September arrived on the calendar and before I knew it, October had nearly flown by and is now coming to an end. We've been busy, and we've been having lots of fun!
The first thing that amazed me this fall was the torrential downpour we had sometime after Labor Day that completely filled the arroyos near our house with deep, rushing water. Since we've lived here (11 years this month), I have NEVER seen the arroyo full of anything but maybe some stray leaves and a few naughty kids: naughty because everyone living in Albuquerque KNOWS not to play in the arroyos! It's dangerous they say. Well, for 11 years, I have wondered why it is so dangerous to play in an arroyo. Now I know. And, now I'm a believer. Chloe and I drove to Albertson's that day to stock up on our favorite food--ice cream. We heard a little thunder in the distance, so we vowed to make it a quick trip. By the time we arrived at the check-out counter, the wind was blowing 90 to nothing (my favorite Texas phrase that makes Kyle bust up laughing every time I say it), and the rain was coming down in sheets. About 10 minutes later, the whole storm was over, and we stayed completely dry walking to the car. Amazing. As we drove home, we saw lots of people stopping and jumping out of their cars to view the arroyo, so we did the same. All I can say is, "WOW!", and "Trust me, don't play in an arroyo---ever."
Well, the air finally dried up like the desert we live in, and AHSA tennis began! Chloe played on the green ball team this year and had a blast! This is her smiling face after her first singles match victory.
A blog post would not be complete without mentioning that Allison is still bringing home the treats. We are inundated with them--kind of like the water in the arroyo. Overflowing.
Hard to believe, but Chloe did not remember Balloon Fiesta. So in keeping with my vow to catch her up on everything she has missed out on by being the baby of the family, we went. Why we chose to go on the last Saturday of the Fiesta, and then not leave until 6 A.M. is beyond me, but we did. Kyle missed this mass ascension because we couldn't get all of the way to the park due to overcrowding and no available parking. So, the passengers in our van got out and walked the remaining three miles to see these wonderful balloons while Kyle drove around close by and watched from a different perspective. We were tired, and my legs were sore for a week afterwards, but what a sight to behold. Fall in ABQ---nothing quite like it.
After we rested a little from our adventure with the hot air balloons, we drove to UNM so that Aunt Debbie could take Abby's senior pictures. I'm still in shock that this is happening again--graduating another child. Sigh.
We have been doing school in the midst of all the fun. The big kids are reading The Scarlet Letter and Frankenstein. The middle kids are reading all about King Arthur, and I'm learning to trust God while trying to wade through David Copperfield in my spare time (Spare time? What spare time? So, yes, the reading is slow.) Our favorite book out of the mix below is Shadow Spinner--intriguing, mysterious, legendary, and perfect for grade six.
More books for grade six. We are learning much about Persian literature (and other various historical people and events) by reading picture books! What a great and simple way to learn.
Tennis has come to end. What a great group of kids! Grant and his friend Toby graciously coached the green ball team when Coach Jay wasn't available. This match got rained out, so we took the opportunity to grab a quick team picture.
After the tournament this weekend, we were able to squeeze in a little time to celebrate tall boy's 15th birthday. Grant has hit 6' 1"--just for the record. And his tennis kids helped him celebrate by singing "Happy Birthday" and pelting him with tennis balls. It's tradition.
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| And he still likes this cake. Favorite chocolate bundt cake we call it. |
Happy birthday, Grant!!! We love you and pray you have a fabulous year.
Happy fall everyone!
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