Halloween - 2013

Mia and Sophie got a jump on Halloween with a little trick or treating at a neighborhood event.

On Halloween, there was a parade at school. The kids walked over to the senior center next door, paraded through and sang songs for the residents.

 Zoe's class paraded later in the afternoon, and then had a party in the class with crafts and snacks. We made ghost lollipops and spiderwebs with spiders in them.

That night, there was one more parade around our neighborhood and then trick or treating.

The haul they bring home now is unbelievable. Sophie couldn't carry her own bag by the end of the night. One of our neighbors coordinates a program called T4OT (Treats for our Troops) which collects extra candy after Halloween to send to troops overseas. The kids sort their candy and decide what they want to drop off at Ashlawn for T4OT and what they want to keep. I think the sorting part for them is nearly as much fun as trick or treating.

Ashlawn Walkathon for A-SPAN

Every year, Ashlawn fundraises for A-SPAN (Arlington Street People's Assistance Network) by collecting change all week and then sponsoring a walkathon at the end of the week. 

Mia is in the front in the green jacket holding up a sign. Sophie is in the middle with the brown jacket and pink skirt.

The older kids do a longer walk later in the day. Zoe is in the crowd somewhere in there.

Marine Corp Fun Run

As soon as the Marine Corp Family Fun Run was announced at school, Mia was 100% ready to sign up. She was totally gung-ho. Zoe was more on the fence until she realized how many of her friends were running and then she was eager to sign up too. We did a couple practice mile runs with friends, and then the day arrived. 

It was exciting to be there with all the tents set up with kids activities and snacks, characters walking around, music, and people. As the time drew near, the kids wanted reassurance that it was just a fun run and not a race. It helped to have lots of friends there too.

 

They headed into the runners area (no parents allowed), and when their wave was called, they were off. Mia and Zoe ran nearly the whole mile holding hands. 

While the kids were running, there was plenty to keep Sophie entertained. She kept searching out the different characters and trying to engage them in conversation.

When it was over, and they got a bag of snacks, a t-shirt, and a medal, they were so proud and happy.

Burke Nursery

Although I think our family is starting to 'age out' of this pumpkin patch, we had a good time this year. It was muddy which made it all the more fun for you.

Mia - Consecration

Mia, we celebrated your consecration at Temple Rodef Shalom at the service for all Kindergartner's starting Hebrew school, their introduction to Jewish learning.

You were very excited to sing songs and get a mini torah.