Two Peas in a Pod

Apple Picking

We made our annual apple picking trip today and it was quite an adventure. We ate lunch outside and had a hound dog join us and spend the rest of our time at the orchard with us. James would put any apple in his mouth; he didn't discriminate - it didn't matter to him if the apple was rotting on the ground or fresh off the branch. He also enjoyed checking out the chickens in the pen at the farm.

Goodbye to the Beach

I took E&J to the beach yesterday for what will most likely be our last visit of 2010. It was gorgeous and they had fun playing in the sand and chasing seagulls. I feel like any beach day after school has started is like an extra day of summer. What a treat!

James is 17 Months Old

James is now 17 months old. He's as happy go lucky as ever, likes to run around and talks up a storm. Some new words include, side (outside), Arthur, cheese, pees (please), down, poop, and school (in addition to Ellie school which means Ellie's at school). He's adjusted to being back in day care just fine (and sometimes protests when it's time to go home). James loves the playground and climbing on just about anything. It's so much fun to see our little boy grow!

Friday Happy Hour

We went to the playground to celebrate the start of the weekend on Friday after school.

School Photos

Ellie is loving her time in the Oak Room at school. It's so wonderful to hear her talk about her friends and daily adventures. I borrowed the photos above from her classroom website (don't worry, I don't invade her space during the school day). Recent highlights include bringing in a juicer from home (not shown) to share at school, acting out the book Owl Babies (she had a role), being the meeting helper and going on the Monday Meanders with her Nursery class. We may be biased but we don't think there's a better early childhood program out there!

Sibling Silliness

Mimi's September Visit

My mom came to help during the first week of school. She took care of James and Ellie while I set up my classroom and then she had time alone with James once school started. She happened to be here during the hottest back to school week of my life and it was a huge help. We had fun visiting the pool with Mimi and enjoyed dinners out every night. My mom brought Ellie her backpack for school which Ellie loves (she wanted a pink backpack). James learned to say the word "books" while she was here and has requested lots of books since Mimi left. On the Friday of the first week of school, my mom and James brought Ellie to the Oak Room. James wasn't too happy about leaving all of the fun at school but he really enjoyed his one on one time with the world's best grandmother.

The Grand Finale

On Labor Day, we went to the pool for the last time this year. Adam was with us and provided lots of entertainment for E&J. My camera went for a swim in the kiddie pool at the end of our day there which is why I haven't posted much lately. I now have a brand new camera thanks to the great warranty at Best Buy so stay tuned for more photos.

James and his Three Amigos

James's three amigos are not the three adults in this photo. They are Alexis and Mark's triplets who are due early 2011! Alexis and Mark were in Newport for Labor Day weekend and James and I met them for breakfast. It was so wonderful to see them all and we are so excited about their growing family. I couldn't think of a better couple to handle three babies, what a lucky trio to get Alexis and Mark as their parents. We can't wait to meet them sometime next year.

Labor Day Fun in Westport

We had a great Labor Day weekend. My mom was here through Saturday, Adam arrived Saturday morning and we spent Sunday in Westport with our friends. The adults were even able to sneak away for a drink (or two) to the Back Eddy. James and Max were thrilled to be sporting matching lobster sweaters!