Fall has been so great here lately. Perfect weather and lots of chances to be outside and enjoy the cooler temps. Peter has become such a fan of bike riding that we go out several times a week and ride together. We've also had fun together as he's started cub scouts. We've gone camping, shot bb guns, done archery, and all sorts of other fun scouting stuff. I love the scouting program. It's fun to be involved with it again.
I also got to take Peter to a Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert. I have season tickets every year and go about once a month, but I've never taken him because the concerts start at bedtime and the venue isn't really for small, somewhat restless kids. However, they did a free community concert at a nearby church in Detroit and kids were welcome to come. He was so excited to finally go to the symphony with mom and he had a great time.
The music was fantastic, but his attention span was a little spent at times. Luckily we had some room to spread out and take a break without disturbing others.
Bella has come with me quite often to the symphony, though. Our most recent trip was to see Troupe Vertigo perform with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. That was an amazingly unique show! The troupe did all sorts of wild acrobatic tricks at the front with the orchestra playing gorgeous pieces which complemented the acts. I was so sad when it was over. I could have watched all night.
Of course, marching band continues on. The kids' shows are doing so well. They have worked so hard. It's really impressive.
There is one night when all the high schools in the city get together and perform on the same field. That's perfect for those families like us with kids in multiple high schools. The drumlines all did a separate number together. Still feels weird not seeing Benjamin in the drumline but I love seeing Christian out there doing such an amazing job.
Christian's marching band also played at multiple elementary schools this month for their walk-a-thon fundraisers. Every school does one and it was fun to include the band to add to the atmosphere of the event. He had a great time being in the band after all those years of being the little kid and looking up to those big high schoolers and wishing he could be one of them. Now here he is. What a cool experience.
It's October and we still have the cat, Pandora, that was supposed to get taken back in September. We're coming to accept the fact that she might be permanent in our home. I don't mind very much. She really is the sweetest thing ever. However, she's now brought 8 chipmunks into our home and 6 of them were still alive. That's been wild. I'm used to cats bringing in dead mice or other things they catch but she doesn't kill them completely first. She seems to just enjoy playing with them inside. The first time she dropped it at Kelly's feet while he was in an online meeting. The hilarious Tom & Jerry scene that ensued as the cat chased the chipmunk around Kelly's desk and feet while he tried to remain focused and composed was classic. We spent the next hour trying to get the chipmunk out of Kelly's closet. One chipmunk ended up in Peter's bedroom and so Pandora and I teamed up and cornered it behind his bookshelf where I got it into a live trap and took it back outside. I have to keep the cat in after that for a few hours, though, or else she's goes outside and brings it right back in! Yes, that happened once until I learned my lesson. She's a very smart cat. This is how we spend most of our mornings together while I work on my seminary lessons.
Other recent activities:
I took Bella to a concert with friends. The girls had a great time while I took a much needed nap in the car!
Kyler visited us again and went riding with the boys. It's so fun that he can come visit often.
Benjamin has become a trainer. He says his new companion speaks better Spanish than he did when he started, so that's been helpful. But he spends more time than he'd like staying at home going through the training material. Pros and cons, I guess. We're so happy he's doing well, though.
Cross Country running continues. Christian is doing very well. He came in 15th in the all city meet last week. Very good for a freshman.
Peter and I enjoyed a trip to the apple orchard - a Michigan fall must-do. We also had to take the traditional picture on the cow bench. He grows so fast!
He's also doing really well at school. He's coming out of his shell and making friends. He's improving in his writing and math skills. He's more comfortable talking to his teacher and other adults there. It's been really good. Most days he doesn't mind going at all (very different from last year). He likes the library and music class and art class. I'm very happy with how it's going, although I do miss him during the day. He's my sweet little buddy and sometimes its hard to say good bye in the morning.
