Trip to MA

We drove up to Massachusetts for Don's grandfathers funeral. I'm glad we did it but it was a beast of a journey (think 12 hours in a car with a 6 year old, 4 year old and 8 month old). They were champs and we made it there without stopping for the night (granted we got in at 4:30am). We got to see lots of family and most of the family met Kenzie for the first time. It was a good time and the kids now desperately want their cousin Kaylie to move down to NC so they can see her everyday. Hopefully next time we visit it will be under happier circumstances and in warmer weather! 

Massachusetts Memorial Service

We are heading to Massachusetts later in the week for Don's grandfather's memorial service. It is a sad occasion but I am glad that the family is all coming together. 

Richard F. Mason, 87, of Denfield Rd., died Thursday, Nov. 13th, in the Southbridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Southbridge, after an illness.
His wife of 58 years, Carol J. (Penniman) Mason died in April. He leaves three sons, Richard F. Mason and his wife Susan of Iowa City, Iowa, Robert C. Mason and his wife Nora of Los Alamos, NM and Donald P. Mason and his wife Patricia of Charlton; his daughter, Jean E. McGee and her husband Donald also of Charlton; 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a great-granddaughter, Cecelia Kogan in 2013. He was born in Worcester, MA the son of Frank and Irene (Wentworth) Mason.
Richard served honorably in the United States Navy during WW II. He worked as an auto mechanic and truck driver following his service in the Navy. He later became a police officer working for the town of Webster for 30 years before retiring many years ago. Richard was a member of the Quinebaug Masonic Lodge in Southbridge, MA for 31 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycles and working with his boys in his garage teaching them how to repair and service their vehicles.

His memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov 21st at 10:00am in the First Congregational Church of Dudley, 135 Center Rd., Dudley. Burial with military honors will be in West Ridge Cemetery, Charlton. There are no calling hours.

Audrey's Class- Students as Teachers

Audrey had a special evening in her class on Tuesday. The children invited the parents to be the students and they were the teachers. In a Montessori classroom most of the learning is divided among a lot of different centers which are all neatly organized throughout the classroom, kids have freedom to pick what they are interested in with only a little guidance from the teachers to ensure that all subjects are getting touched upon. The parent night was set up much the same- the kids got to choose the activities in the classroom that most interested them and then they taught their parents how to do them. Audrey was in heaven- she got to show off her skills and have my full attention. She picked addition, beginning sounds, reading, writing and painting. We had a great time and it was a great insight into what she does in school everyday. I also discovered that she can read, she pulled out a book (which surprised both her teacher and I) and could actually read some of it!

Day Trip to the Mountains

My parents bought some property in the mountains and wanted me to check it out to figure out where things should be built. My dad, Audrey and I set out for our daylong adventure. We first hung out on the land hiking and figuring out where things go. Then we stopped on our way home in Winston Salem where we visited Old Salem and ate BBQ. It was a nice being able to spend some time with just Audrey- now I need to figure out a special day for Ryan. 

New Camera

I got a new camera! I still have no idea how to use it... it's so complicated there is actually a DVD to show you how to use it... so before changing any settings or doing anything else I had to try it out. Hopefully I will get some time to learn the skills, I think I am on my way to taking better pictures!

Happy Halloween From the Family!

Audrey's Halloween Class Party/ Parade

Audrey's school had a Halloween party/ parade this morning. The kids liked showing off their costumes and getting to spend some time showing their classroom to the parents. 

Ryan's Halloween Class Party

Ryan's class had a Halloween party today, they all had a great time hanging out and showing off their costumes!

Halloween Party/ Trick or Treating

We went to the Herron's annual Halloween party and then went trick or treating in their neighborhood. It was a lot of fun, especially for the kids who were sugar fueled and crazy! good times had by all! 

Audrey's Many Costumes

Audrey dressed up as something new each time she dressed up for Halloween. First was Elsa, then for her class part it was Anna (Same movie different sister), and then for trick or treating she was a unicorn and then by the end of the night she was a unicorn owl. 

Pumpkin Carving

All three kids got into pumpkin carving this year. They all cleaned out the seeds (and slime). Ryan and Audrey painted the pumpkin and then both of them had a turn with the drill to make holes for the arms and head of the star wars characters- one side of the pumpkin is the good side (Yoda) and the other is the bad side (Darth Vader). 

8 Months Old