Accomplishments!!!

   K's a natural on the trampoline, can do her balance beam, can do a backbend super easy but was having issues with a cartwheel. Well she's doing great now on her cartwheel and she has got to ring the bell twice the last few weeks (ringing the bell means you've made an improvement, you get to show the whole class and everyone claps). I'm VERY proud of her accomplishments but I'm most proud of her working so hard, staying positive and all the girls encouraging each other! 

One excited girl!

    K's teacher gives green tickets for each day a child does well and attends school, for good behavior, for a good deed or paper etc. The kids once a month can cash in what they have and purchase from the goody box using all or some of their tickets. They can roll over any tickets they have for the next month.
  As soon as K spotted "Julie" in the box she had to have her. My child LOVES puppets. The teacher makes them and K just thought she was gorgeous. Even better was the teacher told her to practice and then she can bring Julie back to school for a show!!!

Traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial

   We were thankful to be able to catch the Traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial on the last day of the festival. The small town over from us was picked to have the exhibit and with K being older, we wanted her to see it. S has never seen the real wall and was just as excited to see it. I've seen the real one in D.C and I can say.....both are humbling and thought provoking.
   K asked what all the names were for and we explained it. She knew immediately what the rifle in the boot was for from seeing pics from her Uncle. I can say I was very proud when she said "Everyone should see this and realize that these men died".
  We took a rubbing off the wall of our family friend. Very sad to see so many names on those walls and how today many people have no idea what and why they died for. It was nice too that many families who have a loved one on the wall, but can't afford to go to D.C. or just can't make the trip.
  I hope that all the people that came to the festival took some time out of riding rides, talking, eating and such and paid their respect. 

Two things that say fall around here...

   It's persimmons and pumpkins lol There is NOTHING, and I mean nothing like the smell of persimmons as you process them! It's a seasonal flavor and favorite. Persimmon pudding with a big dollop of Cool Whip is a family favorite. I'm thankful to have my "new to me" pulper even if it is a hand crank. Much better than how I've always done them (pushed through a colander) and how many still do it. Thankful for S's cousin letting me have all the persimmons I want off his property because I'm nice and send him over plates every couple weekends....and I supply him with a pudding ;) 

First full month of school

   We have our first full month of Second grade in. It's been a bit of a change as far as teacher expectations. More writing, complete answers with explanations but all around a great month! K is doing excellent and not only loves her classmates but thinks the world of her teacher.
  I like that this year they mixed up the class more with only maybe 2 from K's last years class. For 2 years it had been almost the same core group, which was good for friendships, but issues tended to run over from one year to the next.
  I like Mrs. F's style, her attitude and her expectations. So here's to a school year off and running!!!!

Family reunion

  We had a wonderful time at the family reunion. Loved seeing everyone, K had a blast and there was far too much wonderful food. I won a new crock pot for "Best Dessert" for my Heath cake :) and S made some awesome Cajun pork loin. Everyone made some great dishes.
   Was odd not having Grandma Lucille smiling from her chair but I think she'd say we are one crazy bunch lol 

Great ending to a great day

A visit with K's great Uncle

   My Uncle has had a very hard time since my Aunt passed unexpectedly this summer. They have been together for many, many years and since my Uncle had retired it was the two of them doing most things together. It's been hard on us all seeing him have his hard days and I'm very thankful for my cousin and how strong she has been for her Dad.
  I was lucky enough to grow up with this Aunt and Uncle. Alot lol Their daughter and I are exactly a month apart and we split every holiday (half at her house, half at mine) and we split the summer the same way. So technically both sets of parents had twins lol I've always loved my Uncle very much and I'm thankful that K gets to be in his life as well.
  So it was a fun day of laughing, walking the dogs, and having fun!