Today was my 1/2 marathon and I did it! 

 Sean and the kids wanted to come cheer me on so we were up early and left the house by 5:30am.  Around 1 1/2hrs. into our drive, Alex started to throw up everywhere.  We pulled over, cleaned him and then when we got back on the road, he threw up more, over the fresh change of clothes.  We figure he wasn't feeling well because I had given them juice for the drive and they aren't used to having so much, especially first thing in the morning.  We are also starting to think that the little boys get car sick. 

 Fast forward to arriving in Quesnel and we get lost..........well, not exactly lost, but I was reading the map upside down and that put us on the wrong side of town.  We finally get going the right way and Jordan throws up.  We are now completely out of clean clothes!  Later, while I was running, Sean went to Wal-Mart and bought the boys clean clothes.

The run itself was good.  The temperature was a little cool but much better than hot!  The scenery was incredibly gorgeous and the participants all really friendly and encouraging.  Around 14km, my running partner decided to give it all she had and she took off.  She ended up beating her best time by 10min!! 

Our other friend (blond pictured above) won our age group and finished in 1:36.  She is amazing!  I found the last few km. hard and found myself walking a few times.  I did look around to make sure no one was looking:)   I came through the finish line 1min. slower than my time back in 2003. 

 I'll blame 5 kids and 9 years on that.

We spent part of the afternoon at a friend's house and the kids were able to enjoy running around playing.  I did not run around.

As I drove home in a quiet car filled with 6 sleeping passengers, I was able to enjoy the changing colours and bask in the feeling of accomplishment.  I was also able to bask in the warm, sweet smell of vomit but maybe I should leave that part out:)

All in all it was a great challenge and we're already talking about going next year.

{I had to include this because it makes me laugh.  When I was running into the finish line I really thought I was running so. very.  fast.  The evidence, however, shows that this is not entirely true.}

The Beauty of Autumn

We enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon on Scout Island.  Such a beautiful place to explore.

{Our best attempt at all 5}

A few things......

The kids had fun participating in the Fall Fair again this year.  Mikayla was old enough to enter and she was thrilled with her ribbons.  She entered a water colour painting, a colouring page, and a flower pounding canvas.

Caileigh painted a water colour dolphin, a drawing of a fox, a bracelet, and a vegetable person (not picture)

Aiden entered a water colour painting, a rabbit picture, a lego airplane (not pictured) and some of his recent photographs.

Here's Caileigh ready for her first rhythmic gymnastic class.  She really enjoyed it!  Alex insisted on getting in the picture with her.

The other day I was getting ready for dinner when the door bell rang.  I was surprised as I wasn't expecting anyone.  I was even more surprised when there stood Aiden all dressed up for dinner.  Caileigh joined him and it was nice to have some fancy guests for dinner.

Mikayla finishes up soccer this month.  She is waiting as patiently as she can for her medal of participation that she'll receive next week.

There have been a lot of challenges lately with the boys.  One recent challenge is their refusal to stay in their cribs or take naps.  I have been seperating them at "quiet" time and one gets to play in their room, while the other plays in Mikayla's room.{Mikayla doesn't have quiet time anymore and joins us with school.} I don't have to worry about them hurting each other and it is novel for them to have time to play alone. 

 It seems, though, that every few days the tiredness catches up with them and I find them passed out in various places around the room.

 

{Alex, with felt on his face}

 

{Jordan}

How is it that I am now starting my third year of homeschooling?

We're two weeks into our 2012/13 school year.  I think we were ready to get back into routine and have our days follow a more regular pattern. Last year I enjoyed finishing up the majority of our school year in May so I figured it would be smart to get started a little early, although some things we have continued to work on this summer.
 New this year to our curriculum choices is the addition of Spanish.  Maybe we can work towards a family trip to Mexico! 

 I'm looking into rhythmic gymnastics for Caileigh (possibly Aiden) and the older two are also hoping take swimming lessons.  We will continue with piano lessons as well.

 There have been a few challenges as Alex and Jordan have been toying with the idea of giving up their naps, and they won't stay in their cribs for "quiet" time.  It has been a crazy, wild time but I think we finally found the new normal.........for now.......maybe, we'll see.  It's funny how kids have a way of changing things up, right around the time that you finally get comfortable with things.  My Mom reminds me to be excited for them as this is a milestone.  I must admit, they are pretty proud of themselves.  If we could just get them to happily play in their room instead of throwing toys down the heat vent (Sean has now secured it to the floor) and kicking the door, then it will be ok.  There are several ideas in process and we shall see what finally works.

{Caileigh's read-aloud time}

The kids are assigned daily chores and both Aiden and Caileigh have a morning where they prepare breakfast for the family.  A favorite is baked oatmeal and they have become pros at following the recipe and preparing it the night before.  Not to be forgotten, Mikayla likes to help too, so once a week we have cold cereal and she is getting better at pouring that into bowls as well.

 

{Never too young to learn to clean a bathroom}

Sean and I recently decided to give a try with one vehicle.  His insurance was running out so we figured it was a good time to see how it works out for us.  It has only been two weeks, but so far, I think it has been extremely positive experience.  The weather has been gorgeous so we've been for long walks everyday and haven't really noticed the loss. I also feel more relaxed and content.  I guess I tend to be the type of individual that likes to be on the go, so taking away the option allows me to relax.  We are more diligent with completing errands on Sean's days off and if I do need the vehicle, it is just a matter of driving Sean into work in the morning and then picking him up at the end of the day.  Perhaps ask me again mid-winter, when we've been trapped indoors for days on end...........

 

Mikayla likes to be included with the older two.  She has been quite motivated to learn to read and enjoys short little lessons each afternoon.  I love this stage and it is exciting to watch her develop a joy for reading!

Last weekend we celebrated with a "Back to Homeschool" party with a few of our friends. 

 It was a fun time to spend with the families.

 

I am certain it will prove to be a busy, full year, but never boring and never dull!

Finally, Aiden get's to join the toothless club.  He managed to lose two teeth in one day!!