Apples and Potatoes

We had lots of different activities this week that were fun and exciting. First off, we had our first pack meeting on Monday with both kids in uniform. Actually, we were all in our uniforms, feeling very official. I really have to bite my tongue at these meetings because they consist of a swarm of boys running around in chaos and grown-ups talking but no one able to hear anything and it's maddening! But they love it and it seems to work and since I'm the only female den leader, I go with it. We are beginning popcorn sales right off the bat, so start counting your pennies for when we hit you up.

Tuesday, Nolan had his second orthodontia appointment where they took molds of his teeth. We go back in 3 weeks to have the lower expander put in. Thomas had his swim lesson that day too and did AWESOME! He swam a few feet like a pro. He just has to figure out that he can turn his head to the side to get air instead of stopping and treading to breathe. He seems to be very proud of himself and so are we. It's great to see him do something that he likes and be good at it.

Wednesday Nolan had baseball practice. They are having them earlier in the evening now because it's getting dark earlier. There was a baseball game yesterday but we didn't go. It was a choice between the game and his best friend's birthday party and we gave him the choice. I think most people would have chosen the game, or pushed it. But I was proud of Nolan that he chose friendship and being with his friend. He just doesn't have that competitive edge, at least not yet.

Thursday Thomas' class went on a field trip to a local apple orchard and I got to help chaperone. We saw a bee hive, rode on a hay wagon, picked apples and got a pumpkin. It was fun getting to know the kids in Thomas' class and reminisce when I did the same trip with Nolan 3 years ago.









And today, we went to Service Day at our parish. We met with other people, had lunch and then went to the Food Bank to work. The job for today was sorting potatoes and packing them into smaller boxes for food pantries. It was pretty cool having all these people of various ages and walks of life working together to help people in need. There were SO MANY potatoes. We figured out as a group that we re-packaged 2 tons of potatoes into 84 boxes for distribution. And the boys had fun because they had friends there and they would play games like finding the smallest or weirdest potato. And then there would be a mushy rotten potato once in a while, so everyone would go "EW!" Everyone would laugh. It was a great, simple way to spend the afternoon.

We have no school tomorrow because of Yom Kippur, so we are bowling with the Brownells. I'm going to try to being a part of a book group that starts Tuesday night. The vote is still out on whether I'll stick with it or not. We'll see what books we pick and how successful I am at reading them before the next meeting. And next weekend we have a Cub Scout hike up Kane Mtn. and a baseball game. So stay tuned!

Adjusting to school

We still are not in the routine of school yet, but we're hoping to be. Nolan is, but he doesn't count! He's always ready for anything! Thomas is very tired and doesn't like the get-up-an-go in the morning, but he'll get there. And I never seem to be home with all the errands, meetings, etc. But we're not complaining...just getting used to it being fall. Change is hard for everyone, but it seems to happen whether we like it or not.

Nolan's baseball team has won one and lost one. In the last game, Nolan pitched an inning and did strike one kid out. He has another game tomorrow afternoon. Thomas went to his first swim lesson and liked it! The water temp is in the 80s so that helps. Nolan started his orthodontic appointments this week too. He had spacers put in between his back molars to help make the space for his bands to be put in this coming week. Three weeks after that, his expanders will be put in and (I think) front braces. Tomorrow we start religion classes and Monday starts Cub Scouts! So we'll be in full swing by the end of the week.

Today Aunt Kimmy came to visit. We had a great visit, lunch and trip to an apple orchard. It's a good year for apples but they were damaged from the hail storm in the spring. We had to pick them over, but we found some good ones. Kim also got to enjoy the wonders of the Wii! She was probably happy to escape our loud, crazy house by the end of her visit...but we loved having her!

Hope to take some pics of Nolan playing baseball and will post soon.

And they're off!

Both boys are back to school and so far the transition has been pretty easy! They are tired (me too!) but no major complaints. Thomas is adjusting to getting up early to go to school and not having a lot of his friends in his class. But he loves going to the cafeteria. Judging from what he brings back in his lunch, I think he's doing more talking than eating. Typical! Nolan has his best friend in his class, so he is loving life. His teacher this year seems quiet and low key, which is great for Nolan too. I think he likes helping Thomas on the bus and being a good big brother.

Nolan has started fall baseball. His first game is this weekend. Thomas starts swim lessons next week. And I've been swamped catching up on everything I put off all summer! So life is good. It sure is a rapid change from the lazy days of summer, though.

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