October happenings

We had a 30+ degree temperature drop since my last post. Now it feels more like October. Our radiators have turned on, the leaves are changing colors, our neighborhood squirrels have been very busy gathering acorns and it is time for sweaters and jackets again. They say Fall is one of the prettiest times here in Princeton and I agree. There's something very "East Coasty" about strolling downtown and campus in the crisp air. I like it.



We've decorated our house a bit to celebrate. Isn't Elsa's scarecrow fantastic? She picked it out on our last date to the craftstore. (We try and have one-on-one dates with the girls as often as possible). Elsa picked the tallest scarecrow of the bunch. This week the Fall goodness continues as they have their first fieldtrip to the pumpkin patch. Their entire class is going on yellow school bus to a farm for a hayride and pumpkin picking. The kids are beyond excited.


A quick picture at the "Little Park." This is the little playground in our complex that we visit nearly every day. The girls adore the little playhouse. Sometimes it is a house, or a store, but most often they pretend it is a school. They like to take turns being student and teacher and usually like me to pretend, too.

Real school is going well. I can't say enough good things about it. Their teachers are doing such a great job. Mostly, I just think of how overwhelming taking care of only two 3-year olds can feel. Then, I stand in awe that they can manage 16 at once! Last Friday, I was helping parent again for the first time since early Sept. (Mark and I have been taking turns). I just can't believe the improvement. All the kids were listening so well during circle time. And they were doing such a great job playing together and taking turns. Right now, the class is focusing on good manners. So, they make a big production of passing food around the table to each other at snack time. They are even pouring their own juice and water. What a feat.

On Helping Parent days our girls get to be the "Helping Children." So, that means they get to do special things like ring the cleanup bell, check the weather and be line leaders. They also get to bring in Show and Tell. This week they brought in Bunny and Duckie. The told the class about their special toys and Lily, especially, just talked and talked. Then the class passed them around and gave the toys special hugs. How fun!



Here's Elsa giving Little Baby a hug. Little Baby was one of the students at "pretend school."




Just a few more pictures of their pretend games at home. These are bunkbeds in case you didn't know. (L, bottom)(E, top)




And here they are in their rocket ship. (E,L) The pillow on top is the seatbelt. I asked.

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Blastoff!!!!!!