Apple Season

We spent Sunday afternoon at a local orchard picking apples.  The kids enjoyed it so much we had to buy a second bag.  Now, we have to figure out what to do with all the apples.

 After picking apples, we took a turn in the corn maze.  Joseph and Lena tried hard to follow the path, but Holden wanted to take his time and try to pick up every kernel of corn he found on the ground. 

Happy birthday, Holden!

Holden's turned 3 on the 10th, but we waited until today to have his party so that Robert could be there.  It was firefighter themed.  Several preschool friends came over.  They each got a firefighter badge on their invitation, a vest, and a helmet.  The cake had a firetruck on it, and there were cupcakes with flames.  We set up a firetruck tent for the kids to play in, sticker scenes, tattoos, and a fire station for activities.  Everyone seemed to have a nice time, though Holden got a bit upset when we didn't immediately understand that he needed three pieces of cake because he is now three.

Faster, faster

Wanting to make the wagon go faster, Joseph fashioned a sail out of some bags, tape, and sticks.  He was pretty proud of his workmanship.

Welcome home, Daddy!

Robert returned to New York on Wednesday.  The kids didn't know he was coming home.  He surprised Holden and Lena at preschool, and we all went to the elementary school to surprise Joseph at the end of the day.  Holden asked, "What are you doing here?" when he saw his dad.  Lena said, "I'm so excited" and went for a hug.  Joseph jumped out of his seat and ran to be picked up.  There were three excited kids at our house.  The preschool teachers recorded Robert surprising Holden and Lena.  We are still working on converting the video to see if we can post it. 

Robert brought some key chains and other gifts for Joseph's classmates.  Joseph wanted to help his dad explain where he had been and what the military does.  Robert also brought Joseph, Lena, and Holden medals from the Air Force Family Readiness Office.  He presented them in front of Joseph's class.  You can see the ribbon holding Joseph's around his neck. 

 

First Grade!

Joseph started first grade today.  He made a last minute backpack switch this morning (have to show off the cool new stuff) and picked out his scooter to ride to school.  He's actually pretty excited to go back to school this year.

Ninja Tigers

Joseph thought of a new TV show:  ninja tigers that fight cobra ninjas.  He developed his own theme song.  It's a nice mix of Kung Fu Panda and Transformers.  The awesomeness is too great not to share.

 

Back to school prep

Joseph works on his project for his summer reading program.  Surprise!  It's a tiger.

Afternoon walk at Root Glen on Hamilton College's campus

Joseph took charge of the map.  We went in circles a few times.

The kids wanted to show off all the nature photos they took.

Clinton Arts and Music Festival

We spent a nice Saturday last week at Clinton's Art and Music Festival on the Green.  There are always fantastic kids activities set up.

It turns out Lena is a monkey.  Joseph isn't far behind her.

Snow cones and cotton candy...a healthy lunch.

Clay creations

Musical petting zoo