Harvest

There are certain traditions that have become a part of our fall.  We always make a point to get to Chapin's Orchard to pick apples:

Then there is the Harvest Market..... This was the last time the kids and I would march with Poker Hill School in the parade :o(

Hazey waited in line to try to dunk big kids in the dunk tank (and he almost hit the target hard enough)

 The kids got their faces painted at the Poker Hill booth.  Alas, John was away, so he didn't get roped into painting kids faces, however, I did get asked to do a rainbow balloon for Hazey.

The kids got to sing with Buddy Dubay's group, The Minor Keys:

Uncle Scotty and Aunt Cynthia came by to help me out on Saturday night:

On Sunday morning, the kids and I decided to hike up to meet John and his students on the long trail.  They hiked 2.5 miles in and made quick friends and had fun conversation for the hike down:

FFO-- Freshgrass Family Outing

When I was a kid, FFO's were my parents code for a family outing that you HAD to go on-- it trumped all sleepovers, playdates, and dates.  We didn't do them very often, but when we did, after much groaning and complaining, we all had a great time.  John has certain events that he loves to make happen and Freshgrass is one of them.  We've treked down to North Adams, MA for several years and had a great experience.  This year, we tried to rally friends, but ended up doing the trip solo.  I wasn't thrilled about the three hour drive and minimalist accommodations, but we all rallied on Saturday morning (after a great evening and run with my cousin, Hendy). It was so worth it:

         

           

All smiles 

          

The trip home on Sunday involved a pit stop at Great Cliff, just above the Brandon Gap.  It was a quick hike and a gorgeous view.

Kisses

Lounge lizard

Sunshine

A weekend with just the four of us was exactly what we all needed.  We heard great music, ate delicious food, did a little shopping (at the outlets in Manchester) and got in a lovely hike.

Indian Summer

I can't remember a September that has been so nice for so long!  We've been loving the sunshine and warmth, but it sure does make it tough to go to work (or school).  On one lovely afternoon, we had the pleasure of finally meeting my cousin, Lindsay's son Kai.  He is ten months old and the kids had so much fun with him.  He lives in Charleston, SC, but fortunately, for us, his grandparents (on his dad's side) live in Vermont.  Lindsay and Silas are great parents.  They seems so calm, cool and collected with their new role.

 

 

We got to get one more camping trip in.  This year we went to Branbury State Park (right on Lake Dunmore, near Middlebury).  The parents all got out for great mountain biking, the kids hiked to the Falls of Llana, swam in the lake, and did lots of biking.

Poor Cal had a terrible run in with a bee.  She had been drinking a smoothie, set it down, didn't put the top back on it, and when she went to take a sip later in the day, she had a horrible surprise. I'm not doing to lie, I ignored her cries, at first.  Having had a lot of tears from either or both of the kids this summer, I am starting to become immune/numb to their screams.  I've told them the story of the "boy who cried wolf" and recounted the story about me laying on the living room floor bleeding and crying for what seemed like hours (but was probably just 10-15 minutes) when I was four years old (because I cried all the time and my mom didn't even respond anymore).  Alas, this was one of those real cries because she'd been stung :o(  Her lip got huge, but she ended up handling it like a champ.

In other news, the kids had a great time at the High Meadow picnic with the College kids (Trek Leaders).  It continues to be so cool to see them so comfortably conversing and playing with all these great young adults. 

School is going really well for both kids.  Hazen is so, so happy at Poker Hill.  He is eager to go everyday and loves learning.  Cal is also, really happy.  She continues to love to read and is getting pulled out for some reading and math enrichment.  She gets herself put in the "thinking chair" quite a bit....... turns out she zones out and misses the teachers directions.  Not sure what is up with that.  I think she's pretty busy at school, so it's not uncommon for her to come home and do this for 1/2 hour just to unwind (which Hazey is building ramps for remote control cars or....... )

Routine!

It's bitter sweet!  The Abbott family had our last first day at Poker Hill School.  This has been such a special place for all of us.  It has introduced us to a community of amazing people and taught our kids how to be independent and autonomous and engaged.  Cally loved it from day one.  Hazen has been a little more reticent.  However, this year he is right back in his groove.  He's so happy to be back, he loves his teacher (Grace) and he's playing with other kids!  We can't wait to see what the year brings for him.

In other news, soccer season has begun.  It's still breaks up our weekend and makes for a hectic Wednesday.  But Cally and her peers really seem to be improving.  She is running towards the ball, kicking it towards the right goal, and excited to go to games and practices.

That said, she can still be seen, twirling around with a pinnie over her head and "spacing out" every now and again.  But it's a huge improvement from kindergarten soccer.

We are all getting used to the earlier mornings and the longer days, but so far everyone is falling into the groove really smoothly.  Because the kids don't see each other during the day, they are generally really happy to be together and get along.

Making Cookies for our new neighbors

 After passing like ships in the night for much of the last month, John and I managed to farm the kids out to various sleepovers and get away for a wedding!  We love weddings, but surprisingly, we haven't been to many together.  Therefore, it's always a treat to celebrate.

Rachel and Tyler were outing club kids who graduated about 5 years ago.  They live in Jericho, Rachel is a teacher and Tyler works for Backcountry magazine.  I wasn't sure how much fun I'd have at a "youngsters wedding", but it was a blast.  These guys love John and the experience they had at UVM.

We were only away for a night and since it was a three day weekend, we did get some great quality time with the kids. It was super hot, so the kids, Lila, and I went on a hike and stream walk at Mills River Park.  It was the perfect way to spend a 90 degree day!

 

Life is busy, but we are all getting back into our groove.  The kids make me smile everyday.  I love my jobs as a teacher, parent, partner, and friend.  It's all about balance and right now we are finding our sweet spot.