Apple Hill

Oh. My. Goodness. So much fun.

Jody was lame and didn't let us eat in the car. We were all basically dead because of starvation BUT the car is clean... so....

It was just lovely. The perfect way to start out the fall season. The air quality was finally better... the smoke has been absolutely insane. The blue skies were a blessing.

We hit a busy farm for our first stop. But we enjoyed getting some pie and cider. We then headed to a restaurant that was very anti-mask/pro-trump. It took over an hour to get our food. Needless to say, we ate every single bite.

Dad and Manny headed home while we partied with Josh. The crowds had cleared out by then and we got to have some playtime and apple treats!! From apple doughnuts, to fudge, to more cider!! We headed home stuffed... oh wait, at 11PM I had more apple pie.

We stopped in Auburn, CA for some dinner. It was greasy to me but it was entertaining because Maria was shouting at a random guy playing live music, "I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Overall, just a lovely day together enjoying the fruits of the earth.

 

I love where I work

Today the cops were out. We have hoarders in the neighborhood and the cops do their best to make sure we don't have garbage piles outside the school.

I have fond memories of the recess time my class was just parked on the picnic table watching and me explaining why we clean our room so we don't end up like adults who hoard.

Magic

 

Elijah turns 9!!!!!! COVID DISEASE STYLE!!!

 

For some odd reason, the pictures posted backwards. Kind of just like this year.

Eli is a joyful little boy. He is full of happiness and kindness. He is quick to help, ALWAYS opens my doors and is just inherently thoughtful.

He is a deep thinker, excels at math, and loves playing with Ella and "the little guy" neighbor who is 4. He is so tender to him.

Eli easily makes friends, loves anything science related, and is a good reader.

Eli is not all rainbow and sunshine. He can get highly emotional and sometimes even takes it out on our poor doors. We're learning. By chores to payback money for the doors.

But overall, this kid is my everything. I never knew the joy a son would bring. He will be my go-to mountain man. Hands down he is the best little hiker!! He is fast. Loves any type of sugar and all things remote control car.

Papa spoiled him rotten and got him these laser remote control cars that he woke up at 4am to play he was so excited.

Jay and Rachael were so thoughtful and got him a bow and arrow set he adores. Good thing I'm getting my windows cleaned in October.

Josh was so thoughtful. He had a class and couldn't make it but he wrote the sweetest note to Eli.

He had a good birthday. He is a grateful little boy and I don't know where time flies.

So blessed to be able to call him our son.

Also.... he's got new pet butterflies!!!!

Apocalypse now.... as one sign said, "Look busy. Jesus is coming."

 

California and the entire west coast is burning down apparently. The smoke is killer. We've had 4 days online learning because the air quality is so hazardous.

Boo.

Covid 1st Grade Self Portraits.... I'm so over pestilence

I still think they turned out pretty fantastic.

 

We love you sweet Joe

 

We don't get to the grave as often as I'd like. The main reason I go is because my Yiayia was big on visiting and paying respects. It's a reminder to me that our bodies at some point will have to be laid to rest... but always in my heart I know that his spirit is close by. I know he protects my children and that we will see him again.

11 years. Where does time fly to?

I say goodnight to him still every night.

And mom and yiayia and nono.

Stop dying people.

Blue skies FINALLY

 

At 5AM the air quality was completely hazardous... school was a distance learning day!! I'm getting the hang of it. Daddy was so very kind and spent hours fixing up the kiddos bikes. They were on them all day today!! Thanks Daddy!!! By 11AM the air had cleared up and we COULD BREATHE!!!!

The entire weekend (past 2 months) have been extremely SMOKEY and to have a day where we can see the sky and not cough up a lung because of the smoke is a miracle. We'll take it!!

Nina's new wall art

Nina's new wall art was in part thanks to sibling help. The rest she designed and it turned out definitely wow!! So fun and creative!!