So Long Sweet Summer...

To say I am behind on my blogging is an understatement.

Since, I last wrote, summer came and went.  While I planned for relaxation, I do not feel like there were many days that we just played in the backyard and went on long walks.  I did complete two, week long programs at Northwestern. 

Will took my mediation training seriously

And vacation from coast to coast (more pictures from the latter when I finally download them).  All good things, all good things...

Little man is back to school and so am I.  28 more weeks (!) - of class until I graduate... not that anyone is counting.  To take full advantage of my last year of a liberal arts degree, I immersed myself in a wide range of subjects and projects to really induce stress and anxiety expand my knowledge.  Although, it is overwhelming at times, I already feel sad about leaving this welcoming and supportive community and wish I could take on even more to soak up every last ounce of academia.  W is really loving school this year which warms my heart and soul.  I was not sure how the full day commitment was going to go, but he is so enamored with learning that he "secretly" reads books under his blanket during nap time... although it is my understanding that "not even one kid rests."  Poor Ms. Preschool Teachers.

With the changing leaves and crisp air of fall, I find I am in heaven.  Do not get me wrong, I am a softie for summer and all things hot.  Eating on patios, afternoon by the kiddie pool, long days, and the lull of a summer breeze, but my true love is FALL.  If I could find a location that was fall all year long, I would move in a heartbeat.  With fall comes pumpkin everything... this may be my one disconnect with autumn.  I am not quite the pumpkin spice fanatic as some of the other people I know... and after reading what may or may not be in the pumpkin spice latte (thank you Facebook "news") I think I will stick to my -closer to how it came out of the ground- coffee.  

Hope all is well with everyone!

If I had to guess, I would say his new career choice has something to do with the photos below...
Just speculating.

Made with Love

W's new favorite food would have to be chicken noodle soup.  All winter long it was a huge fan favorite... what is not to love?  It is delicious and nutritious.  Not to mention, when cooked in the crock pot, piping hot and when it is negative 20 degrees outside that seems pretty fantastic.

Despite the end of what seemed like an eternal winter, the chicken noodle soup love has stayed strong.  So I busted out my big girl, not paring like recommended, knife and prayed I would not slice off a finger while attempting to carve out some heart shaped carrots.  What is homemade cooking without a little love?

One simple search of Pinterest, Instagram, or google for chicken noodle soup with heart shaped carrots would pull up a sufficient recipe.  I recommend using LARGE carrots and a true paring knife.  This video gives you step by step instructions with 2 methods for preparing the carrots (I used chicken breasts instead of thighs and cooked on low in the crock pot for 6 hours).  

California is always a good idea!

Even the air is better in Cali...

Our vacation was almost a no-go, what with the wild fires blazing, but we crossed our fingers, and maybe even our toes, and luckily -especially for those living in the area- the fires were able to be controlled.  The smell of sea water and the fact that the sun was out and the windows could always be open made for a lovely time.  

We could have easily stayed another week if for no other reason then to soak up the sun, but we crammed a great deal of activities into our stay including: a double decker train ride, a trolley tour, the USS Midway Museum, Legoland, the train museum, Sea World, a world renown beach, and countless restaurants with food as fantastic as the view.

Did we really have to come home?

School's out for Summer!

Some how I blinked... and the semester was over.  W has grown socially and intellectually so much in such a short time.  In addition to becoming an avid painter, he has dabbled with building sand castles and bike riding.  He thoroughly enjoys any project equipped with glue and has mastered spelling and writing his name.  He is becoming an adventurer and while he still upholds the rules, is breaking out of his cautious shell.  His inquisitive nature has been nurtured and he is off on a quest to examine life.

I am so proud of him!  He bravely marched into that green group and stole everyone's hearts.  Everyday that sweet boy would give me a tight squeeze and wave goodbye before scampering off to take on the day.  He would be beaming as he rushed to show me what he accomplished when I came to pick him up. 

We were blessed to find a compassionate environment with such loving educators.  His last day consisted of a picnic for family to come and enjoy snacks, pizza, snow cones, tattoos, and a piñata. 

All of his teachers were so generous and thoughtful and sent W home with gifts and sweet cards, and one of his teachers even made a lovely scrap book so we can cherish all his fun times.  

And now... it's time to bring back summer!

Little Man is not the only one I am proud of this semester.  It was a lot of tough work and an adjustment to get back into the swing of education and using my brain for things other than toddler crafts, but I aced it!