We started out October by going to a homeschool fieldtrip at Summer's Farm in Frederick, Maryland. There was corn maze, hayride, games, pumpkins, etc. It was so hot, Joe, Zofia and I went for a ride while Darren took Flo around with our homeschooling friends. Despite the heat, everyone had a great time.
On Saturday, the 6th, my mom stopped by in the morning to pick up Darren and Flo to take Flo to a children’s poetry workshop during the Sotto Voce Poetry Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. I had signed Flo up for this, thinking it would be a fun day, but the more we thought about toting three kids to the quaint little town for Flo’s hour long class, we decided my mom might enjoy tagging along instead. They had breakfast at the Blue Moon Cafe, where they serve a vegan breakfast on the weekends. Then they headed over to Four Seasons Books for Flo’s workshop. She learned about metaphors, similes, and other such poetic constructs. I’m not sure how much she retained, but she had a good time. There was a parade through the town afterwards, which she greatly enjoyed, as some of the participants were throwing candy out into the crowd. Flo amassed quite the collection, of which we negotiated down to a reasonable amount later on. And after their jaunt to Shepherdstown, they returned to meet me at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, where Joe had has weekly Saturday art class. He brought home a couple of creative projects and the teacher said he was very good. He was the only student in class this week, so he got a lot of attention, and seemed to enjoy himself.
Flo also had her first piano recital last week. She played “Hot Cross Buns” and “Highways” from her red book. I hardly ever hear her practice down in the basement, and don’t put a lot of effort into “nagging” her to do so. Therefore, I was surprised to hear how well she’s doing. Her advancement may be a bit slower at this pace, but I’m more impressed that she’s genuinely enjoying her music experience, rather than feeling it’s a chore.
Joe had his annual check-up with the cardiologist this month. Everything looked good, which is always a relief to hear. He’ll continue to have an annual check-up with the cardiologist and a stress test when he’s ten years old. The doctor also suggested we have his cholesterol tested at his annual check-up with the pediatrician.
Darren took Flo to our bi-weekly homeschooling co-op once this month, where she did crafts, took a drama class and worked on a science project about volcanoes. This co-op just started last month, and I think it’s going to be a great resource for us. Darren got a taste of what my day usually involves. For the earlier in the month meeting, my friend, Jessica, took Flo, so both times Joe got to spend some quiet time with me and the baby, rather than pestering his sister at the co-op.
On the 19th, we had the opportunity to drop Flo and Joe off at the local Little Gym for their monthly Parent’s Survival Night. It’s lovely. Three hours of solitude for only $30! Usually, Darren and I just catch up and talk or watch a movie. Darren wasn’t feeling too well that night, so we ended up just relaxing at home.
On the 20th, we went to a Samhain celebration with a local earth-centered spirituality group. The kids had a great time carving pumpkins and visiting with friends. Darren wasn’t feeling well, but managed to participate for awhile, and Zofia cooperated fully by being a happy baby.
Flo went to her friend, Kate’s, birthday party at Adventure Park USA, in New Market, MD. My mom graciously volunteered to take Flo, since I had my doctor’s appointment that morning. Then later in the month, our homeschooling buddies, Jayme and Alicia, had a birthday party at their house, so this month was full of birthday festivities.
We also had a major milestone this month. Joe learned to ride his bike without the training wheels! Darren just decided to take them off, and see how he could do. It didn’t take long and he was off. He’s quite impressed with himself. A little more practice, and I’ll probably have a hard time keeping up with him. He worries me a little bit, since he’s all boy and a total daredevil, but he’s still a stickler for safety and reminds everyone to wear their helmets!
October ended with temperatures finally falling, as just the week before Halloween we were feeling pretty hot!