These Days

I saw a lot of pumpkin patch photos this season and I really wanted to take Neil and Ela to one, for the experience. Unfortunately, most of the farms are quite a drive from us and Ela's disposition during car rides is still unpredictable. Most of the time she's ok with it but there have been a few occasions when she would cry so much. The Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain seemed like a good option since it's less than 30 minutes away. We arrived past 4PM and saw so many people heading out with pumpkins. I thought they must have bought them. It turned out they were being given away for free because it was the last day of the festival. We got to the mini-patch, took a few pictures with the remaining pumpkins, then grabbed one for ourselves.=) We also wanted to see the trees. Most of the leaves are still green but a few have started turning bright yellow, orange, maroon for fall. It's really beautiful. We picked up a few leaves for Neil's school assignment. ...

Looking through old pictures, I realized that I have quite a few pictures of Neil joining Ela during tummy time. Really sweet.=) So here it is, tummy time series.

Passport to the World is an annual activity at Neil's school where different nations and nationalities are showcased. There are many international students at his school and parents volunteer to put up booths about their countries. It's is a great way for the kids to learn about other cultures. My hope is that we can put up a Philippines booth in the future.=) Got stamps from 18 countries.

Last Sunday was Daniela's half birthday! We took her to the doctor on Monday for regular checkup. She got 2 shots and 1 oral vaccine. Then 2 more shots on Friday. Her current stats are: weight - 15 lbs and 5 oz (30th percentile), height - 2' 1" (40th percentile). She has been sick in the last 2 weeks - two days of fever followed by runny nose and cough. The doctor said we should just let it run its course. Even so, she's mostly happy and alert. She's highly aware of people and her surroundings, and would turn towards whoever is talking. She can easily push up her whole body with her arms and legs. On her tummy, she can pivot/turn her body quite easily and fast, too. She can reach her toes! I saw her pull it towards her mouth once. She's also grabbing things and putting them in her mouth. Happy baby! I can't believe we're halfway through her first year.

Last Friday was the annual Vocabulary Parade at Neil's School.  His chosen word this year is ELASTIC, and we spent much of Thursday night crafting his costume.  We were there bright and early with many other parents to watch the kids proudly parade their costumes. Neil was one of the banner holders for his class so his word (and Daddy's handiwork) could not be seen from the front. I had to ask him to pose with the costume at home. School principal in full costume. Ela watched the parade, too! Costume details. I made rubber band necklaces. He is supposed to be Captain Elastic or Elastic Man, thus the cape-shaped board on his back.=)

We went to Vickery Creek Falls yesterday afternoon, around 5PM (because we enjoy our weekend naps). The drive took less than 20 minutes to Roswell Mill and the walk to the falls was less than 10 minutes.  Although there's a longer trail for those who are up to it. Now that the weather is starting to get cooler, I want to get our family outdoors while we still can. It's great that places like this are easy to get to.