story time!

This weekend, our public library hosted its 31st annual storytelling festival, and it was a fantastic (free) event that included hayrides, activities, music, and storytelling! What more could a family ask for?!

a storytelling troupe called Healing Force

enchanted

The hit of the day: STREAMERS! 

When we returned to the main tent for music with Big Bang Boom, Jed joined one of his fellow kindergartners in the front row. 

Much jumping and "dancing" ensued.

after school efforts

As previously mentioned, Jed has been quite the after-school artist lately and today was no exception. Following an encounter with a dead goldfinch on the sidewalk on the way home, both boys got to work as quickly as possible (safety first, says Macon) . . . 

. . . and Jed produced this live, flying goldfinch,

 but he tossed it aside because he wasn't happy with its big feet. 

soccer and supper

soccer

posing with and without a ball

hilarious! 

ants!!!!

supper

Jed has developed an art-based after-school routine. He draws most of his subject matter from what he did at school that day, and I learn a lot about his day from his creations and from his commentary about what he's produced. The only downside to this is that he usually won't stop his work for supper, but at least Macon is entertained while he eats. 

no. 6 in the mix

At Jed's soccer match this evening, he eagerly volunteers for something . . . probably goalie. 

awaiting a throw-in

(yes, there is a player sitting down)

on the sidelines

defending the goal during another throw-in

And wildlife of a different sort . . . 

in the camellia bush beside the front door

 

and seemingly above our neighbor's chimney, but actually suspended between the holly you can see in the picture and a dogwood that's out of the frame. 

back to the blog

School started and the blog stopped, or so it seems, but really, school started, and the blog got left behind while I restarted a multitude of projects that had spent the summer on the back burner. 

In kindergarten news, Jed is having a great experience so far, based on accounts from him and his teacher. We're starting to hear about new friends, and he usually gives us lots of details about art projects and about his special classes, like music, PE, and the use of computers. Last week was his first full 5-day-week of school and by early in the week, he had learned the route to his classroom and he was striding confidently into the building. After school, we were having some trouble decompressing, but hopefully, that will be improving this week. 

Yesterday, we visited a creek for rock and stick throwing and then we headed to the airport for take-offs and landings.

taking the bikes out for a spin today

a few more photos

Brian shared his photos of their visit, so I have a few more pictures from Amara's time with us.

unkin bine and amara visit!

Uncle Brian and Amara came all the way from the West Coast to spend Labor Day weekend with us. The visit was over too quickly, but we were so glad they made the trip. Amara was a champion traveler and navigated the time difference and new surroundings like a trooper. Jed and Macon loved having their cousin here, and they really worked to get and keep as much of Uncle Brian's attention as possible. In fact, Macon was starting most of his sentences with "Unkin Bine" and he asked to call Unkin Bine yesterday afternoon.

off for a ride

and then off to lunch

I think Unkin Bine's face tells the story here. 

Next we headed to Marbles for some indoor (not hot and humid) play time. 

On Monday, we joined everyone else from the planet at Pullen Park. Amara wasn't a fan of the heat, humidity, and crowds, but she stuck it out and enjoyed the train and carousel. 

On Monday afternoon, we unfurled a new sprinkler toy. The boys were chomping at the bit to get Amara to play in the water, but she had to give it some thought. 

a quiet end to a long day

On Tuesday morning, I overheard the following exchange. 

Amara, playing with a garbage truck: this is an excavator, or an Amara-speak approximation. 

Macon, aghast: Dat NOT ec-a-ba-tor! Dat garbage truck! Dis ec-a-ba-tor.

And just a few minutes later, Amara and Unkin Bine were packed and ready to head out the door. 

We miss you, Amara!