Halloween 2015

 Trick or Treating was a success!!!  I was pretty convinced that Declan wouldn't put the costume on but he did and he LOVED it!  Go figure!!!

Halloween at School

 The kids had their Halloween parade at school today.  It was a beautiful day - just perfect for marching around outside in costumes!!  Everyone looked adorable and had a great day!!

Fall Leaves

There is a tree in our neighborhood that turns the most amazing shades of yellow and red.  It rained today and it was the perfect opportunity to grab some photos!!

Declan's Failed Halloween

 Declan has a love-hate relationship with school.  He loves it while he's in school and he hates it when he's not in school.  When we drive by his school on non-school days, he freaks out a bit and tells me he can't go to school.  When we try to LEAVE school, all he wants to do is stay and play with his friends on the playground.  It's a bit frustrating and I'm not quite sure how to help the situation other than continuing to just go to school and deal with it!

Today was Declan's Halloween celebration at school.  Aidan, Emmy and Aoife all loved dressing up in costumes - and frankly, still do!  Declan really doesn't like it. I'm not sure what it is about dressing up that he dislikes but as you can tell from the pictures, he refused to wear his firefighter costume and only wore the hat - and was not happy about even that much.  He through an absolute fit when I tried to even put the jacket on him and when I turned around all of the other children were dressed in their costumes and seated at the table. Every single pair of eyes - kids, teacher and parents - were on Declan and me.  So he ate snack in a batman shirt and firefighter hat.  After snack, the class walked through the school in their costumes - all except Declan - who did not even care to entertain that idea and took the opportunity to get his bag and coat and run for the front door.  So we left - more like slunk out the back - avoiding the more critical stares.  Because really - what kid hates Halloween???  Yup - Declan - just goes through life not giving a flip about what anyone else thinks...

Saying grace before snack - notice the swollen eyes and delighted expression

 Making the sign of the cross - kind of

 Snack time!

The happiest expression all day and the only time he made eye contact - let's hope actual Halloween goes a little better!!

Field Hockey

Emmy has gotten so much better at field hockey in the past few months!  It's so much fun to watch her learn and improve.  She works so hard and it really pays off.  I love watching her!!

Arlington Admirals vs. Alexandria

 Today's loss was a tough one.  12-8 and lots of questionable calls including bringing our winning touchdown with a minute left back to the 1/2 inch line on 4th down.  It was a terribly sad way to lose but the boys are hungry for a win - hopefully our last game next week will be a winner!!!

 Emmy found a yellow butterfly (upper right corner) to follow around for a while!

 cutest water girl!!!