Routine

We're in our fourth week of school here and I'm finally feeling like we're getting into a routine.  It's true that I still couldn't find a better time to blog than at 10:30 at night, but still, things seem less hectic than they did a few weeks ago.  Here's what we've been up to:

We spent Labor Day in Teton National Park hiking, picnicking, skipping little rocks and climbing on big rocks, water-bending, and enjoying the beauty of nature.  Our only complaint was having to get back to real life the next day.

A 3+ mile hike satisfies some Webelos requirements!

Gordon practicing his water-bending skills

Since school is back in session, the boys no longer have the luxury of staying up past a certain time every night.  It doesn't really seem fair to send all three boys to bed at the same time, though, so usually we've just let Tom stay up and read in his room for a while before he has to turn out the lights.  For the last several nights, though, Tom has been going into his room at the same time as the other kids, waiting a few minutes, then sneaking back downstairs to play a game with Chris.  They usually play Mastermind-- it's quick and fun and they can get several games in before I send anyone back upstairs.  It has been fun to see these two enjoy some one-on-one bonding time.

Gordon is playing soccer and had his first game last week.  He loves it, of course, and has been negotiating his reward for if/when he scores a goal.  So far, we've agreed that we'll go out for ice cream after the game. 

It seems a little bit cruel to post a picture of us in all of our red gear after such a painful game (painful even for the winners) on Saturday, but I would be remiss if I didn't share that football season is alive and well in the Hansen home.  Chris had the boys singing "Utah Man" and marching around in their matching shirts all day long.  Little goobers.

I need to update my book list with some books I've read over the past little bit.  My favorite of those has been The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma.  Additionally, Gordon and I have been reading books from the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems and they are just plain awesome.  Five stars, thumbs up, and huge recommendations from me-- if you have an early reader, they are a must.