School walk-a-thon/Beach day

The week before Thanksgiving week Connor participated in his school's walk-a-thon.  This year the theme was Trot for Turf.  We have tried countless times to grow grass on one of our playgrounds and it never lasts.  So we raised money for some artificial turf to go on one of our playgrounds as part of our soccer field.  Connor had a great time running his laps, and I snuck away from my class to watch him participate in his first walk-a-thon.  We had a great time. 

Every time he ran by me he had a giant grin on his face.  He was loving it!  

A couple days after the walk-a-thon, our school had our annual Thanksgiving Feast.  I was able to go to Connor's class and enjoy the feast next to him.  We had turkey, tater tots, apple sauce (made by Connor's class), carrots, cornbread muffins (made by the 4th and 5th graders) and a pumpkin bar dessert made by the 2nd and 3rd graders.  The feast was delicious and I loved getting to enjoy it with Connor.

Then we had a week off of school which we thoroughly enjoyed.  Connor loved waiting for the garbage truck on Tuesday and helped me clean the house for guests.  For Thanksgiving Peter cooked the bird and two pies.  He made pumpkin chiffon and apple cranberry pies.  He made an extra pumpkin chiffon and traded with Sean and Amy for a key lime pie.  We had dinner at my parents' house.  Abbie and Rafe were there and so were E and P.  Chloe showed off her walking skill/s to everyone.  She began taking steps unassisted about 2 weeks prior, but would often fall down and then resort to crawling.  This time she would fall and stand back up again.

On Friday my dad, Abbie, Rafe, Peter, Connor, Chloe and I headed to Del Mar Beach for some fun in the sun.  It's sad to say that we've taken Connor to the beach only a handful of times and live practically 20 minutes away.  Chloe had never been before and she loved the sand as much as Connor did, maybe more.

Who made this mess?  

Connor's reaction, "Chloe did it."

 She has chips in her mouth.

 Look at my new moves...I can walk now!

 Building castles together...or big muddy messes.

 Have no fear, she doesn't have black eyes...she's coated in sand .

Before getting into the car we stripped this little sand monster and gave her a new diaper.  Then after getting home everyone took a much needed shower.

Chloe has a knack for emptying out my purse...this time she found a brand new toothbrush.