Marathon Day

We headed down the road today to cheer on all of our friends running in the local marathon. It's such a fun event because you can either run a whole, a half or a relay to complete the marathon. Most of the people we know ran the relay race! We saw so many people we knew which made watching and cheering that much better! This year was the largest participation ever because of the relay team popularity. The relay teams consist of 5 members each running a specified mileage so, just about anyone can do this! Maybe I can get a team together next year? It was raining a little bit but, worth standing in the rain to cheer our friends on!

Waiting in the rain...the umbrella was much more interesting than the race for Dawson!

Still playing with the umbrella.

My friend Laura...we almost missed her running past us...she was soooo fast!

Some how we found another umbrella! Now there are TWO to climb on! Congrats to all my friends that made it to the end! What a great accomplishment!

Night Preschool

Last night was our first night of preschool. We have signed up for a one time a week night preschool. You can't believe what a great opportunity this is for both, Dawson and I. First of all, this program is so popular, I put Dawson on the waiting list the month I got her referral. It's been over 2 years and we are finally in! Isn't that crazy? It was just perfect for the two of us. We had free exploratory time, a snack, a story, a song, a poem, an art project and a few minutes on the playground. The class is parent child and there are only 8 children in the class. We both loved it! We were a little early so I snuck in a few pictures of the room. I really think more places should offer classes at night......

Here are the snack/art tables...

Here is a view of the rug, sand/lego/water table and the kitchen. You can barely see Dawson!

Happy Guatemala Independence Day

Today is a very important holiday in Guatemala. On September 15, 1821, Guatemala gained its independence from Spain. Independence Day is a national holiday and the celebrations are extensive. In the days preceding Independence Day, schools and buses are decorated with patriotic motifs in celebration. In Antigua, bands, consisting of drums and xylophones, march around the Central Park. Traditionally the army of Guatemala celebrates with a protocol act and air acrobatics, usually for the audience of the President. As the day comes to a close children and adults can be seen waving small plastic Guatemalan flags in the streets and the stores are decked out in Blue and White decorations. Parades are everywhere!

I am trying to keep some Guatemalan traditions in Dawson's life so we decided to do a few on this day. We made a Guatemalan snack, took a few pictures and souvenirs to daycare, and got out our Flag. I also printed out a picture of the Guatemalan flag for her day care friends and her to color. Lynn shared this Guatemalan Chocolate Eclair recipe with me. It consisted of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, cool whip and strawberries. It was a hit with Dawson and a few others at daycare!

A Walk to the Waterfall

We took advantage of the beautiful day and headed out to for a Fall walk. Dawson and I are so fortunate to live in an area which is surrounded by National Parks. The hike we chose consisted of a boardwalk along with many, many, steep steps which led us to a gorgeous waterfall. As you can see from the pictures, Dawson just stared at the waterfall and enjoyed the moment. She did not want to leave. Believe it or not, she walked the whole way, including the numerous amount of steps. In fact, on our way back, she decided to walk BACKWARDS up the steps. It took us a while, but she did it!

The long boardwalk!

Here is where we had to stop and touch the rock.

Dawson was very interested in the rock texture.

Just a few of the many steps we went up BACKWARDS!

Peeking over the railing.

The Beautiful FALLS!

Just hanging out, looking at the waterfall.

We finished off the day by stopping at a local farm market to get some ice cream. Mmmm....good!

Napping...

I decided to get out a few Halloween decorations today. I came across a pumpkin pillow I had bought for Dawson last year. When it was nap time, Dawson wanted to take the pillow and her blanket with her to bed. That was fine with me. When I went in to check on her, she had gotten out of her bed, into a toy basket, found some Minnie ears and put them on. I guess she's having some sweet dreams about her summer trip to Disney and the upcoming Halloween season!

Soccer Game

Nothing like a beautiful day for a High School soccer game! We couldn't ask for better weather this month of September. My two nephews both play high school soccer so we decided to head out and see them before the weather gets too cold for us. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE snow and outdoor activities but, I hate just standing around in the cold! We packed a bag and our lunchbox and headed out. I enjoyed watching the boys while Dawson ran around on the bleachers seeing what kind of noise she could make by running up and down the metal steps. Every once in awhile she would catch a glimpse of the game and call out her cousins names. After the J.V. game she got to see both of the boys...she really likes them!

Dawson caught a glimpse of our shadows today. She kept saying "look mommy, I see you and me." It was so cute!

Here she is drinking her OJ and catching a glimpse of the game.

Time for a half time snack!

Fashion Friday

Friday morning we were off and running to get to the babysitters first thing in the morning. I wanted to share Dawson's wonderful sense of style these days.

Here she is walking down the cement driveway runway ......

- carrying her beautiful, new, plush pumpkin (just got for trick or treat)

- her pumpkin is graciously filled with her plush "Rella" blanket.

- on her wrist she wears her fashionable pink lizard bracelet.

What a style this girl has!