September 2016: Soccer, Aftercare, Kindergarten, Piano, Hawaii and Hugs

Fall soccer began and Anders now plays on a team with the Hearst Owls. He also likes wearing soccer jerseys of every kind. He would wear nothing but jerseys if we let him. Here are a few pictures from his first game.

 Coach Mark is getting them ready.

 Anders with the ball.

 Tired but still running.

Ellis gave playing goalie a try. She did very well and didn't get frustrated in a very frustrating role (in my opinion, anyway). 

 In aftercare, the big kids put on a puppet show for the little kids.  Everyone loved it.

  This year, Ellis' and Anders' school has started a program called PATHS. Part of the program requires that a student be selected each day as the teacher's assistant. Once chosen, this form is filled out where everyone gives the assistant a compliment.  Anders takes this job extremely seriously.  I was at school one day when he was teacher's assistant and he was holding up the end of the line with a bubble in his mouth (so as not to talk) and hands behind his back.  I expected a hug or at least a smile and hello.  Nope. He barely glanced at me. He knew he had to be a good example by not talking and staying in line -- he walked right past me.

Anders is also working on "Fry" words, or sight words to help with reading.  Here he is practicing a few.

Ellis started piano lessons at the New Sewell Music Conservatory with Harlan Jones.  The conservatory has been open since the 1950s and is authentic DC.  Here is Mr. Jones playing along with Ellis on a neighboring piano (they are playing Für Elise). I have added a video of Ellis practicing the piece on YouTube.

  This blog is about the kids but, every now and then, I need to share things about us grown ups.  Here I am in Kaua'i, where I went for business. I got a whole 3 hours on this trip to take a hike along the beach. It was not shabby.

And finally, my adorable, sweet kids hugging each other.