We got creative this year with our apple cider. After school one Friday, we headed to Heine Brother's where they have a special little treat...steamed apple juice topped with cinnamon spices to make for a kids' delight. To accompany these homemade apple ciders, we enjoyed pastries as well.
A beautiful fall day in West Virginia over fall break was spent on the rapids. Adelaide, Aspen & I headed up in the early morning and enjoyed a day on the water.
We enjoyed the fall foliage as well as the seasonably warm temperatures. Wet suits were very helpful in helping us feel less wet & cold!
We had a homemade lunch river side; we jumped off cliff rocks; we paddled through Class 2 & 3 rapids; and we giggled all day long!
A trip that was good for the soul!
Dearest Brighton Kevin,
My sweet son, how are you already 8 years old?! Entering 2nd grade, doing all of the big kid things, and growing up right before my eyes. Recently I was with some of your friends' moms at a school meeting. We were asked to pray for our children as they begin preparing for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. As the candles lit up the room and we sat in silence, I couldn't help but let the tears flow. To think how God performed a miracle the day you were born, it was an overwhelming feeling of joy & gratitude.
You are loving having Ms. Hagan as your 2nd grade teacher. You are flourishing in knowledge and growing by the day. Your handwriting is nothing short of perfect, and you are truly enjoying the reflex math games.
Soccer is still your jam...playing on your Javanon team and traveling for games. You are starting games, and you are taking on a leadership role. Ali is your coach and he is hard on you in the best way. You are really showing your growth in the sport and as a teammate!
You continue to enjoy golf; adding a weekly league to your practice has been a way to keep it fun. You play 9 holes at Seneca Park on the Par 3 course. This has allowed you to learn the game and deal with competitive situations.
You continue to be a very friendly little fella. You know no strangers and are always happy to chat with anyone. You have a zest for life that truly suits your name & personality. My hope is that you always keep the worldly-ness about you as well as your joy for life.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
Dearest Adelaide Jane,
How did we get to 11? On the other side of 10...the side that heads into teenage years sooner rather than later. You are growing up before my eyes and it’s both beautiful & heart breaking all at the same time.
You are very smart. Bright in ways that make being your mom both challenging and rewarding. You flourish in an academic way and you have a yearning for learning. 4th grade wrapped up nicely and you’re already working hard in 5th grade.
You continue to work hard in gymnastics. You had a very busy late spring and summer. Qualifying for Nationals by doing one routine at Regionals then turning around and testing out of Level 4 less than a week later with completely different routines. You competed in Nationals in NOLA and you truly shined.
You are maturing at home~ settling into your new big sister duties. Helping with household chores, assisting your siblings with homework, making meals for our family, and just being a more “active” part of keeping up. You shine most when you’re helping others which is something I hope you always hold in your heart.
You continue to make friends and be inclusive. You are always the peace maker~ wanting friends to talk things out and be a mediator. You often come off as little tough, but deep down you have a very special heart.
I am so proud of the young lady that you’re becoming. I hope you always remember to be uniquely you~ there is no one else like my Adelaide Jane.
I alove you!
Love,
Mommy
