Harvest Fair

The boys and I went over to the State Fairgrounds today for the Harvest Fair. We decorated cookies, rode on some rides and bought pumpkins. Harvest Fair photos

One small step for Sam ... one giant leap for Samkind

We don't mean to brag, but Sam did awesome (to use his new favorite word) in his school's fun run fundraiser. His grade's average last year was 13 laps, and he ran 15. It was a great start in running, and maybe we can get him more involved in kids races outside of school in the future. Henry, too, is looking forward to the day he can participate.

Fun Run 2013

Back to Brooklyn

Jonah and I flew to Brooklyn on Thursday for a long weekend. The main reason for the trip was so I could attend the Christ Church Bay Ridge's 160th Anniversary dinner/dance celebration on Saturday. I was being honored as churchperson of the year.

But it was also a time to catch up with all of the wonderful people we tearfully had to say goodbye to about four months ago. Jonah and I stayed at Cristina's house and were fortunate to see many of my mama friends and church friends.

Enjoy the photos: New York Sept. 2013

Chilli'n on the Avenue

East Tosa - our side of the hood in Wauwatosa - the hip side ;) - hosted the annual Chilli'n on the Avenue on Saturday. About five blocks of North Avenue was blocked to traffic for a party that included a chili cookoff, music, games and more food. About 15 or so vendors competed for the top chili. Many vendors ran out before we could try their chili, but we tasted six or so. I wasn't a fan of any of them because they were too spicy for my taste. Dave loved it. Henry loved it.

The boys were able to enjoy bouncy houses, pumpkin painting and a few slices of pizza from our new favorite spot - Cranky Al's - which also makes incredible donuts.

Enjoy the photos: Chilli'n on the Avenue

TosaFest 5K

It wasn't pretty, but I managed to run the TosaFest 5K today. It was awful running weather -- 83 percent humidity. The runners were all sweating before we even started. Ugh. I did manage to do it at an 11-minute-mile pace. That's fast for me. Also, Sam and I got to ride a camel, as part of the petting zoo. Enjoy the videos below, and here's a link to just a few photos. TOSAFEST

UPDATE: Official race results show that I ran at an 10:36 pace. 516 people ran the race. I placed 386.

Henry's preschool

Henry started a preschool program on Wednesday. He's attending Children's Workshop - a Montessori preschool here in Wauwatosa. He will be going three days a week - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - in the afternoon for about three hours. (Yes, that means I will just have Jonah for three afternoons a week!)

I was nervous for Henry's first day, dreading a crying, screaming boy at drop off. But he grabbed his bag from the car and headed into the school with one of his teachers - never looked back. When I picked him up, he was so excited. He said there are so many kids and toys at his school. I'm hoping this program will help him grow in independence and help him find his own likes/dislikes different from Sam. Here is a photo from his first day.

1st day photo

Sam's 4K teacher, Mr. Sperl, took pictures of all of the students on their first day. Here is the one of Sam. This pose is something he does when he is nervous. He's so cute, though!

Last days of summer

I'm working backwards here. But Sam's first day of 4K (see below) was foremost on my mind. So to step back, Labor Day Weekend was an exciting one for us - and especially Sam and Henry. Their friend Jack from Brooklyn flew to see us. Jack, his parents and the five of us Paulsens stayed at The Great Wolf Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells from Thursday to Saturday. We stayed in a suite where the boys shared a room with bunk beds. Needless to say, they had a blast - Jonah, too! Sam and Henry did go on lots of the waterslides. It was good to see Jack, Cristina and Seth. It was also strange to have them here in Wisconsin. I did a poor job of taking pictures, so here are a few from me but most from Cristina.

Sam's first day of 4K

Sam started 4-year-old kindergarten today. He goes in the afternoon for about three hours and is in Mr. Sperl's class at Roosevelt Elementary. (This is the school he will be attending through the 5th grade.) There are about 15 or so kids in his class. He is excited but said he's nervous about making friends. Here are some pictures from his first day. Sam - 4K