We are having so much fun here in California. I am already bracing myself for the inevitable heartbreak that occurs when we leave but we are enjoying every second we have with our sweet family. Hazel has been beyond excited about being in California with Abuelita and her aunties, and baby cousin Jackson. Tonight she got to sleep with Abuelita in her bed, and was so very happy!

Love,
Mon

California Bound!

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Apple Picking

I <3 Fall! I love everything about it. I love saying goodbye to a long, hot, humidity ridden summer. I love the cool, crisp air. I love seeing leaves fall outside my window in all shades of autumn...reds, yellows, oranges, and browns. I love pumpkins and having apple cider at home while a nice, warm fire burns in our fireplace. I love sweaters and knitting scarves for all the people I love.  Seasons are quite lovely...they bring a sense of newness, and usher in a time of change, and I love it!  I love traditions; it makes me feel like a legit family! There is something about the start of Fall, and the traditions that we have come to know...such as apple picking.  So this past week we started off Fall with the Montgomery tradition of apple pickin'!!

We are blessed to live in an area that is smack in the middle of great farms. Joe had located an orchard that is located near our home with tons of different kinds of apples. It was a great time, and a perfect excuse for Hazel’s first “field trip” as a homeschooler!

Hazel was overjoyed to discover a ladybug in the apple she picked.

Hazel and some after-picking treats! Double fisting an ice-cream cone and a homemade apple cider donut!

Jade's funny face! Ahahahaha :)

Our beauties :)

Here is a picture that Hazel snapped!

Happy to get out there and make some awesome memories!

Love,

MON <3

"reading"

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Saturday Mornings

Hazel began a class at the YMCA. It is called SMATY (Saturday Mornings at the Y), and she was super stoked to go. What it is, is three hours of activities specifically dedicated to the interests of 4 year olds (for example when I picked her up, I found her dressed like a princess with three other girls clanking little princess high heels while jumping up and down). So, I dropped her off at 9 am, and Jade and I hung out. Of course Starbucks was involved because, well...hello...this is me your talking about. We had a great time! I love spending time with my little Jade Anise, even if she is pure trouble.

Love & God Bless you!!!

MON

Happy Tuesday

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Philadelphia Museum of Art

We had a great day walking through the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I believe we saw most, if not all, of the museum. We saw a lot of really beautiful art pieces as well as impressive architectural structures. It was fun, up until Jade demanded to be carried. Luckily it was at the very end of the day....little Jade Anise, as she is demanding to be called (not just Jade) did great!  Hazel had so much fun and insists upon bringing a pad and pen to draw on, as she observed a few people sketching in a gallery.  You know, Hazel is pretty cool! She really observed everything, asking questions and making her own assumptions about what she saw! 

This was when Jade decided she just could not walk anymore!

We even took a family picture!

Love,

Mon

somethin' special.

pretty flowers from Daddy's work.

Joe catered a wedding with his work last week and came home with these beautiful flowers. I put them in water and left them on the counter. The next morning as Hazel walked in the kitchen I heard her scream, "Ohhhhhhhhhh there is something REALLY special in the kitchen!"  She was in love with the flowers and sat and looked at them...for a long time, smelling them and yes even singing to them!!!

Me time.

Sneaking off to the gym is my little treat. When Joe is home, I sometimes take advantage of carelessly taking off, without munchkins + snacks, and just having ME time. This past Saturday, Joe was home and while he and Jade were engaged in an abnormally loooong and late nap I plotted my escape to have ME time at the gym. I noticed the time was ticking by until it closed; I would need to at least get there by 7 in order to get my workout in before they closed at 8. I decided to gently stir Joe, and let him know I would be leaving. I put on a movie for Hazel, and as she noticed me putting my running shoes on, she asked if she could go with me. Knowing that childcare was not available, I quickly said no. So I swiftly headed out the door....getting in the car and as I began to pull out of the driveway I couldn't get that sweet little Hazel face out of my head. I began to drive down my street until the guilt completely overcame me and I turned around for home. I quickly ran in the house, and asked Hazel if she wanted to go with me....to workout. She of course said, "YES!!"

So we headed to a nearby park that has a great mile long walking trail. I wouldn't have the luxury of the big screen TVs, or my machines, but I got a chance to hang out with my Hazel. We had a lot of fun. Walking, jogging, racing, stopping for a lot of water breaks, and most of all....Hazel doing her fashion poses for pictures!

Here are a few of Hazel's "model" poses.

And swinging like a monkey from a weeping willow branch.

And screaming "GOOOO Pirates!!!!!!!!!" from a big rock.

Love,
Mon :)