Our Family Blog: November 2016 Recap

And just like that it's the middle of December!

In case you were wondering what happened, illness hit here. Matt had a stomach bug and then came down with a cold the week before last, then I got the stomach bug and Andy got the cold last week, and now Jon has the stomach bug. We can't complain too much because all in all we have been lucky with illnesses this past year. But this latest round has put me a little behind in things.

Anyway, before I get to photos, I have a major announcement: Matt was no longer in diapers as of November 10th, and as of December 2nd he is wearing big boy underwear. We've hit a bit of a rough patch this week, but hopefully it's just a little bump in the potty training road.

And now to the long delayed November post!

November weather still brought days suitable for outdoor activities. One of the activities where we lucked out was Matt's soccer, which wasn't canceled once for the weather. Matt enjoyed soccer and actually showed some improvement over his five weeks, although it has to be said he started without a lot of background knowledge. Matt seemed to enjoy his soccer experience and has shown interest in playing soccer again.

Soccer among the colorful fall leaves

Demonstrating his improving technique

We also spent some time on the playground with friends.

Down the slide

Up on a rock for a better view

And of course we spent time in the yard as we were able.

In the sandbox with trucks, of course

Swinging, dressed as a construction worker

We spent a good amount of time at the library between story times for both boys and special programs.

Listening at the toddler storytime

Listening at the fall STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program

Coloring a fall scene

Building with cranberries and toothpicks

Watching a baking soda and vinegar "volcano" in an apple

Watching popcorn

Shaking the "shaky egg" at the baby storytime

More coloring

Matt also finished up the fall round of his mini athletes sports class and started a new round of that plus a gymnastics class. Now that he is three years old, I don't have to participate, but I still get to stay there to keep an eye on him. Matt is still adjusting to not being the center of all attention and tends to get distracted by other kids in the class, especially brothers or cousins.

Kickball week

Demonstrating his improved balance

Army crawling over the obstacle course

Lining up the ducks in a row

Receiving his certificate and trophy

His certificate

First week of session 2 - soccer

One interesting thing we did was a follow up to a study Matt did when he was a baby. One part of the story involved an EEG with its funny cap, which Matt wasn't too sure about.

Matt wearing the EEG cap

Here are the two photos from Matt's two times participating in the study. He has grown up a bit in the past 2+ years!

We also took a trip to the children's museum on Thanksgiving weekend (which is probably where Matt picked up the stomach bug). Believe it or not, it was fairly quiet on Black Friday morning.