Carrot Loving Carmen

Quite possibly the largest carrot she's ever seen. 

We were at the farmer's market and she had to have it. 

Hey, it's a vegetable, we were happy to comply!

Philadelphia

We just returned from four days away in Philadelphia.  My cousin was getting married so it was the perfect time to get-away for a short time, visit family we hadn't seen in years, do some sight seeing and enjoy the wedding festivities.  We were kid-free and this trip was only possible due to the amazing support of family and friends.  According to all reports, everything went smoothly.  We enjoyed our time away and the kids enjoyed us being gone too.  Maybe we'll do it more often!

We few snapshots from Philly:

Philadelphia Love

Perhaps more than a few cheesesteaks were consumed.

The jury is still out on if provolone or whiz is the better option.

 

Liberty Bell.

My favorite tid-bit was learning the bell got it's crack from being cleaned.

Who knew...

What trip to Philly is complete without a visit to see

Rocky and the famous steps?!

 

So many historic places;

beautiful architecture.

The happy couple.

Fall

Hello, Fall.  Happy it's this time of year.  We are looking forward to long sleeves and falling leaves.  Soccer and football games rain or shine.  Boot wearing and puddle jumping.  Darker evenings for curling up and movie watching.  Pumpkin time, apple cider and any excuse for an extra hot latte.  Hooray for Fall!

Four

Today is the day.  Four years old.  Four years in a blink of an eye.

Believe me, there are times and stages that I have longed for to be over.

And we're still in the middle of some of those now but I wouldn't change a thing.

You are at times as independent as they come and at times so very clingy.

You have all the confidence it the world but can be very shy. 

There is no doubt that you are enthusiastic about sports. 

Absolutely anything related to hitting, kicking and throwing you absolutely love. 

Right now soccer, baseball, football and golf are among your favorites. 

You also like swimming, hockey, tennis, pickle ball and Frisbee.

You get upset if you don't do something right the first time. 

Patience is something we are really working on.

You are always on the move and don't like to wait for anything.

But, on the rare occasions you do slow down,

you still love to snuggle and that I will never get enough of. 

You are so imaginative, inquisitive and tell the funniest stories. 
You are a dancer and a shimmy shaker.

You love being in the kitchen and really like to help.

You're not so sure about school yet. 

You resist going but then end of loving it once you're there.

You are exploring your world, testing your boundaries, and at times our patience.

You have a big heart, are kind and adore your sister.
Your smile is electric and your expressions priceless.
You have a laugh I want to bottle up and keep forever.

We can not get enough of our dear Maxy. 
The world is yours. You will go far.

We love you so, so much and wish you a very happy 4-years old.

Sounders

After Saturday morning rec soccer it was off to watch the professionals play.  Go Sounders!
The kids enjoyed watching the action but Max mostly enjoyed eating and Carmen most certainly enjoyed picking up the streamers that littered the sky to start the game.  As long as everyone's happy!

Pizza Friday

Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:
Last day to swim in the pool until next May.
This was the summer of swimming for the Skurski's so the kids will certainly miss the pool.
Until next year...

Saturday:
Soccer Saturday is the new norm.
Two kiddos each on separate teams (despite the same uniforms).
Carmen returns to the Rockets where Daddy is coaching.
Max is on team Space Aliens, which he proudly named.

Onto the Husky game.
4 kids, 4 adults, a lot of fun.
Maybe too much fun, a tuckered out Carmen.
It was a beautiful day for football watching.
Go Dawgs!

Sunday:
Walking for mom.
Playdate for Carmen.
College send-off dinner for cousin Megan and celebrating with S'mores.

Crazy! Busy! Love this life!

K-I-N-D-E-R-G-A-R-T-E-N

It's finally here--the first day of Kindergarten!  There was excitement, some nervousness but mostly excitement.  Taking the 'purple' bus, new friends, new classroom, new teacher, new routine.  She's been talking about this day for a long, long time and today was the day. 

Crazy this time is here already. No more baby C, no more crawling, she's flying now. On to new adventures, learning life's lessons and blazing a trail.  So proud of this girl and so happy she is ours!

Happy Kindergarten!

The bus stop crew.

  

Waiting patiently for the bus.

Friendly, familiar faces and great friends.

New classroom.

First ride home.

 I love Kindergarten!

First day in the books.

First Day

A couple of kiddos ready for their first day of school.

Goodbye summer.  Time for school.

Lots to look forward to.

Here's to a great year ahead!

Cousin Time

An fun afternoon with a college-bound cousin.