tales from a far-land

Most Tuesdays, we spend the evening with several other families from preschool at Moon Valley Park. We have a picnic dinner and watch the kids as they play all over the playground.    It has become a family favorite.  Many of the kids have started to bring their bikes and scooters to ride while at the park.  Well, a couple of weeks ago, one of the older kids brought their two wheel bike without training wheels. Aiden had been eyeing it all evening since he didn't have his bike and wanted to give it a try.  So, he gave it a whirl.  After only minimal coaching from me and a couple of falls, Aiden was riding a two wheel bike without training wheels for the first time.  We were shocked how fast he learned how to ride it.  He made it look so easy.  Most kids, on average, do not learn how to ride a two wheel bike until age five. Aiden only turned three in August!  Madilyn isn't even close to riding a two wheeler without training wheels and she turns five in February.  We are so

Two weeks ago, Aiden enjoyed his last fall season soccer game and it was one of his best games yet. I think he was finally getting a clearer idea of the game and had decided to just jump right into all of the action.  Previously in the season Aiden would get frustrated that all of the older and bigger kids were not sharing the ball with him or pushing him down, literally, however, in his last couple of games, he started to fight his way into the bunch so that he could kick the ball too.  What a fun transformation to watch! After the game, the kids received their trophies.  Aiden loved his and was so proud to show it to everyone.  We are looking forward to watching Aiden play soccer in many more seasons to come. Mr. Soccer Coach Jordan, James, Aiden and Cami Aiden kicking the ball Running after the ball Trophy Time Aiden receiving his trophy Admiring his prize The Stingrays Our Little Soccer Player

Growing up kids have the strangest likes and dislikes.  And once it is in their head that they dislike something there is no changing their mind.  As children, we all did this.  I know there were certain foods that I wouldn't eat just because of the texture or color.  Luckily, most of these dislike lessen as we grow older. I can recall growing up that my sister *detested* buttons on her clothes.  She wouldn't even wear a single piece of clothing if it had a button on it.  It became a huge challenge for my mom.  I remember watching her open Christmas gifts and if one of the garments had even a single button on it, she would eye it with disgust and quickly toss it to the side with two fingers as if this item were going to give her cooties.  I laughed at her then.  I guess I shouldn't have because I may have a mini-Lynsey on my hands.  Dang karma.   Aiden has decided that he no longer likes buttons.  Well, let me rephrase that, he doesn't like buttons on his shirts.

Halloween is a *BIG* holiday for the Farrell-Landers.  Not only is it a fun night to dress up in costumes while also "Trick or Treating" for candy, but it is also my birthday.  What a fun day all around! Since Halloween landed on a Friday this year, the kids had preschool and the adults worked, but we picked them up early and headed over to Moon Valley Country Club to enjoy some adult beverages and snacks before "Trick or Treating".  After "Trick or Treating", we headed back to the house to consume candy, more adult beverages and a little birthday cake.  I could not have asked for a more wonderful Halloween and birthday.  I am so lucky to have spent this fun holiday with all of my favorite friends and family. Happy Halloween! Ariel the Little Mermaid with Ursula the Sea Witch Superman with Lex Luthor Superman & Ariel The Nemesi My Bumble Bee Plant The BGA Girls Madilyn and Brooke Trick or Treating Christy, Me