teacher, Mr. Uffman, but is not loving all of the homework!
We are both doing the school musical, Aladdin. Declan even has a small leading role as Prince Abdullah! I'm happily in the ensemble (not quite old enough for a lead role yet), and all of my friends are in it as well. I love practicing the songs and choreography at home all the time - much to the frustration of Declan. He has taken the opposite approach, and won't show Mama or Dada any of his songs, lines, or choreography because he wants it to be a surprise! The show is the week before Thanksgiving, so it's getting close!
I continue loving Tae Kwon Do, and recently received my Red Belt! I had to do a spinning back kick to break a board, and nailed it on my first try! I also competed in a tournament locally and won First Place in the Forms competition. Horseback riding is still on my weekly schedule as well, and I recently started cantering off-rope, which is SO MUCH FUN!!!
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| Master Lance & me at the tournament |
Declan is still running a good bit, trying to improve his half-mile and mile times. He also still loves fencing a few days per week. He's definitely still the best big brother ever, and includes me in his games...but his room is definitely stinkier than it used to be!
We've had a few fun things recently, including our annual Pumpkin Patch trip, a field trip for me, and a night at Fright Fest at 6 Flags for Declan and some buddies.
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| Declan, Tai, Haines & Ryder at Fright Fest |
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| Dada took the four boys to a Giants game this summer as well |
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| Field trip to the Bale Grist Mill: Fairen, me, Elizabeth, Layne |
Annual trip to Stanley Lane Pumpkin Patch
We really enjoyed Trunk or Treat at school, and of course trick-or-treating with friends. Declan was allowed to go off with his buddies this year, without parents for the first time! Can you figure out what the theme of our costumes was??
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| Third graders at Trunk or treat |
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| We did a CandyLand theme |
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| Brookly, me & Elizabeth |
With our friends heading out to Trick or Treat!
I also got to go on my first hot air balloon ride! Napa Valley is so pretty in the Fall! I even got to help manage the controls on the balloon for a bit!
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| I got to steer! |
Bobbing for apples!
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| Fairen, me, Elizabeth, Layne & Brooklyn at the Color Run |
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| Kicking butt at our school's Jog A Thon/Color Run |
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| Superhero day at school: I went as "Super Bunny" |
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| Dunking Declan at the Country Fair at School |
And Haines nailed it with his pitching arm
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| As good as you get with a group of goofy 3rd Graders |
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| With Brooklyn at a Halloween party "Hula-ween" |
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| Dada surprised me with a (rented) convertible to drive around - in homage to our special song "Little Miss Magic" by Jimmy Buffet |
Perhaps the biggest news recently is that our pool is finally FINISHED! The deck is not...but that's another story! I don't really care if I always have to walk across a gangplank to get there, the pool is AWESOME! We go in most nights, even just in the jacuzzi to relax before bed sometimes. The deck should be done in 2-3 months, fingers crossed. Mama, Declan, and I are already planning the next phase: Pool House...but first we have to convince Dada!
At 87, Grandpa can still rule the teenager!
Keevah & her friend practicing Aladdin choreography in the pool!
And finally - a few weird videos of our pets
