End of Summer

We had a busy end to our summer. Homeschooling is going well for Alex and she does her assignments well... with little grumbling on the things she doesn't want to do. The days seem to fill up.

We went to Dollywood again in September and had a great time walking on to the rides. There were nearly no lines and so we rode a ton. Alex also got to go double on a few rides because we did the parent swap. I would ride with her and then switch with Zach (David doesn't like the roller coasters), and they would offer for Alex to ride again with the other parent. She also rode a new coaster that she has determined is her new favorite. David enjoyed the usual kiddie ones and went a few extra times on the frogs while Alex and Zach did bigger rides.

My mom made it to over her for a visit. She's still been feeling physically off with a large array of symptoms. She has made a self diagnosis that the doctors don't seem to agree with, but give her no alternative. She ended up in the hospital here for a few days of her trip and they weren't much more help. We are hoping her insurance will cover a specialist in SF.

But despite the medical issues, it was a good trip. She traveled with her tiny dog Jax. They stayed just under 2 weeks. She got to watch the kids first day of gymnastics, Alex riding the horse, a trip to Parrot mountain, helped with being a Jr Ranger for the Smokey Mountain park, and a good overall visit.

Both of the kids enjoyed the Parrot Mountain (near Dollywood). David especially had fun. He handled all the birds he could and was very entertained by the silly talking and dancing birds.

Fall has begun here and Alex has declared it to be her favorite season. It's beautiful outside and we are going to soak it up until the weather turns cold next week.