Good-bye summer, its sure been swell.

The days are getting colder, the skies a little grayer, night comes a little sooner, and football season has begun (or so we've heard); this all adds up to the end of summer. We did our best to squeeze in a couple last days of summer swims, B's already over it though and she'll only go in the hot tub. C loves the pool and was a champ at going under water (thank you Gina, for your wonderful advice on that front). T started school last week and is adjusting to the new schedule, very strange to have homework time in our life again. B started art class last week also, and she L.O.V.Es it! She finally got to paint, something she's really been wanting to try but mom and dad are a total drag and wouldn't allow it in the house. We had to leave her two paintings there to dry, but she'll get to bring them home next Tuesday and we'll take some photos of her work to share. Week after next she starts her French class/play group, which will be really fun.

With all the new demands on our time, we're thinking its about time to structure our days a little more and get the children on a schedule. We've avoided it in the past because J's work schedule can be unpredictable and because B seemed to really thrive in a child led day. But it seems that she's outgrown that a bit, she's not sleeping well at night which could be because she naps too long during the day or sometimes too late in the day. And C seems to be the kind of child who will do better with a schedule and predictable routine. Its funny to think that way back when we were just expectant parents we saw ourselves as being structured from the word "go." Little did we know just how much having a baby would change our lives and us, in the process. We definitely did not see us with a two year old and an almost one year old, trying to institute a routine. Which just proves that the biggest change to our world has been the idea that we can plan too far in the future. We now like to loosely dream about the future, and plan for tomorrow...maybe next week if we're feeling particularly ambitious (or is it rigid?).

Time to snuggle up, don our sweatshirts, and figure out what channel the football game is on (because T has decided to become a Jets fan). Welcome, welcome fall!