Well!

The kids are well! No more runny noses and waking all hours of the night! Yippie!!! Jemma still has a little lingering cough, but it is much, much better. Here is Jim reading a bedtime story to Jemma last night. We read her 2 books every night, and we never know what she is going to choose to read!

Jim left for training in Key West this morning. Jemma had a few moments of acting out. She put her hands in her cereal and bit me on the shoulder (which she was in major trouble for), but now she is back to her "normal" little self. Jemma took this picture of her Daddy:James was crawling around while I made lunch today, which is not unusual. I looked over and he had opened the stove drawer... Jemma never opened that drawer. Oh, how different kids can be! And he has a fascination with electrical outlets... thank goodness for outlet covers!

We went to a Halloween party this afternoon and Jemma had a pretzel stick dipped in chocolate and covered with sparkly sprinkles. She sat and enjoyed every sprinkly chocolate bit... then gave me the pretzel portion that had no chocolate. Is she my daughter, or what?!? Upon arrival home, she shouted "It's Mya" and ran to greet our neighbor... it was like they had not seen each other in years! They played outside for over 3 hours until I made Jemma come inside for dinner, bath, and bed. I made Jemma dinner (an entire plate of spaghetti, grapes, strawberries, and cheese) before I went to put James in bed. When I came back downstairs, Jemma said "Mommy I want more, please." "More what?" I asked. She wanted more of everything... her plate was completely empty. I checked the trash just to be sure, but she had indeed ate everything. So I refilled it, and she ate everything again. Now they are both sleeping.

My parents arrived and I am sure they will have fun with the kids in the morning.

Wednesday

My wonderful husband sent me for a massage. It was so relaxing! Then, I returned home briefly to shower and change and go to a spouses' meeting. He fed the kids, they played, and he put them to bed. It was an afternoon and evening off for me! Ken arrived late for the brothers' trip to VT for the BC game.

Thursday

Jim and Ken went to VT for the football game. Here is Uncle Ken with the kids in the morning. He tried to explain to Jemma what "re-racking" meant, but she was not interested in going back to bed... she wakes going 100 mph and expects everyone else to keep up! James has learned to clap. It is so funny to watch him respond to your clapping or to clap when you say "Yeah James!" He is generally such a happy, happy little guy! It rained and Jemma was extremely happy to play in the puddles! Can you tell that she dressed herself? Jemma's friend, Derek, came to play on Thursday. James wanted to play with them both so, so much!

It was a sad night for the Hokies. Our football team did so well until the final moments. Hopefully, next year...

Friday

The Fall Festival party at Jemma's school was partially cancelled due to rain. They still had a small party in the classroom, but the costume parade and hayride were cancelled. Jemma still had a great time. Here she is singing "Gray squirrel, swish your bushy tail..."Daddy returned home from Blacksburg and we had a wonderful night with the kids. Here is James pushing up and exploring...We shared the video from the school party with Daddy. Then Jemma and Daddy danced and played as only a daddy and daughter can... "swing me again daddy, upside down, higher"... I've learned to just stand back and let them have fun! I love the laughter and squeals of delight!! :)