Goodbye, September!

Is it just me, or did September fly by?

It was a good month for us. Here's a random picture of a pretty sky and our back porch which looks weird because it was in the middle of getting re-screened:

On to October!

Jiu Jitsu Promotion

I probably haven't even mentioned that Sydney, Lorelei, and Ford take Jiu Jitsu. They started in July shortly after we moved here, and we usually go Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. The Jiu Jitsu gym is right across the street from the Navy base, so it has actually worked out quite well with me often dropping them off and Chet picking them up on his way home from work.

This evening they received their first promotion:

Then Ruthie joined the group and was having trouble not being silly:

Which Sydney, Lorelei, and Ford took as a cue that picture time was over:

Happy Wednesday!

College Cat

I know I haven't posted any house photos, but trust me when I say Sydney and Lorelei's' room is the very coolest. They call it the "college dorm," and Monster likes to hang out in there with (or without) them:

Yes, that is a fold-up loveseat in their bedroom. Lorelei draped the blanket she crocheted over the back. They also have a fancy shared desk, but I'll post pictures of that (and the rest of it) another time.

Happy Tuesday!

A Furry Student

We had a furry student join us for our read aloud time at the breakfast bar today:

Also, why does Ford look sixteen-years old in this picture?

Happy Monday!

Picture from Dinner

Here is a picture from dinner last night:

Please notice the green bandana (with price tag still attached) Ruthie is wearing around her neck like a cowhand. She picked out from Hobby Lobby just before arriving at the restaurant.

Happy Sunday!

We DID Go to the Beach

Chet and Ford took Lorelei to her soccer game at 10 a.m. while Sydney, Ruthie, and I prepared for our beach trip. Lorelei's team lost 0-7, but it was a beautiful morning to be outside and she was in good spirits regardless of the loss.

We went to the beach! Chet and I were mostly familiar with the beaches closest to the Mayport Naval Station when we lived in Jacksonville from 2005/6 until 2011, so that's where we went. It was a great day for the beach -- sunny, but not too hot.

After the beach we went to an outdoor store that Chet had been wanting to visit. Next was Hobby Lobby for more yarn for Sydney and Lorelei (they both enjoy crocheting), and then a very early dinner at Chuy's. We did one more fun thing after that, but I'll save it for tomorrow because my pictures have yet to load onto the computer.

Happy Saturday!

Another Lovely Day; Ready for the Weekend

It was another lovely day and I let the kids play outside until lunchtime again. 

Chet and I are considering taking the kids to the beach tomorrow (we haven't visited since we've moved here!), or perhaps we will stay closer to home and enjoy our neighborhood pool:

Lorelei has a soccer game in the morning, and we have a birthday party to attend (Lorelei, Ford, Ruthie, and I) Sunday afternoon.

TGIF!

Fall is here!

Fall arrived today! It was a BEAUTIFUL day here in northeast Florida, with a low of 63 and a high of 81. The sun shone all day, but not in an oppressive way, and it felt like 0% humidity. HALLELUJAH!

The kids remained outside after our morning exercise, and didn’t come in until I called them in for lunch. We really needed a day like this—a reminder that summer really does end, and we can spend more than just a few minutes each day enjoying the great outdoors.

(Yes, that is Monster, wearing a harness and leash like he's a dog, staring at me while taking the picture.)

Happy Fall!

Happy first day of fall! (It's still as hot as ever here in north Florida.) Sydney dressed up Monster for the occasion:

The kids and I go outside each weekday morning and walk/jog/rollerblade/scooter/skateboard around the neighborhood before it gets too hot. Sometimes Monster watches us as we come and go: 

We even had a breakfast picnic one morning:

After our morning exercise/fresh air/Vitamin D we spend most of the day inside doing schoolwork/reading/playing.

Lorelei is playing soccer through our local YMCA, and Chet took this picture of her at Monday's practice with the double rainbow:

Happy Wednesday/fall!

Labor Day Weekend

The most exciting thing I could write a post about is Chet's promotion September 1st, and I WILL tell you about that, but for now I'm going to share some quick kayaking pictures since it's almost dinnertime here.

Chet had been looking for a kayak we could use in the pond behind our house, and found a good deal on Facebook Marketplace. The perfect activity for Labor Day weekend (and the weather was great too)!

Waiting for their turn:

Chet and Ruthie:

Cute Sydney:

I know, I know -- I didn't get pictures of everyone using the kayak. Chet took each of the kids out, then Sydney and Lorelei went together.

You might also be wondering whether or not Ruthie is really strong to be able to handle the oars like that, and you would be correct. She is very strong.

Happy Labor Day!