Another Week Down

Well September keeps right on rolling along and our little morning routines are getting somewhat easier to handle. Making breakfast and lunch simultaneously is not too hard and most days, we're even ahead of the game getting out of the house without that terrible rushed feeling we ended the year on. It also probably helps that the bus is averaging about 5 minutes later this year for the pick up. So yeah, so far, so good. Except for the morning I dropped a knife into my foot. But luckily it wasn't the same day I took this photo. No, that was just a colorful morning I wanted to remember. Then there was the Curriculum Night at AOC that meant I had to jump between classrooms for the first time ever. Fortunately, AOC runs two segments for parents in this situation, so I started the evening in Carolina's classroom hearing all about her K class and then scooted down the hall to Elisa's 3rd grade room for a brief intro to her teacher and her year ahead. It was fun to read her story on the wall and to see how much effort they all put into their art work. Another year beginning and moving right along. 

By the end of the week, we were ready to celebrate the entrance of fall with the Queens County farm fair. After years of hit or miss attendance, I was really hoping to make it back again. Last year we went with Jose and Irene and Carmen which was a bit more complicated, but still lots of fun to watch the kids together.  This year, however, the only time we could make the fair was after a photo shoot I had on Saturday morning, so we ended up going it alone which was also just fine. Nacho also had to work later that night, so it really wasn't going to be a leisurely stroll through the farm. No, in fact, we had the activities down to a science and managed to hit it all (minus the pony rides which were on pause) within 2.5 hours--a new record! And this year, I made sure to start with the beer and sausages before moving on to the carnival rides. So we were all happy and the sweetness of the funnel cake was the crowning achievement. The next day with Nacho gone, we had not one, not two, but THREE birthday parties in and around the neighborhood to attend. It was a full day of celebrating and yes, eating too much pizza. So Elisa was thrilled to see shredded beef sliders at Maya's Super Hero party. Ha. She really did love them. And Carolina got to see lots of her friends at Aya and Crosby's parties before tagging along as the little sis and BFF at Maya/Kira's Crossfit party. And I have to admit, I enjoyed socializing while the kids ran wild. It's so nice to have a social circle that involves kids and parents we all like. It's hard to imagine many of these friendships go back 8 years already. So yeah, this month has been a busy one so far and if this amount of fun keeps up, I think I'm going to need a long week off. Oh right, beach week is coming!

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September Steams Ahead

September is that month of transition that always confuses me a bit. With school back in session, I get more time to myself which is so sorely needed after a pretty busy summer at home with these girls. But it also takes some getting used to, as if I don't deserve it or they might just pop home unexpectedly that first week to test me.  Every day I have a world of possibilities and it can often feel like I'm squandering it on doing chores and getting my house back in order. But oh the house needs some order! Coming home from vacation in August I tried to remind myself I would be able to clean up and purge some of the clutter soon enough. Now I've got to make that actually happen.  I've also made a few small outings in the city--to the Diane Arbus exhibit at the Met Breuer, lunch at the new cafe Dawa's in Woodside, and to the Rockaways for one last beach day with frozen sangria--which helps me clear my head in a way that only time wandering can do. I feel like me again. And yes, it feels like fall is just around the corner, but with temperatures well into the 80s, it acts more like summer. Oh summer. I never appreciate you more than when you're gone. 

Momos from Dawa's did not disappoint

Ballet class has started again and Carolina is so thrilled to be with her besties

Nacho body surfing on our last trip to the Rockaways

Finally made it to 10 Below in Flushing for some rolled ice cream treats!

Elisa requested dumplings before we left Flushing so Nacho hooked her up

Papa's present from the Netherlands: wooden shoe magnets

Flicks in the Garden was a hit...even if they didn't watch the cartoons for more than 5 min

Having a trickling of work to keep me busy has also been a blessing. It feels like I was juggling things all summer with these girls home a lot, but now I'm able to jump in and enjoy my photo work. Having these quiet mornings to get situated and let myself ruminate on all that's going on in our lives is a real gift. And I know that. I know it also comes at a price--largely financial--and more and more, I find myself happy to pay it. We may not have a down payment saved or huge savings in the bank. But we have this life. This time together and this time to ourselves. And for me, that is really what I need and want. I don't know it it's just all this time to think, but I really love the fresh start September provides. And I'm happy to embrace the new routines. Life has taken yet another shape and it's one I can appreciate for exactly what it is. 

Bus Stop Beginnings

A little over a week into this new school year and today the bus route started again. The pick up and drop off times are basically the same, and we know from past experience that there will be some hiccups along the way. But seeing these girls go together on it for the first time was pretty amazing. Carolina wanted to be the head of the line and no one fought her on it. Good job, kiddo. Elisa also wanted her sister to sit next to her but that was a bit more tricky. I think Carolina was trying to stake out her own territory and possibly sit with a friend. But in the end, she gave in and agreed to ride this first morning with big sister. And then they were off.  Just. Like. That. 

On the mend

Nacho landed on Sunday morning just in time to make it home and nap til 1pm while the girls got up and showered. Washing the sick off was a really just symbolic since they'd been feeling better (and acting worse--a sure sign of health) since Saturday afternoon. So we decided to head into the city by bus and enjoy a lazy afternoon walking through Central Park. Normally on long weekends like this the city is kind of dead and I enjoy the emptiness it allows. But not this year. I don't know if the threat of a tropical storm (former Hurricane Hermine) that got everyone out to enjoy this exceptionally nice day or what, but there were tons of people out and about in the park. We made our way over to the boat pond, past the fountain and up to check out the roller skaters nearby. Then the girls wanted to ride the carousel and we made our exit from the park and headed towards the west side. We stopped for dinner at a Turkish restaurant and the girls appetites were clearly back. It was a nice change of pace to be out of the house after 2 days of doing nothing. 

Then Sunday we had German's 5th birthday party to celebrate at Sunnyside Gardens Park. Nacho was up and out the door before sunrise so he missed the whole affair. But Joan and Jose still braved making a paella without him and the results were outstanding. Each time its been a hand wringing affair and this was no different but they really outdid themselves. Olé! Bravo! After pizza and paella, it was time for the cake and the kids more than know the drill by now. There was lots of clamoring for position and the birthday boy snuck a few early licks off the cake of the bright blue frosting. And then it was time to sing in both English and Spanish. That's birthday heaven--blowing out the candles twice. So there you have it. Five has arrived. And I think it looks mighty sweet.