Quotable Helena

DSC_0034
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

"It's fall time.
The leaves are fallin' down.
London Bridge is fallin' down."

Apple Not Picking

Many of the orchards in our area are not having pick-your-own apples this fall due to an unusual climate pattern in the spring. Very warm days before warm weather usually comes led the trees to bud and blossom early and a hard frost that came after frosts are usually over, destroyed most of the crop. They were literally "nipped in the bud". Our favorite orchard, Poverty Lane, was hit very hard and they don't have enough of crop to let people pick.

We went up this past weekend and it was bizarre to see the trees practically bare of fruit. There were apples in the farm stand, but all the trees where they usually allow picking were bare.

Since they know people like to go into the orchards, they set up an informational walk, which we took and very much enjoyed.









After the walk, we had to support the farm stand, so we bought some mini pumpkins, mums and a bag of delicious apples.

Reading to Little Sister

Reading to Little Sister
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

One truly excellent thing about Sadie knowing how to read is that she will read to Helena and Helena loves it. We love watching/listening to it.

Here, Sadie is reading from the Random House Book of Easy to Read Stories, a cute anthology I found among my books at work and decided to bring home. She really enjoys that it's a big book that she can read herself.

Kindergarten Soccer

Sadie started Kindergarten soccer yesterday. She had a lot of fun.

She was issued a "jersey" when she arrived and we ducked behind a tree to switch into the new top. Paired with her new shin guards, new purple soccer socks and red shorts, she was ready to go:



Some stretching and jumping jacks:




Breaking into groups for various skill-building stations:




Finally, group Red Light/Green Light to the goal and a team huddle:




Next week is team picture day!

Happy and Sweet New Year!

Happy New Year
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

It's Rosh Hashanah. Happy and sweet New Year to our friends and family. We wish you healthy and happiness and all good things in the year ahead.

First Day of Kindergarten

We are so proud of you, Sadie! We wish you a wonderful year full of learning and growing.










Helena wanted to get dressed up for the first day of school too!