2023 :: week 42

October 15

These two look so much alike. It's not just their features, but also how expressive they are, and the way they move. But their similarities don't end there. They also have kind hearts, and don't linger too long on disappointments or hold grudges. They both are positive and upbeat and are (usually) great company for watching sporting events.

October 16

We got the kids' school pictures back this week. The proofs we got from the middle school were much higher quality than the ones the middle school was sharing. (Miles' school takes pictures in January). This week I had parent-teacher conferences with both Lauren and Elliott's teachers. I left both meetings feeling so grateful for their amazing teachers, and also so humbled by the amazing people that Lauren and Elliott are becoming. Both teachers remarked about how well the kids get along with others, and that in both classes the teachers know they can count on our kids to work well with kids that are having a hard time. None of Will's teachers reached out to me about scheduling a conference, which means that he's not a problem at school. His grades are fabulous and he seems to really be thriving. Miles' teacher said he seemed so much more comfortable at school this year, that he is well liked by other kids and is even participating in their music time. (Last year he was a conscientious objector). It is so rewarding to hear such nice things about your kids.

October 17

This werewolf is on display at Hy-Vee, and it elicited the loudest scream I've heard from Miles in awhile while we were shopping this week.

October 18

Miles' is really enjoying the writing center at school this year. He writes letters and puts tons of stickers on paper. He is very proud of his creations and taken to displaying them on the freezer portion of our refrigerator. I am going to have to buy some stickers to send in to his classroom, because at the rate he is using stickers they will be out very soon.

October 19

Two weeks ago the primary boys made bottle rockets for their activity. This week they launched them at the park. Elliott was proud to come in second place for distance with his rocket. Andrew M. came in first, and Jay C. came in third. Miles attended the activity with Anthony and had a blast watching the rockets fly through the air. He is ready to go to Activity Days. Only 4 more years to go...

October 20

Friday the kids had no school. In the morning we had the Wilson boys over while Matt and Emily attended their conferences. That afternoon Memaw and Pepaw took Lauren on her birthday shopping trip to Target. She got a some great stuff--a sweater, Lizzie McGuire Funko pop, diamond art kit, and a few books. That night she played in a soccer game. She scored a goal and her team won 6-2. After the game Anthony and I went to a grown-up Halloween party thrown by the Toblers at the church. The highlight of the night was the double take the woman in the car next to us did when she saw Anthony driving with his Gru nose.

October 21

As has been the case for the past few years, Lauren's birthday has been busy! This year started off with standing in line with me at Nothing Bundt Cakes to win a coupon for 1 free bundlet a month for the upcoming year. Next, we went to the Allreds for their annual Halloween party, which was fun as always. In the evening she headed over to Cat & Sally's to hang out and get ready for the Taylor Swift Concert movie. The friends at the movie were Cat, Sally, Daphne, Brena, Hailey, Sofia, Ariana, Caroline and Maddie. Charlotte, Megan and Cinthya were the parental chaperones for the movie. The girls had fun singing along and dancing the night away. She got her new Stanley cup and Lulu Lemon belt bag just in time to take to the movies.