Our accommodations for Thanksgiving dinner are still small, but we had a wonderful dinner with the family and a good visit with André (Opa) too.

And then we went Christmas tree hunting.

We had no idea where to go, which is funny because almost everyone here has a Christmas tree lot.

We headed out and followed the first sign to a sweet little family run place where every tree was $25.

Yes, EVERY tree!  25 bucks. No matter how tall!



























                               The boys are getting hard to lift to the top of the tree!

~Sarah

Most of the days over the past few months have been very rainy, which makes it hard to get anything done outdoors.

But on the few sunny days that we have been blessed with, we've been trying to enjoy the animals and plug away at some of the upkeep of the farm.

We got a visit from Roger's mom and cousin in October and they brought the sunshine with them.  We brushed the horses and even got a little riding in.

While the leaves were falling, we had fun raking paths through all the leaves and chasing each other around on them.  The next day, our paths were covered with more leaves, so we did it again!



Now that most of the leaves have dropped, we are very slowly, we are getting the leaves piled and hauled out of sight.

The foundation around the chimney of the house has been fixed. That was one of the biggest issues when we bought it.  The chimney is part of the original house, built in the 1800's.  It had a stone foundation held in place by planks of wood....old planks of wood.  There was no other support.  But now it is secured with re-enforced concrete walls and foundation. Phew.  We can breathe easier on that front.

We were also finally able to cut off the water to a broken pipe buried near the front arena (currently being used as a corral).  It broke around the time the horses arrived, starting as a slow leak, but quickly became a nagging problem.  Luckily, we are on well water and there has been plenty of rain, but still, it sucks to waste water.

I finally got around to planting some veggies....um, kinda missed the season for sowing....nothing has sprouted, thanks to the super chilly nights. We're getting so much ice that Rogér and I have talked about creating a little ice skating rink!


Baby is growing and healthy.

Rowan,

Now you're growing so so quickly!  Your 4th year has been a whirlwind.  We changed everything up on you.  New school, new friends, new houses (two of them!).

Preschool Graduation

It's been hard for you.  Especially letting go of your first home and those people that you loved there.

But you have really risen to the challenge.  You are suddenly a big kid.

You continue to be the best big brother to Cid, trying your best to help him. You don't realize it but he looks up to you so much. You are his courage.

Hugs for Brother

Helping Brother Out

Of course, you have your moments. When you do, they are very dramatic.

You wear your emotions on your sleeve.  They are completely transparent and all in.  All in happiness, complete with clapping and dancing.  All in anger, and I mean full blown screaming, kicking, trembling.  All in love, hugs and kisses for everyone.

Ladybug Love

You've been writing really well.  Some of my favorites have been your cat drawing on the white board, with the message "Rowan 'HEART' Cid in 100", and a letter to Abigail, our 3 year old neighbor, that said "Rowan 'HEART" Abigail"

Breakdancing is your jam right now. If a good beat comes on, your shoulders start moving.  You get out of your chair, or where-ever and bust some pretty awesome moves. Then Cid joins in with a couple graceful pirouettes and bows.

First day of Pre-K, September 9, 2015

You have an amazing ability to make friends.  Your ice-breaker conversation usually goes like this:

"Hi, I'm Rowan. R-O-W-A-N, Rowan.  I'm only 4.  How old are you?  Well, my brother is 3.  We live in number 6.  Do you want to come visit?"

Often these conversations are with 6 or 7 year old boys.  Other times, they are with lone, middle-aged men in the park or store.  If it's the latter, you continue your conversation with:

"Well, you're older than my mom.  My mom is 33.  My dad works all day"

(while I stand back and cringe on the inside, hoping that "we live in number 6' didn't give them any valid clue as to where we actually live).

But I actually really love that you talk to people.  It always brings a smile to their faces and afterwards, they ALWAYS tell me what a great kid you are.  They're right.

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Your insight amazes us on a daily basis.  We often forget that you are 4 years old, and we still often expect more of you because you look and seem so much older.  It's always been that way with you and this year is no different.  This is our biggest challenge in being your parents and we are sorry for our often unrealistic expectations.

When we tuck you in at night, you tell us "I love you 52 infinity.  I love everyone 52 infinity"

Well, Rowan, if it's possible to love you more than 52 infinity, WE DO!

FOUR!

Love,
Mom

Even though Rogér and I both grew up in rural areas, it's been a while since we lived that way and the boys have never lived that way, aside from vacations at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Petrolia.

We kinda got used to our city ways, so moving out (even though its really not that far out) is going to take some getting used to.

We spent our first few nights at the farmhouse and they went fairly well.  Rogér and I learned that we are too old to sleep on the floor.

As Rogér and I were walking the perimeter of our 23 acres, we saw one of our neighbor families and exchanged waves.  Shortly after those neighbors came over with corn, squash, and lemon cucumbers from their garden! Yum!  When they saw that my mom and dad were staying also, they went home and brought us even more.  Later, another wonderful neighbor brought us freshly made blackberry muffins.  The best I've ever had!

A few neighbors like to target practice...or shoot the ground squirrels...or something.  I'm trying to remind myself that we did that at my parents' house too and will probably also do it here.  It's still a little unnerving, not knowing our neighbors that well.

We got a lot done too, especially with the help of Grandma and Grandpa Dan who finally got to see where they will be living soon!

Not so much on the house, but we got the (temporary) goat area set up and hot-wired a corral and pasture for the horses.

And the boys loved their tractor rides!




~Sarah

It dawned on me today that I haven't posted in quite a while!  Yargh, sometimes it's hard to keep up.  Summer has been a bit difficult, having the kids all day and packing swim, gymnastics, and dance lessons in as well random other activities.

The kids are doing great, though I think we're all ready for school to start in September!

I'm so thankful for the family oriented community that we live in.  It's kept us from driving each other completely crazy.

If only the weather would cool down, we could enjoy these activities without melting.

~Sarah

~Sarah

Hanging in the boys' room

This years theme is super heroes.  Not just in this household.  It seems to be everywhere, from my mom's preschool lessons to the  local library program. Maybe its the age, or maybe its the wildly popular Marvel movies, or maybe something else.  Anyway, we are fully embracing it!






We've begun swimming lessons for both the boys.

Well, Rowan has had quite a few lessons previously, mostly good but ending fairly badly last winter when he suddenly developed a fear of the deep water.

This time around he has taken to it again like a little fish.  He's tearing it up out there.  Plus, he's the only student in his level/time slot so he gets one-on-one lessons. Fancy!!  He's getting really really good.

Cid had some heavy separation anxiety for the first week.  I knew it might be hard for him to go with his swim teacher instead of me or Rogér, but I didn't anticipate FOUR STRAIGHT DAYS of crying and not participating. He finally warmed up to his swim teacher and now I think he might be in love with her ;)



Rowan also started Hip Hop dance lessons last Thursday.  It was pretty funny.  He was a little grumpy because it was structured so he didn't get to bust out his fancy moves until the free time at the end

Bonus!  They do allow photos and video! Yay! Although parents have to view from outside of the classroom.

Here's the first of (hopefully) many.


~Sarah