You know it's almost Autumn, when it's time to go apple picking!
Yep, that's what we did today. Apple picking has become one of our favourite traditions, although we missed out last year because we were a cross between - 'In China' & 'Recovering From Jetlag'! All good reasons, of course! However, this year we ended up back at our favourite orchard. They have lots of fun things for the kids, including the tractor/train ride, which Phebe loved. She told us, "It's a different one. Not the same as the fair!" She is obsessed with buses, planes and trains. I am trying my hardest to theme them together for her upcoming birthday, or at least choose one!
There was also a lovely little walk, through a little forest path, along the river... called the Pioneer Trail. On said trail, Lilah found herself a 'Hairy Mary' caterpillar. She was so intrigued with it and held onto it for over an hour. Phebe was intrigued too, but wouldn't touch it for anything, she is into more activities than involve danger - like climbing ladders and jumping off stuff. That's our Phebe girl!
After our purchases, we went back into the local village, Merrickville and had lunch on the patio. Likely one of the final days we'll be eating on a patio! And the girls finished their day off with ice-cream. Lilah picked the bubble gum flavour, with actual gum balls in it, yum! And Phebe chose her own, it was called Crazy Kid. Ha - so very fitting! Actually, it tasted delicious, full of chocolate pieces, candy, sprinkles. If your kid wasn't crazy before, she would be after!
It was such a beautiful day. A chilly little breeze, but beautiful warm sunshine and bright blue skies.
First week of school was a success!
She looks a little disheveled and tired, but nonetheless, very happy.
This 'pencils' skirt was supposed to be worn on her first day, but we forgot!
And the boo beanie turtle was a first day gift, just because. She'd had her eye on 'Sandy' for a while.
Here's to many more weeks & months (& years!) of loving school.
Her first day of Grade 1 has arrived.
She chose her clothes, her hairstyle, right down to the exact height of the pigtails! She told me she was half excited, half nervous and half scared. I hadn't the heart to tell her three halves didn't make a whole! Well, the nerves sure didn't last long. The thrill of seeing her friends again took over and Phebe and I were lost in the dust!
My favourite part of the day was her running into my arms (at the end of the day), shouting "Mama Mama!", for a 5 minute hug, with her arms and legs wrapped around me. She told me: "I had an AWESOME day!"
Ahh, this Mama's heart is super happy. I couldn't possibly feel any more thankful than I do right now. Love that girl of mine.
This is it.
Big school has arrived... way too fast, in my estimation.
Grade 1.
That's 6.5 hours a day, 5 days a week.
I'm gonna miss her so. But my oh my, is she ever excited. She's talking a mile a minute this evening.
botanical gardens, montreal
perth fair
sisters in love
new bike
follow my footsteps
camping @ seedsowers
catch that fish
happiness is at the fair
It's Labour Day Weekend around these parts.
The final days before schools starts back again. Routine starts back again. And to be quite honest, I am looking forward to the routine again, maybe a little bit.
So what did we do for the last hurrah of Summer. We went to the Perth Fair, bought the girls ride-all-you-want bracelets and let them at it. I think they rode about 16 rides. They had the time of their lives. There were huge grins all day long. On the dragon rollercoaster they had their arms up in the air while screaming. So funny.
We finished the evening by introducing our girls to 'demolition derby'! Which is basically real life bumping cars. Phebe is still talking about the cars crashing - not sure if that was such a great idea. Heh! After the derby, Lilah, Phebe and I went up in the ferris wheel together - it was definitely a high point to a fabulous day.
If you notice a lot of posts over the next few days, you'll know I'm just trying to get a handle on my life after a fabulously busy summer!
Most recently, yesterday actually... Lilah made her first big purchase. She's been saving her money for a while now (birthday money and jobs around the house money) and she decided to splurge on a Little Mismatched big(ger) girl bike. She also bought a few accessories for it. A (Barbie) bell with a pink heart diamante. Simply cannot believe she chose that over a Cars themed one. Although, in all fairness, she already has a Cars themed one, on her scooter! And she also bought a basket, and last, but not least, a baby carrier and helmet - which seems to be the best part, in Lilah's estimation!
She was so chuffed with herself and has already adjusted to driving her bigger bike, even though the breaking system is done be back pedaling, she is already mastering it very well!
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[ the flickr set is here ]
