Raw(e) Smiles and Laughter

Raw(e) is hosting a Smiles and Laughter photo challenge and I just couldn't resist. I've been in such a blah mood that these smiling photos made me smile too. Even with the hair in the face and everywhere else...I can feel how much my girls love eachother in this picture.

I think I'm just having a hard time getting my new routine down. I feel like I'm always running to work, to cheerleading, to school, to pick up from daycare or wherever else the kids need picking up from. I want to just slow down and take a minute to enjoy. Hopefully soon!

Fall is in the Air

I love this time of year...especially in New England. This is one of our favorite ways to spend a fall day. We will probably go again since there were only a few types of apples out. Now I just need to find a yummy apple crisp recipe.

It's hard enough to take a picture of yourself. Two I can get, three just wasn't working. At least as you can see Alyssa is enjoying the apples.

First day and her first game

I was feeling so sad that I wasn't there to send her in myself on the first day. So as I'm taking attendance in my own classroom on my computer, I get a picture of her heading into first grade from a good friend. It was just what I needed.

Gillian is enjoying cheerleading and me too but wow...pop warner is serious business. I had no idea since I was never a cheerleader myself. The girls were so cute doing their cheers and even though I was watching them more than the game, the Seahawk football players won their first game too.

My new do

Here's my new back to school haircut. Sorry the picture quality is just okay. My web cam seems to be having some glare issues. I figured that I'd start the year right with a new cut and I went to a curly cut salon. I have to say what a different experience going to someone who knows how to cut curly hair and even showed me how to style it. I will be going back for sure!

Last week and then back to work

This is my last week off before heading back to meet my new class who if last year is any indication of what I'm in store for...I'm in trouble. I'm trying to stay positive and my thought is that every student starts with a clean slate, no matter what they did last year. So I'm trying to steer clear of those first grade teacher and stay away from those negative comments of well last year he was...or look out for that one she was a big problem for me she used to... New teacher and a fresh start that's going to be my mantra.

So today we hit the aquarium. We've been there before but not in a while. It's always a fun day. I love a day out with my girls wherever we go.

Posing for fishing pictures.

Finding Nemo

Checking out the penguins.

Hope you are all enjoying the end of summer vacation.

Back to school means back to work for me too.

Connecticut and the Cowboys

My husband is a HUGE Dallas Cowboys fan and one of the podcasts that he listens to is doing a contest for the Cowboys 50th anniversary where they want fans to take pictures in their gear in front of a recognizable landmark from your state. It got me thinking...what is CT known for? These are a few things that come to mind when I think of CT but I'm not sure any of these will work. The beautiful fall folliage but thats not a landmark or a place
The beaches that I love! We are on the coast.

Gillette Castle which is very cool to see but not very well known.

We do have two large casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. I suppose that could be it.

Maybe Yale University? I think a lot of people would recognize that especially right next to a sign. I've got to think about this. Connecticut is a hard one. When I think of other states a landmark comes to mind immediately but not for my own state.

What do you think of when you think of Connecticut?

Heading back to Germany

My husband's Aunt or I should actually say Tante (which is the German translation) has been visiting for the past two months. She is in the stripes and it was so nice to have her here and we've spent quite some time together. There is a bit a a language barrier since she really does not speak English. This is her last weekend so will be going to say goodbye on Sunday. I would really love to make a trip to visit her but I'd need to bring one of hubby's family members as a translator. I really think that traveling is my biggest wish. I am really itching to go somewhere. I've never been out of the United States. I think my girls are almost ready. Next summer I know we'll be ready to go for it. I should start planning now.