Cruising at the Autumn Moon Festival

Today we went to our local FCC chapter's Autumn Moon Festival.  Natalie was a little apprehensive at first.  We think that this was the first time she really got that she was "Chinese".  She was adamant about NOT wearing her beautiful red princess dress, she did not want to wear her Chinese dress!  Jake, on the other hand, looked so adorable in his dark blue mandarin shirt.  He didn't care what he looked like.  lol  Once we got to the party, Natalie kept nudging Daddy saying "Daddy, that girl is Chinese" over and over as she noticed all the beautiful dark-haired sweeties.  She also noticed that a lot of the girls were dressed "Chinese".  I really think that this was a monumental revelation for Natalie.  She was a little sad that she had not worn her pretty dress.  But she had great fun making lanterns for her and for Jakey.

Not to be outdone, Jake decided to take Daddy's hand and toddle around.  Here is a short video of him walking with Mommy.  Sorry for the jerkiness, we're new at this.

Jake thought that he was "So Cool" walking around.  But it sure tuckered him out.

We have a 'Cruiser'!

Heaven help us - Jake is now cruisin' all over the place.  He holds on and moves where ever he wants.  Usually this entails mischief of some sort. 

And so it begins.......we are no longer safe!

First Day of Kindergarten

Natalie was SO Excited to finally be starting back to school after the long summer.  Kids!  She will eat those words later in life.  lol   She was a little sad that she would not be with her friends from preschool, but was eager to meet the new kids!  Here are some pics.......

Breakfast of Kindergarteners

I'm not nervous! I'm not nervous!

Through this door, a new chapter begins.......

OK, mom!  No more pictures - PLEASE!

The little student

Finger Puppets

Hey! A Science Room......C O O L!

After a day of school, Natalie was upset when I came to pick her up.  She wanted to ride the bus home.  Jon and I were a little leary about having her ride the bus.  But, putting on a stiff upper-lip, I contacted the transportation supervisor and arranged for Natalie to ride the bus home from class.  Wednesday was her first ride.  She did great - she loved it!  I was a bundle of nerves until I saw the bus round the corner.  They dropped her off at our driveway.  How's that for service!!!!!

She's Home!!

Pouting.......Then and Now!

Sept. 1, 2009 -  "The Scrunchy Face"

January 5, 2010 -  "The Lip"

August 30, 2010 -  "The Whine"

Our Little Ravioli Man

In the blink of an eye, Jake went from only eating baby food (stage 2 because the chunky stuff made him gag) to eating people food. We were having lunch the other day and Natalie was eating Ramen noodles. I thought ""What the heck, he'll play with them, and be kept busy so I can eat lunch in peace." Jake was sitting quietly in his highchair next to me, when I looked over at him, he was eating the noodles all by himself. This is a little boy that refuses to hold him own bottle. AND he has never put anything in his mouth. Now all of a sudden the idea has kicked in and he is putting everything in his mouth. "Must Vacuum, Must Vacuum" - my new mantra.

Here are a couple of pics of lunch today with Jake eating baby ravioli. He loved it. Other new favorites are: cookie dough, oatmeal, toast, mac-n-cheese, french toast, Orange Chicken (YES, Orange Chicken) and fried rice. That is in addition to any noodle he can get his hands on.

What is this called again?

 Mmmm, Not too bad!

This ravioli stuff is pretty good - can I get some more?