Lily's 5th Birthday Party

Following the same pattern we did for Rowan's birthday parties this year for Lily's birthday party we had it at Everybody's Playground in Horsham.  The weather was perfect thankfully!  We had about 12 kids come, some were friends, some were siblings of friends but all were welcome.  We also hired the same lady from Rowan's 5th birthday party for face painting and balloon animals and once again the kids loved it.  It was a fun party and Lily completely loved it which in the long run is all we can ask for!

The start of September!

September thus far in 32 pictures!  First up - the first day of school!! Rowan started 3rd grade with Mrs Maloney at Crooked Billet and Lily started Kindergarten with Miss Dutkiewicz at the Goddard School.  We went ahead and enrolled Lily in Kindy early hoping she will pass into 1st grade at CB next year.  She has had a rough start to the year however so right now we don't know the long term prognosis.  She has had more trouble than we were anticipating with separation anxiety, starting a new school and having to make all new friends.  I hope she finds her groove soon.  Every morning is becoming a little easier and a little less dramatic but we are in the 4th week now and still there are adjustments that need to be worked on.  In due time, fingers crossed!

Rowan opted to play socccer again this fall and while she missed the first few weeks of practices because of the time she spend in Canada she found her groove and is right back into it.  Her coach this year is Dan Hamilton and he is one of the best coaches she has ever had!  She plays and enjoys it - it's great!

Fall weather brings family hiking which we love and we found a new state park to add to our places to visit. Peace Valley Park surrounding Lake Galena - gorgeous, close to home and we Jazz gets to play in the water!  We have been twice in two weeks now!

On the 18th Lily turned 5 years old!  My baby, 5 years old already!  Sighs..  Where does the time go??  We had a regular school day that day though so nothing too exciting for her but a little cake for the four of us and a couple of presents.  Her birthday party is this coming Sunday at Everybody's Playground where we are expecting about 13 kids so should be fun!

This year I found a subscription series for kids to the Walnut Street Theater.  Our first show was this past Saturday called Seussical Jr.  We made a day trip of it!  We took the train to the city, walked around to some historical sites per Rowan's request, did a horse driven carriage ride, went to the show, had an early dinner/late lunch and had a great day!

And just for the record - still riding like she has been doing it for years!  Santa is going to have to bring a larger bike this year!

At long last - summer trip to Canada

It's only been a month since we left for Canada for vacation - not too long ago, right?  After a week apart from both girls, Rowan in Canada and Lily with Joe and Diane we were all reunited on the 24th as Parker, Lily and I drove up to Canada.  This of course was after an emergency trip to the city by Parker and I on Thursday as we had to renew his passport at the last minute.

The drive up with just Lily was an easy drive in terms of traffic and weather but Lily had the gift of gab for at least 6 of the 8 hours.  If I was asked how much longer one more time there is a possibility my head may have exploded BUT we made it and Rowan was thrilled to see us. Lisa and the girls came by that night too which was great to see everyone right away.

The next day would prove to be one of the best weather days so we headed for Calypso Water Park.  Even Parker had a great time! A full day in the sun and water made us all sleep pretty good that night!

 

Monday we went to Sky Zone.  An indoor trampoline park.  We have one here in Oaks, PA and you can bet we will be checking it out.  The place was great, super fun, a great workout, and everyone had a wonderful time!  Rowan most of all who keeps telling me she wants her birthday party there next year!

Tuesday we went to Upper Canada Village.  I had not been there since I was a kid and really wanted to go.  Everyone told us we would be done the village in a couple of hours.  We got there at 930 or so and closed the place at 500pm. To say we explored every corner of the village would be an understatement!  I don't know what the best part was, the recreations I remembered so well, the dress up which was new to me, me getting to me a part of a stage show!, the piglets running around free delighting Lily to no end or watching my kids milk a cow!

Wednesday we stayed home for the morning.  It was relaxing for most of us - Parker taught Lily to ride her bike! She was covered in sweat, dirt and snot but damn if she didn't get it down and is now riding her bike all over the place!

 Two days later:

That afternoon we went downtown to do a little wandering around, grab some dinner and head to Parliament Hill to see a nightly light show called Mosaica that runs literally on the Parliament Buildings. It is a history of Canada told in a light show and it was fantastic.  Really enjoyed it and glad we got to see it!

Thursday we headed to the Museum of Science and Technology.  Another place I have not been since I was a kid.  Unlike Upper Canada Village it has changed drastically!!  The trains and the crooked kitchen were still there but otherwise I would never have recognized it!  It was good though and the girls enjoyed it.

The musuem did not take us all day and after a few hours there we were done and hit a chip truck for lunch (I wish I could say it was the first time that week but who are we kidding)

Back to my parents after that and then to the Botmans for a quick afternoon dip in their pool!

Friday was our last full day in Canada and we spent most of it at Lisa and Russ' house.  It rained on and off but that did not stop my kids from getting in the pool and making Jessica go with them.  After some BBQ for dinner and a celebration for Erika's birthday our trip was over as we got a good nights sleep and drove back home to Hatboro on Saturday.