Sickness Abounds (Oct. 21 - 30)

The second half of October was a bit of a rough time for us due to illness. Clara was out of school for four days one week and still needed the weekend to recover to 100% for Monday. Jack missed a couple days and took a trip to the doctor who confirmed what we suspected, on top of the virus he seemed to be fighting, he was dealing with seasonal allergies. The good news on that front is that once we got him on one-a-day Children's Claritin, he's been doing wonderfully.  Poor Meghan had terrible time including a barking cough both during the day and night.  After one rough night I took her to the doctor  who confirmed croup. She received a dose of steroids which really helped her cough. The rest of the illness though was a beast to ride out - 10 more days of rough cold-like symptoms. Day-to-day life was a mixture of good and bad during this time.

Trying to get out of the house to pick Clara up from school one day just didn't suit Meghan.

Much happier helping me stir the chili.

Did not want to go into Whole Foods, who knows why, usually it's a favorite stop.

Poor baby.

One of the rough nights, maybe it was the croup, maybe it was just that she wanted to see the Red Sox win the World Series!

Asleep at last.

Monday before Halloween was the end of the first nine weeks and a teacher's workday. By then everyone seemed to be on the mend and in much happier spirits. We took the opportunity to go to the Farmer's Market to pick out some pumpkins. As we were returning, I seized the opportunity for the perfect Fall photo shoot. Per usual the kids totally obliged, just each one in a different picture.

We were definitely ready for Halloween!

Shutterfly canvases

Thanks to the fabulous Katie Hyman at Mason Dee Photography for these gorgeous pictures. In a mere week I was able to make a decision about what I wanted, a true Festivus miracle of decision making I might add, mock them up on Shutterfly, and purchase them. Merry Christmas to me! Our full session will be up soon.

Clara

Shutterfly Canvas Print

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Jack

Shutterfly Canvas Print

Create personalized greeting cards and invitations at Shutterfly.

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Meghan

Shutterfly Canvas Print

Find unique and personalized Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

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All three together in color

Shutterfly Canvas Print

Create custom cards for Valentines Day and Easter at Shutterfly.

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Fall Weekends in Richmond (Oct. 11 -13 & 18 - 20)

The second weekend in October while Brec and Clara stayed in Raleigh to attend their fall outing for Y-Guides, Jack and Meghan traveled with me to Richmond to Nay-nay and Pop-pop's. I continued on to Northern Virginia for Fall Break 2013 with my fellow UVA swimming ladies. Jack and Meghan had the extra bonus of visiting with Annabeth who was in from Seattle for most of the month of October. They played Friday afternoon until the dean of students got off work, and then Jack and Annabeth went to the Children's Museum together on Saturday.

Throwing the ball with cousins.

These kids are very evenly spaced: Jack is 16 months older than Annabeth who is in turn 14 months older than Meghan. They all had fun getting to know one another again.

Three cousins spinning in a chair.

There's room for everyone in Gramby's lap.

Looks like Jack made it into the garage and felt like he needed a life vest to navigate it safely.

Saturday at the Children's museum, Jack climbs some bars that I'm pretty sure aren't meant for climbing.

The boy loves his pipes.

Picking apples.

The newest anchors for WRIC.

Jack on the news

The following weekend we traveled back to Richmond as a family so that Brec and Clara could get a chance to visit with Annabeth and Jo too. We also had the opportunity to see Ed who got in from Africa Saturday night.

Jack takes advantage of Pop-pop's lush grass and rolls down the lawn.

Wagon ride with Pop-pop.

To the untrained eye, this video might seem a tad dullsville, but I love it because Jack tells Meghan what he wants, and she actually responds, showing maturity beyond her years.

On Saturday while I was off shopping with Nay-nay, Brec and the kids met up with Su-su, Gramby, Jo, & Annabeth at University of Richmond to feed the ducks.

Jack sings "Paradise" (by Coldplay) at the UR amphitheater. He wouldn't listen when Brec tried to explain that the stage was at the bottom of the stairs. Apparently everyone should look up to Jack when he performs.

Meghan runs to Su-su.

Watching tv at Gramby & Su-su's

Saturday night we got a chance to Facetime with Uncle Jack and Dy who were in Prague! Thanks to Lucy for showing me how to do screen captures. The possibilities are endless.

Back at Su-su & Gramby's on Sunday, we were out in the front yard trying to take a family picture. The kids look psyched.

Everyone slowly trickles in.

Great shot of Brec, Jo, and all the kids.

Heading to the moon.

The space shuttle is overloaded!

Meghan enjoys her birthday cupcake with Su-su.

In the car on the way home, Meghan is wearing her "Nukky pocket book" as a hat.

Y-Guides

Brec and Clara have joined a Y-Guides tribe this year with several of the girls in Clara's grade at school. Here they are at their very first meeting working on a craft.

The second weekend of October our family was spread out. While Jack, Meghan, & I traveled to Richmond and then points north, Clara and Brec stayed in Raleigh. Clara had some extra special Daddy time with Friday night dinner at Chuck's.

Their reason for staying behind was a Y-Guides outing on Sunday to Camp Kanata. Saturday morning they finished work on their Y-Guides vests for the occasion.

First time in a canoe!

The tribe gathered around the big tree.