A tree lighting before Advent- why not?

 We went with our neighbors, the Gaskills, to Birkdale Village just in time for a lovely tree lighting. 

They had fake snow blowers-very fun for the kids.

This is Ellison Gaskill, our next door neighbor.

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Josh Gaskill and Robert.

love this smile

 

weekend without dad

Rob has been out of town so I tried to provide lots of fun things to do this weekend.  Burlington kids,"what was your favorite thing we did this weekend?"

RCBIII-  "My favorite thing was the library." 
I took them to get their new cards at our beautiful and very nearby library:  North County Regional.  Our new library has an app.  I downloaded it before we even moved thanks to my library savvy sister-in-law, Megan.  

EEB- "The best thing I did this weekend was the couple 50 cartwheels I did outside.  Yep, for sure."

CCB-"My favorite thing is to go to the pool and play on the big playground that is wet.  But we can't do that now because it is too cold."

MOM- "My favorite thing was being with you guys."

Other highlights:

watching Arthur at A and B automotive after school.

mushroom pizza for mom

Breakfast by Esther on Saturday morning.

with place cards.

An attempt to get some free ice cream at Carolina Cones.  They close during the winter.  We came too late!! 

 

Maple color in Davidson

arugula with goat cheese, pecans and warm portabello for mom.

Goings on

I love fall the best.  Fall brings many things.  Including soccer.  Robert's team, Phoenix remained undefeated all season.  Granny and Papaw came into town to catch his last game (and one of Esther's gymnastics classes).  Thanks for joining us G and P!  During the season Robert scored about 1,000 goals.  But who's counting??

Jonathon, Robert and Pedro (fan and friend)

I joined CC's juniorK class for the quintessential autumn day trip to Patterson farms.  This place had everything: scarecrows, pumpkins, ducks, chickens, baby pigs, a PONY.  And many young children. 

Ms. Milam's class (cc- backrow)

pumpkin picking

instead of a sandbox there was a huge tented box for the kids to play in filled with this!

Robert is singing with The Choir School at St. Peter's.  Here he is after evensong with CC.

Esther's class recently went on an outreach trip to a local Headstart school.  She and her classmates instructed the pre-k age students in an art project and read to them.  Esther worked with her 2 charges naturally and confidently.  Here she is in the back of the bus with classmates.

Each second grader worked with a pair of pre-k students on their own. 

I am proud of everyone's accomplishments this fall.  Go Burlingtons!

We are here- but where is that?

The Burlington family has recently moved to Huntersville, NC.  While we transitioned I let the blog languish in inactivity .  At the same time I languished in confusion, emotion, transition and boxes.  There is no good way to represent the last 6+ mos. in cyber space.  So, let's just keep movin.  I aspire to sharing some important photos and events of the last few months, but for now let's talk about right now. 
One thing I know now:

The kids all attend Cannon School, where Rob works.  It is an excellent school and they have all adjusted BEAUTIFULLY.  I am one proud mama.

uniform shopping

1st day of school

CC, with her senior buddy, Jenna Wagner.

Hanging out after school.

here is a video about Cannon made by students.  Cool stuff. 


That's enough for today.  welcome back friends.
Laurie

Estherbean- 7 years old!!! (An art party)

Esther loved her crown cake made by Granny and Auntie Gloria

So pretty!

Check out this beautiful box from Emani!

I covered the table with paper so the girls could draw and write all over it.

Fiona and Sydney

Kate, Fiona and Sydney

Take a close look at Sydney's hair here.  See the pink and blue streaks?  We chalked everyone's hair at the party. SO FUN!  Why didn't I get more photos of that????

CC, Ms. Hanlin (art teacher extraordinnaire!) and Olive

Eleanor, Emani and CC with the rainbow flower centerpiece I was very very proud of.

Thanks to all the family and friends who made Esther's birthday so much fun!

CC turns 4!

A graceful 4 year old who wore her favorite slip all day long.

Opening tappy shoes!

presents

The most amazing princess rainbow and star birthday cake in history, made by one Gloria Brown.

Cake pop people with crowns.

Baikal

Yummy Garvin

Lucas is mellow

Madeline

Godmother Pat stuck around to play with beads after the party.  So much fun!!!!

And finally, the cake and candle moment. :)