Catch-up time!

So these past few months have been busy ones. Thomas started school and that was a huge transition for the whole family. He goes everyday from 9am to noon. He was having a tough time getting through his day and so there were many days of crying fits and frustration. Now Thomas is better settled and I finally made an "I did it!" board and life has gotten SO much better.
Thomas has made some friends at school. We just had our first conference last week and his teachers were commenting on Thomas' "sweet"disposition and his super-fast running skills! The boy rarely walks anywhere while at school. Here is a picture from his first day at 150 Parker Avenue School. T also took a movement/dance class at the Shan Yee Poon which is literally across the street from our house with Teacher Burne. He loves that class. He just looks at himself in the mirror the whole time and follows all the girls who are actually listening to the directions. He is still a great jumper, leaper and skipper. We are going to see The Nutcracker next week for the first time. Just Thomas, Nana and me. I am looking forward to it!
Matthew has changed so much over the past three months. He now speaks in clear, complete sentences. He started using basic sentences at 18 months like "I see a dog" or "I want juice." He amazed his doctor and me at his 18 check up with his communication skills (totally got those from me, thank you very much! he hehe). A total talker like his mama, for now. He and Thomas are able to play with one another and fight in the car. It is funny to hear Matthew say "No, you stop it Thomas!" (add lisp to all "s" sounds) Scott and I crack up every time! Matthew is still such a lovebug. He gives THE BEST hugs ever. He uses his little arms and wraps them tightly around your neck. He likes to just come and give kisses. too. I'll take them as long as I can get them! So stinking cute. He loves, no, LOVES dogs. He follows them wherever we go. He is also pretty into Tigger and Whinny the Pooh. Tigger is like a drug for my little boy. Just can't get enough of his cheezy Disney show where all the music sounds like you are trapped in a Barbie commercial. Anyway, he loves it so that is all that counts. Matthew participated in a Music Together class with Teacher Daveen, who was great and continued with his swimming and gymnastics classes at the JCC. He LOVES the water and it so comfortable in it (just like Scott). Very nice!

And then there was Halloween! The boys were dressed up at Peter Pan and Captain Hook. I was Tiger Lilly and Scott was a "Smee" (C.Hook's right-hand man). My friend Kendra was in town at the same time and we had a blast. We went up to Yountville and had lunch at Bouchon and then did a little wine tasting. We had a big Halloween party at my parents house. Have to find the rest of those pics. Molly and Charles came dressed at the 49's "D-Fence." You'll get it when you see the picture. And Jenny made a Smokey the Bear costume. Perfect for our little Naturalist. I think she won this year for most creative. Her boyfriend Max was a pirate -so he fell right in with our group. My mom was a Pink Lady and my dad- ELVIS!!! The best ever! He was SO funny! I have to find those photos! So...

In October, Scott and I had our own little vacation out to Haymarket, VA to visit Tonya and Greg for a night and then we were off to Middleberg, Va for two nights to attend the wedding of our friends Scott and Mary. BEAUTIFUL ceremony and then a sweet reception. I got to know Kristin, Timmy O's fiance- who was a BLAST (never had a better drinking buddy!). They are all friends of ours from the desert in 29 Palms. We were missing a few "family" members (Sharon, Pam and Ryan), but Scott and I still had a great time! Here are a few photos from that weekend. Tonya, here is one of the dress, just for you!

Going to stop this entry now and start again later. Have to update and share photos of Scott's Triathlon last month and Thanksgiving. So love to you all and I know I will see many of you soon or at least be in tough through email!