Apples

We did a speedy cider donut/apple picking trip a few weeks ago, just to say we did.  It was a nice morning and the apples have since been eaten or made into applesauce and frozen.

- S.

Touch A Truck 2016

We missed the annual Touch A Truck in Beverly due to Jack choosing to go to a classmate's birthday party instead.  But Danvers came through last month with their own Touch A Truck, so we checked it out.  Jack was pretty overwhelmed when we first got there, but changed his mind and decided to stay at the last minute.

There was even a boat.

"10-4 good buddy."

Pretty excited about his squishy bulldozer and balloon.

- S.

Playroom

We started talking about converting the back porch into a playroom probably about...four years ago.  Maybe serious conversations started three years ago.  Well, we finished painting yesterday and wasted no time moving some of Jack's stuff into the space.  

Painting, again.

All done!

 Nice and clean.

Step One: Break in the playroom.

 Step Two: Have a friend come by and help you break the room in further.

Step Three: Impress the adults with your methods.

It's nice to have the hard part of this room completed, just in time for cold weather, so now we'll find out how well the insulation works.  Now we get to do things like put up blinds, add some lighting, and come up with a better configuration of Jack's stuff.

- S.

New School

Jack started a new school a couple of weeks ago.  He is now in Pre-K, but his new school goes all the way up to 8th grade.  We aren't sure if he will actually stay there for that long, but are hopeful that it is a good fit for him at least for a few years.  So far he seems to be settling in and making some friends and has been in a better overall mood lately and actually wanting to go to school.

Looking a bit apprehensive the morning of the first day.

Looking pretty happy at the end of the first day.

Last weekend the school had a volunteer day which we attended.  

We got to plant a tree in the play area.

There were lots of worms in the dirt, so hopefully the tree thrives.

- S.

Birthday #4

Jack had a birthday recently.  This is the first year he could grasp the concept and talked about turning four consistently for at least a month prior to the big day.  We even made a calendar the week of his birthday and he crossed off the days each night to count down to his birthday and party.  

On his actual birthday we went to Kanes to get a donut.

"How old are you today?"

After donuts, we gave him a few presents.  And the rest of the day was dedicated to Lego.

We had a small family gathering the next day.  A panda party.  Panda cake.

Panda cupcakes.

Panda piñata stuffed with Lego.

Jack seems to be enjoying four so far.  He has already told us that when he turns 100 he would like a pumpkin-themed party.  

- S.

Salem Willows

I've got quite a backlog of stuff to post about and hope to get to it over the next few days.  We made it to Salem Willows this year before Labor Day.  Jack remembered going last year and requested to go again this year.  He seemed to have a pretty fun time.  He still can't quite play skee ball, but we will keep working on it with him.

Blasting off.

Ahoy.

Same car as last year.

No pizza this year, picnic time.

 Chocolate soup

- S.

Maine

Also last month, we went to Maine for the annual family gathering.  Jack didn't have a meltdown at the diner this year, but waited to do so until we stopped at the New Balance outlet later.  Jack has really been enjoying s'mores this year (thanks to Trader Joe's delicious vegan marshmallows), and this is the first year he was able to stay up late enough to experience the fire in Maine and make some s'mores there.  

Waiting for pancakes at the diner.

Did a little work on the dirt pile this year, but ultimately found other stuff to play with.

S'mores with dad, round one.

Satisfied with his cooking skills.

On the swing.

Making up games like knock the empty bottles off the stool with the water shooter.

S'mores, round two, with dad and cousin Ben.

 "Look at my marshmallow, Mom!"

- S.