Total Pride and Joy

I can think of few things in this world that have brought me greater joy than watching my little Aubrie learn how to read. On Sunday, she completed two chapter books by herself -- mostly reading them in her head. Well, she read them all by herself except that every time anything exciting happened she had to tell me about it (that was pretty much every page). I was happy to share her excitement though, because I feel the same way when I read.

I feel great joy when I think of her reading group at school. I LOVE that she can be in Kindergarten and be taught at the level that she is reading (rather than just words like top, bat, Mom, sat, etc.). Every time I think of her reading group, I smile. It makes the 12 minute drive to her school well worth the trip.

Aubrie completely taught herself to read, and LOVES it. I am amazed how quickly she's progressed. I think she started around February.

A little postscript: yesterday, I told her she needed lotion because her hands were dry. She told me she was just getting them ready to put on a fake tattoo, and then she chuckled. I asked her what she meant by that, and she said, "I read the directions, and it said your skin must be dry to put it on." I had to laugh!

Fabulous Fall

I confess. I'm really not a fan of Fall. I think it is because I love Spring and Summer so much that Fall feels like a ticking time bomb until Winter. But, then I look at these pictures, and I realize I need to enjoy it more. Fall truly is beautiful!






As you can see in this picture, it is too close to naptime for my two little ones!


Life is more complete with Grandma in town!


Grandma's first time ever picking raspberries.


Teyah's first time picking apples.


A thrown out back (by Grandma) and a very sick Teyah didn't stop us from enjoying the colors.


The other day as I was driving Aubrie to school, the sun was shining and the sky was my favorite color blue. The rainbow of colored leaves brought me to tears. I enjoyed a moment of total happiness. Blessings. A new day. Beauty. Love.

Backyard stunts

Aubrie's description of her activity, "I'm just trying to be like Joe when he got pulled by the bikes at Carpinteria." A story I (Dave) told her long ago.

Teyah... not so sure!

Winter preparations

Ever wonder what Minnesoooootans do when the weather starts to turn cold again?

Get depressed.

OK, so not completely. We are learning ways to endure the long winter. This video and memories of our magical vacation to Sheboygan, Wisconsin this summer will help! We can do it!



P.S. Isn't my hubby becoming quite the videographer/movie editor? Impressive, huh?

Take me out to the ball game

Aubrie's top five coolest things about the Twins game at the Metrodome:

5. The never ending supply of snacks that Mommy brought
4. Screaming at the top of her lungs "WAHOOOO!!"
3. Belting out "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"
2. The Wave
1. The "Duh, duh, duh, duh, duhhhhhh....Charge!" Cheer

Unfortunately, Aubrie's cheers weren't enough to extend the Twins' play into the postseason, but it was a fun day anyway.