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