September 2011: Going back to school was difficult for both Kathy and Aurora, but we soon got back into the swing of things. Aurora took advantage of the great weather this month to do lots of outside playing, even as it started to get dark earlier and earlier.

September 10, 2011: We babysat a friend's daughter for the day, taking her to Natick Days with us. Jon looked at it as practice in case we have two kids at some point. Here Jon and Ariana are building a tool box, sponsored by the local carpenter's union. Kathy and Aurora worked on another one.


After a quick pizza lunch, the girls go on pony rides. Aurora's pony looked more like a horse - good thing she's had a lot of pony ride experience! Turns out, this was Ariana's first pony ride.


Like last year, there were several bouncy houses to choose from...and Aurora chose them all!

Video: Bounce and sit

There were trampolines with dance music blaring!


And mini-golf.


Video: Aurora needs a mulligan

Video: Doing better

Checking out some of the town trucks. Aurora is worried that the horns will be too loud.


Video: Princess castle!

Two very tired girls!



September 11, 2011: The next day, we were back in Natick for the first annual Walnut Hill Carnival. This involved more bouncy houses and lots of junk food. Aurora and Jon tried out the obstacle course together.


Video: Obstacle course

Eventually, the castle was abandoned by the teenagers and taken over by the smaller kids.


Video: Running and bouncing

Video: Side to side

Aurora discovers what a sno-cone is...and she likes it! And the popcorn isn't bad either.

Back to the obstacle course. The first few times, she needed Jon to show her what to do. Eventually, she was able to do it all by herself.


Video: Obstacle course 1

Video: Obstacle course 2

Video: Obstacle course 3

Video: Obstacle course 4

Aurora gets a tattoo! She picked an orange snake for her arm, and refused to wash it off for weeks.


We headed home for a nap, then returned to Walnut Hill that evening for the Moon Festival party. Aurora really enjoyed making paper lanterns and hanging them up on the lights.



September 13, 2011: Sidewalk chalk!



September 14, 2011: Aurora had a chance to play at the Newton Center playground after school that day. She stayed until it got dark.



September 15, 2011: One of Aurora's friends at school is really into Superman. Here she is making up a song and dance about Superman.


Video: Superman song


September 16, 2011: Wai Po and Wai Gong arrive for a weekend visit. Here Aurora tries on her new Halloween costume for the first time.



September 17, 2011: We all head to the New England Aquarium that morning. Jon is excited to try the new shark and ray touch tank. Even Wai Po and Wai Gong touch some rays. Aurora looks but she refuses to stick her hand in.


Checking out some coral reef fish.


Showing Wai Gong the jellyfish exhibit. Ever since she was a toddler, Aurora has always liked looking at the jellyfish.


Watching the sea lions playing around.


Trying to find Nemo.


At the giant ocean tank.


Is she shark-sized, or shark-food sized? She's almost as long as the snake.


Aurora at the tidepool touch tank. This time she's willing to touch a seastar.


Look down at the penguins with Wai Gong.


Outside, the harbor seals are fun to watch...and imitate!


Jon and Aurora enjoy an early birthday dinner at Legal Seafood.



September 18, 2011: We spent the morning at the Franklin Park Zoo.


Aurora finally sees some animals at the zoo.


What a way to travel! (can you say spoiled?)


Aurora cons Wai Po and Wai Gong into paying for a "flight" and a push-up pop after lunch.


At the gorilla house.


A quick stop in the playground.


On the way out, we use up our ride tickets on the carousel.


Video: Leaving the zoo


September 21, 2011: We try out a playground in West Newton that evening.


Video: Swinging


September 24, 2011: A two party day. The first stop, a lunchtime baby shower for Molly.


The second party is for a one-year old.



September 25, 2011: Newton Touch-a-truck day. Now that Aurora is so sensative to loud noises, she had a hard time enjoying herself due to allthe horns blaring.


Video: Going up