October break

October break has been really fun. We all needed a break from work/school/school routine. The first few days of break everyone was very sleepy (especially Joy!). We decided to take a 3 day road trip to Latvia (with a quick drive into Lithuania, so a certain male person in our household could achieve 51 countries). We had a very fun time (although the kids were a bit sleep deprived after a few days of only car naps) exploring Riga. The kids did ok in the car and we even brought Rudy. I say "OK" because Joy did great (she can watch cartoons for an eternity) but Simon moaned "out" every 5 minutes :-) 

We spent a day at a fairy tale forest about an hour outside Riga. We had a great time walking through the quiet fall forest. There were amazing little houses that the kids could play in. All the signs were in Latvian, so the first 20 minutes we wandered around not finding anything with Joy refusing to talk in her new boots. Then we found the houses and wooden creatures and everyone's mood drastically improved.

We explored the old town of Riga. There were beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and a beautiful park with a river running through it. 

The picture below sums up our trip. Joy refused to walk most of the days but Simon walked like a little champ. 

Everyone was tired on the way home!

On Saturday (once we were back in Tallinn) we went to the Open Air museum to enjoy the beautiful weather fall weather.

Last week of September preschool

Joy is still enjoying school. Although she was getting a cold so she felt a bit tired. She stayed home on Friday with a cold. She had a fun week playing outside, glueing leaves and learning to use the scissors (then got a pair of her own from Grammie's September care package) 

September days at school

Joy's teacher Mrs.  Janika does a great job of taking pictures each week. Joy has been- doing art projects about fall, coloring shapes and playing a lot of baby dolls. 

Joy now leaves bear at home but always brings either tiny baby or chrysanthemum  with her. A few days ago when I told her to get dressed because we were leaving for school she said "how many more times do I have to go to school?" The answer is many many many days (probably 20+ years left) sweetheart. 

Joy now stays for school lunch. She wanted to since the first week of school but I thought it would make the day too long. It only adds about 40 min  but she loves it!

Fall

We are loving fall! It has been so fun to walk through piles of leaves, snuggle inside when it is rainy and play outside on crisp cool days. 

Look mommy...

... I made a big brown monster :). Joy was making a tree at school but as usual she loves to keep adding colours until it is one big brown blob. A few of her classmates had the same inspiration  :) 

Undies

Look who is as excited as ever that he gets to wear undies......

Potty training started yesterday and Simon is doing a great job. We even went out all morning (he wore a diaper but it stayed dry) and he asked to pee while out. Pez and gummy bears are the greatest motivator for this boy! 

Three weeks of school done

(Drinking her smoothie on the way to school, a special treat if she eats all her oatmeal) 

Joy has been at school for three weeks and is starting to get the hang of it. 

Some new things 

- bear was left at home only get dolly joined her today

- this week she found a couple friends at school who like to play dollies too (carina and Michael). 

- she has learned many of her classmates names. 

- gets dressed right away with no tears (even with long pants and long sleeves!) 

- says goodbye to me and starts playing 

- has been asking to stay for lunch and the whole day

- is only napping three days a week roughly but will stay in her room for as long as Simon sleeps which is amazing

Joy we are so proud of you and all the new things you have learned in three short weeks!!