The Tree

Lemonheads

We did a lot of impulsive things this Thanksgiving break. It was fun and exhausting! One crazy thing these two wanted to do was to drink lemon juice straight, no sugar, no nothin! I went for it.  And Hendrix insisted too, coming back for another round or two throughout the day! It was really fun to predict and then discover the results. Vanessa seemed bothered that I didn't stop them from doing it. :-)

Cutup

Copycat Stage

It's cute. It's regretful. It's funny. It's scary. It's enjoyable. It's surprising. It's a good thing. . . 

First Super Gator

Vanessa's class had a unique opportunity to present Hall Academy to Hilliard City Schools Board of Education. Basically these kids are creating videos to teach others how to do different kinds of mathematics. I'm pretty sure the experience will stick with her. Each child was presented a Hilliard City Schools pin for their work and time.

 And although Zane had several special visitors at school while he was Super Star of the Week, I'm pretty sure Vanessa getting to go read to his class had just as much if not more of an impact on her. Zane admires her so very much. It's interesting to watch him develop his independence from her, but the foundation they have together is so very strong.

We love Avery, the staff, and the friends we have made along the way. All have been an incredible blessing in helping shape, support, and grow Vanessa's world. It is weird to think about transitioning to the 6th grade school next year. Vanessa has been taking tests to put her on the correct trajectory for studies. Zane will miss having her at Avery, no doubt, but I can also see how he'll continue to develop his personal leadership skills at Avery, being an incredible example to others.

Fall All Over

The kids got right to work to make piles to jump in. There were (and probably still are) lots of moments for tracking leaves in the house. That part is dreadful but the play and joy outweigh it. Funny to think we were buried in sand just a few weeks ago! Now we're buried in leaves. Hendrix tried running and jumping in the pile too. He enjoyed and had leaves even in his diaper! We should probably get the piles to the curb now . . .

Super Star

This guy had a super week last week as Star of the Week! He had many special surprises and seemed to enjoy it a lot. We're so proud of him!

Gut Busting Pumpkins

We crammed in gutting and carving pumpkins. This is their dad's favorite activity with the kid. [sarcastic tone in intended] Anyway, the kids love the moment and success of cleaning out the pumpkins. For hypersensitive kids, this is wild and animated. Hendrix was trying to help. He decided after cleaning out some guts, it all belongs in the pumpkin, so he was trying to scoop it all back in.

And Hendrix's idea of carving involved his teeth. Okay!

These 3 didn't think the antique motor knife would cut it, so Dad pulled out the power tools.

Hendrix tried a pencil too.

Vanessa and Zane had fun with knives.

Both had wonderful designs. Vanessa grew tired of carving and only carved her kitty wiskers. Zane, with help with his dad, finished his carving and put fake blood in its eye and mouth. I forgot to take a pic. Seriously, this year was us trying to bust out the event to say we did it. :-)

Our Treat

What a fun and crazy Halloween! We returned from Disney to prepping for the Monster Mash. The Monster Mash was fun and both kids enjoyed hanging out with their own group of friends. We closed down the party when Vanessa asked to go home and after Zane got a goose egg on his forehead.

Then Trick or Treat was the following Tuesday. It's hard to trick or treat at the beginning of a week -- we were suffering the rest of the week!

While in Florida we threw around ideas for Hendrix's first real trick or treat. A part of me didn't want to overthink it since most toddlers can't handle it for long. Adam and I joked about Pennywise, because of the remake of It being released this year. We realized we had to do it. (Although I'll admitI wondered if it would label me as a bad parent. ;-)) I woke up the Monday before with an idea for how to dress him, so I ran to JoAnn's for some ruffles, lace and pom poms. It was a hit and Hendrix was way more cooperative than one might expect. And how perfect since he loves to say "balloons"!

Vanessa chose shortly before leaving for Florida to be Stealth Elf, from Skylanders. Apparently she's one of the first to want to dress as her because there were no costume related items, so we improvised. Zane has known for almost a year that he wanted to go as Finn from Star Wars.

Hendrix got really into walking up to the houses and trying to say trick or treat and often responding "Thank you" and "Bye, bye. Toodle loo!" He was great and suprisingly selective in the candy he chose. He sort of outlasted his sister. Zane outlasted them all.

The Resort

We were blessed to stay at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, using family members' timeshare. We feel very blessed to have the opportunity.

The resort is not a Disney resort but was on Disney grounds, a perfect location. There were five pools, two lazy rivers, nine hot tubs, and five restaurants. We enjoyed winding down in the jacuzzi tub, pools, and hot tubs. The lady was thoughtful in giving us a suite with a view of the fireworks at the various Disney parks, so we didn't have to figure out negotiating that at the end of already very full days. We stayed on the 11th floor and could see the Disney parks and Disney Springs from our balcony. There was also a playground and minigolf.

One of our favorite foods was the shrimp tacos. I think Adam and I ate them 4 or 5 times in just a few days. Mmm . . . shrimp tacos . . .

The kids liked calling it their home for the short time we were there. And we were sad to leave. But living with just a few of our belongings for the week was a reminder that we have a lot of junk to purge from our house!