Back in the Saddle Again

Everyone is back to the grind here in Delaware. I am back teaching my fifth graders and it feels like I never left. Emmeline transitioned right back into her routines like she has never done before. Once we were back for the holiday I expected her to have a troublesome month getting back to her old ways, but was pleasantly surprised. When we got home and she was back in her crib, she snuggled right in like she missed it.

The same holds true for school. Emmeline had just a small adjustment make into school, but is napping great and really missed her friends. As much fun as we have traveling it is amazing to see how much people need routines and especially little ones. We are all thankful to be home, in our own space safe and sound.

Emmeline and Hannah, bedtime pals

Grandma Sandy, you know a lot about playdough.

Sledding with Kelsey in North Dakota, What fun!

Uncle Nathan you are a great storyteller.

Cuddling with her buddies Inara and Auntie Kelsey.

Emmeline Louise and Santa Clause

Last Wednesday Emmeline and I met friends at the Christiana Mall. I suggested that we go see Santa, and considering her response last year, I figured that she would be less than excited to sit on Santa's lap. I was, however, greatly mistaken. She decided that she wanted to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what she would like for Christmas. What a complete and total surprise. Paul was not with us and I must say that I wouldn't have endeavored this without him; I thought she would have retreated from Santa's workshop immediately. Instead, she was content to stand in a very long line so that she could see Santa and tell him what she wanted for Christmas. She told him, "A toy, present and books." Ok, Emmleine Louise. Not a problem:

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

We had a pretty quiet Thanksgiving this year. It was just the three of us for most of the day and we celebrated in the morning with our usual traditions. We watched the Macy's parade, made monkey bread (caramel and cinnamon biscuits) and made cranberry bread to bring to Thanksgiving dinner. We had dinner with our neighbor Rachel and her family. It was so nice to sit around a large table with family gathered around. And this Thanksgiving we are more thankful than ever that even though our families are 1,500 miles away, we still have a lot of places to go and people who love us right here in the Mid-Atlantic.

Sweet Emmy Lou, our little turkey
(her teachers took this pic at school)

Wishbone

Last Thursday we had a turkey dinner and since then Paul has been drying out the wishbone.  Tonight he and Emmeline made wishes and broke it.  Emmeline won the break and when I asked what she wished for she said, "I wished for more turkey!"  Only two and a half more weeks, Emmy Lou, and your wish is granted!

Make a wish and pull!

"I win!"

Fast Fading Fall

This morning Emmeline and I took a walk to Cool Springs Reservoir which is, as you know, one of our favorite places to walk.  It was a gorgeous day, 60s and sunny.  We are trying to enjoy as much of the last vestiges of fall as possible as the colorful leaves are almost gone and trees are halfway bare:

It was so bright out that we had to bust

out Emmeline's shades.

Squinty!

Yay!  Leaves!

She loved the sound that the leaves made as she

walked back and forth through them.

Happy Halloween!

We had a really quiet, uneventful Halloween this year.  We had all sorts of fun plans with friends but, alas, Emmeline came down with pink eye and an ear infection.  We thought it was best to keep her away from other kids.  We did, however, take her out trick-or-treating in our neighborhood for a bit.  She had a great time seeing the other kids in their costumes and going up to all of the houses to get treats.  In no time at all she had the hang of the trick-or-treat tradition.  When we got home, we Skyped with both sets of grandparents and let Emmeline have a lollipop.  It was a nice, quiet evening; just a bit lonesome.

Emme and daddy on the front steps.

Emmy Lou the cutest dino this side of the Mississippi

and mommy on the trick-or-treat trail

Hold still!  The flash is slow!

Emmeline dumps out her loot, looking for

her new favorite sweet treat: lollipops

Yum!

Pumpkin Carving in Trinity Vicinity

Today we went to a neighborhood pumpkin carving and crock-pot chili fete.  It has been nice to meet more people in our neighborhood and be a part of the community here a bit more.  I even went to my first neighborhood association meeting last week!  (Boy was that WAY more heated than I ever thought it could be!).  We had a great time carving pumpkins and eating good food.  You can see that Emmeline enjoyed the food a bit more than the carving: 

Carving pumpkins in beautiful Trinity Vicinity

Emme tried to help and pay attention...

...but the treats were much more intriguing!

What?!  I've only had three pieces of corn bread...

Her first lollipop.  These little sugary

delights are all that she can talk about now.

Hmmmm; I wonder...

...I guess I'll just try it.

Oh!  That's delicious!