Where Did September Go?

As I look at my past blog entries I realize that the first month of school is history! We did so much too! The girls started 5th and 2nd grade. They've begun piano lessons. They're back to regular girl scout meetings - and Taylor's troop is planning to go to San Francisco in May to bridge from Juniors to Cadette's! We're also deeply into soccer. Taylor has found her niche as the star center defender and Sammie cannot make up her mind what her favorite positions is... but who can blame her? She's a powerhouse no-matter where her coach puts her! And I'm her coach!

Since October is now 1/2 way finished, I'm trying to stop and look around. Take in the sights and sounds of fall in Southern California. Yes... we do get a change of season around here. The ivy on our back wall fence changes beautiful shades of brown and red before it gently dies and becomes part of the gardeners' problem. And, the hot winds have arrived which means the "fire bugs" are now out and wreaking havoc in SoCal too. We're praying our friends in Simi Valley won't have it too bad this year, although there is currently a fire too close to them.

Whispers of Halloween events are filling the air, candy is creeping into the house, pumpkins and skeletons are adorning the lawns of many neighbors. We've even been "boo'd". This means a neighbor secretly stashed candy in a bag and ditched it on our door for the girls. When we received it, we posted the required "BOO" flier on our window and promptly "boo'd" three additional neighbors to spread the chear. The girls loved filling the BOO bags and then giving them out. They "ding-dong-ditched" three neighbors and waited for them to come out and retrieve the surprise on the door. Where did they learn this term? I don't know... hmmm.... motherly moment to ponder...