Los Aldama

So, tonight we layed carpet in our living room- YEAHHH!!! The much-needed final touch to make this little student apartment feel like our home. I wore Dan down and he finally granted my wish- the existing carpet in this place leaves much to be desired and with a soon-to-be crawler and a little girl who loves to do handstands and forward rolls, we felt like it was a good investment. Happy to announce that this apartment is starting to feel like home. I have worked really hard to make this place comfortable. It is a 3 year venture- might as well enjoy our space. This student-life is a kick! Tomorrow is preschool again at our house. (Not sure how I ended up with a week so close to my last one, but Noelle is really excited) Corom is cutting his first tooth this week and is a trooper- you can tell he doesn't feel well but is for the most part, pleasant. Callie and Brian and flying into Salt Lake in route to South Africa and have a layover on Thursday- can't wait to see my sister. We are getting excited for the holidays- it is fast approaching. Our love to all of our family and friends. I love reading the blogs and staying connected!

We have a group with 10 children ranging from 2 years to 4 years in age and do a co-op preschool every week. We have divided the month so that we each have a partner teacher and host preschool once a month. It is heaven on the off-weeks and a little crazy on the on-weeks. This last week was my week to host along with my fabulous neighbor Calisa. Our letter for the week was "H".

On Tuesday, the children had to harvest produce from the courtyard in order to earn money for their snack. (Things that Calisa has strategically placed) They picked apples from the tree, dug for carrots in the dirt, harvested potatoes from the sandbox and picked nuts from the ground. They were then able to exchange their goods in for pennies to buy their snacks. It was darling- nothing like a good hands-on activity to capture their attention and to teach a concept.

On Thursday, we had a Halloween party complete with playdough, snacks, crafts, stories and songs. The kids got to create their own costumes for a Halloween parade around the courtyard and we had a pinata full of goodies- I didn't really get any pictures of this day, but it was fun-fun-fun!

In saying that it was a marathon week, I mean it in many ways. As a family, we have been totally wiped out. (all of us sick with the flu and then me with a cold and Dan knee-deep in school) We had planned a busy week of activities for the kids and despite feeling yucky, couldn't help but stick to our commitments. (Too many fun things to do) In addition, we are all feeling a little mixed up with the time change. Dan went to bed at 7:00 tonight and the kids probably could have as well. (I kept them up, so they won't wake up at a rediculous time in the morning) Noelle had a blast with Halloween and is glad to check it off her list of holidays to get through before her birthday and Christmas. (Though we look forward to the November visits from Nana and Papa and all of the Shirleys/Hills/Hernandezes) Hope you all had a Happy Halloween- Thanksgiving here we come. (CRAZY-huh?)