An update I shared on the family update email thread....

Here's a little family summary of the last few weeks from our crew....

Last week, we hiked to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain.  The kids all felt pretty proud after they bouldered up the steep path.  Its no Rocky Mountain but the views were amazing....the leaves just starting to turn and the patchwork fields.

Steve raced in a 50 miler bike race through DC sites and the rolling HILLS of Potomac.  We were all impressed/wowed by Daddys superhuman power...Elyse was sure to tuck him in with her beeshie and snuggles when he crashed on the couch.

I enjoyed a little girl time with some friends, including an 8K run through cute historic Kensington, post-race peddies, and lunch at Black Market Bistro (highly recommend!) in charming Garrett Park, right next to the train stop, post office, and Shaker farmer's market. 

Hannah celebrated her 9th birthday by having a PJ party with some of her closest friends.  They played Minute to Win It Games which was a big hit....she would love to share these fun games with you all at our next family gathering.  She has shown a fresh determination to get the best grades possible in school;) and is finally understanding the purpose and fun in soccer now that they have introduced goalies, real goals, structured positions, etc.  She is very excited to be learning piano from Gramma and has a goal to play a song at Madeline's baptism come spring....and she wants to have a fancy piano recital at their house.

Madeline is also excited to start piano lessons and continues to enjoy soccer (espially doing cartwheels and tackling her friends during the dull practice moments).  She lost another tooth the other day at school and got a little tooth shaped plastic container from the school nurse to hold it in.  She was pretty disappointed when she woke up to her tooth still there and no dollar (bad tooth fairy!!).  But, thank goodness for her creativity, she realized the tooth fairy must have seen the tooth container and saw it as a fake....phew!  Madeline's Brownie Girl Scout Troop started back up again and she is especially looking forward to selling cookies.  

Grant is obsessed with soccer and is an obediant disciple of british accented Coach John.  He wears his Brazil soccer uniform, including socks/shin guards, all day in prep.  He starts preschool in the next few weeks.  One more year until my side kick starts full day Kindergarten and I'm already getting teary eyed.  I love haivng him by my side and always requesting to play Legos.  He ate a chip yesterday and said it was "poking his heart"...which caused me to bust up thinking of that video again!  These are tender hearts!

Elyse.  She is Queen.  She strips down first thing in the morning to put on a dress/leotard/tutu.  She is in ballet with a few little girls and it is the fluffiest, pinkest site you have ever seen.  She keeps all laughing.  And humble.  She is still obsessed with Frozen and wants to play the same scenario repeatedly....she is Elsa.  I am Anna.  She runs away.  I beg her to "come back", "please don't run away", "you don't have to be afraid anymore", etc.  Repeat. 

  

Calvin is 6 1/2 months.  He has two bottom front teeth and the cutest gummy smile.  I thank my lucky stars he is so content and happy.  Whenever any of us has had a bad day, we talk about Calvin, we think about Calvin, and we rub his chubby, soft thighs.  Does wonders for the soul.