Day Off

Claire did not have school last Thursday or Friday. She spent Thursday at her old daycare with Kyle, which she enjoyed, and I stayed home on Friday with both kids.

First thing Friday morning, Claire had a dentist appointment. I also had Kyle, so she wasn't able to sit on my lap in the chair. She was a little timid at first, but let the hygienist clean her teeth with the scrapers and polishing brush. She did such a great job. I know she felt great about her accomplishment too.

After that we headed to the Children's museum. We got there early enough to beat the crowds (many other schools were off too) and had a great morning. The two of them even played together quite a bit.

Kyle's favorite exhibit. He would have driven this truck all day. Luckily it was next to the grocery store area, which is Claire's favorite.

We got cookies when we stopped at the grocery store later. Claire chose this Packer cookie and asked that I send a picture of it to Lucian.

Pumpkin Farm Field Trip

Claire's Class went to a pumpkin farm last week and Lucian went along with his camera. He took so many photos I feel like I was there (which is great, I loved the apple farm trip I went on). Here are a few. It was a cold day, but everyone still had fun.

 They touched several animals, although some effect may have been lost through mittens.

 They fed goats

 And took a tractor ride to the field

 I like this face, not sure what she's thinking

 Claire picked the perfect pumpkin and Lucian got one too

 Waving goodbye to Daddy from the bus

Mom Photo

I'm fortunate to have Lucian take such great photos of our family. Typically I share his best work, but the photos from this session are pretty humorous.

I asked Lucian to take a photo of me and the kids as a birthday present. I wanted it to be outside, so we headed out in the late afternoon the other weekend. Big mistake. These kids are best in the morning, which I know. We got little to no cooperation from Kyle and Claire didn't last long either. Which is too bad, since I was having a great hair day.

 I brought bubbles hoping to distract them. Didn't impress Kyle.

 This is where we lost Claire.

Kyle was happy to pose for some close-ups, but wanted nothing to do with standing or sitting on the blanket.

 A decent shot of Claire and I.

 Last weekend we tried again in the studio. In the morning. Much better.

Pumpkins & Bikes

We grew our own pumpkins this year in our garden. The vines kind of took over a whole corner of the yard, but we ended up with 7 pumpkins! Not too shabby.

Uncle Jesse brought the kids some pumpkin tattoos which were pretty cool and no-mess:)

The kids love their bikes and ride any chance they get. Our neighborhood doesn't have sidewalks, so it's always in the street. They are both learning to look for and pull over for cars.

Jesse also gave them these silly mouth suckers.

Apple Picking Field Trip

Claire's class went on a field trip to an Apple Orchard last week. I had a few vacation days to burn, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to use one. First, the kids were all brought into a barn where a creepy mannequin with a projected face spoke as if he were Johnny Appleseed. Most of the kids just laughed at this part.

They told us a little about the farm and how to pick an apple. Then handed out bags to each of the students.

I helped Claire and a couple of her classmates fill up their bags.

The weather was gorgeous, but we were all over dressed.

The kids had some time to play and then ate lunch at the orchard. It was fun to see Claire interact with her classmates and for me to learn some of their names. I love that they all call me Claire's mom, like that's my name. "Hey Claire's mom, can you..."

I really enjoyed my day and Claire did too. Here is the picture she drew about it. Ironically, it doesn't include any apples. But we did see some bees the farm keeps as well as peacocks. She also traced her hand and was practicing letters. I love when she brings home drawings.

Pre K

Claire's school had an open house last week. It allowed her to show us around the room, do an art project and finally let Kyle run around and play with all the cool toys.

Showing Kyle the "house area"

This is Claire's spot for circle time where they talk about the day of the week, the month and season, read stories, have show and tell and much more.

 

I think school is perfect for Claire this year. She is learning so much like how to use scissors, write her name, and her drawings have improved by leaps and bounds.

This week's lesson is about apples. Tomorrow I am going with her class on a field trip the apple orchard. We're both excited.

California Photoshoot

I was able to travel to San Pedro, CA for a few days to conduct a photoshoot for work. The company fishes squid, which is what I was there to document. Lucian did an amazing job filling in with the kids while I was gone. This was the first work trip I've taken where I didn't feel stress about leaving everyone.

In case you were wondering, this is a California squid.

Me telling everyone what to do:)

I fed a seal from the dock.

I could get used to seeing palm trees every day.

I finally made it to an In-N-Out Burger, however, I don't know what all the fuss is about. It was average at best.

 

I took a short drive one morning and stumbled upon a Trump golf course. The 17th hole with a view of Catalina Island. Not too shabby.

The Port of Los Angeles is amazingly huge. I've never seen more cranes, large boats and shipping containers. Photos do not do it justice.