Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Fall has been a busy time in the Dietrich household! We've been enjoying the beautiful weather and adjusting to our new school/family schedule. Anthony has been fulfilling a life-long dream of putting together the perfect Darth Vader costume, Connor started classes at World Class Martial Arts, Alaina has been loving school and wishes that she could go every day, and I photographed a beautiful wedding and thus I have been spending all of my free time perfecting those files.

Anthony helping Connor tie his uniform for his first official class DSC_0013

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I love that there are 2-3 young male teachers for this rambunctious class! Master Sohn is a great teacher that relates well to all the kids and I'm always impressed by his ability to engage them all.
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This little meditation face is my favorite part of the class. I find it irresistably cute.
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Working that obstacle course!
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Anthony's been telling me for the past couple of years that Connor needed martial arts, but I was hesitant because I didn't want to teach him that hitting and kicking was commendable behavior. I've since been converted now that I understand that physical strength, proper form, focus, discipline, and persistence are what he is learning. I'm so proud to see his self-esteem blossom while he is having fun!
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A few weeks in, Connor earned his first belt! He was so excited to get it, and then we learned that he had deduced from our conversations that it was a magic color-changing belt, not understanding that you earn different colored belts as you progress. :)
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Unfortunately, Alaina is none-to-pleased that Connor gets to participate in an extra curricular activity. She'll probably be starting gymnastics next year, but it's a hard wait for her!
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We spent some time up Millcreek Canyon. It was gorgeous, as always!
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This photo is a pretty accurate picture of our kids these days. Connor is usually very tired from all of the stimulation he gets at school, and tends to get grumpy in the afternoon. Alaina is a wiggle-worm and has to be tackling, climbing, pulling, or leaning on one of us at all times!
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Alaina snapped this one, and I like that it shows me scratching the back of Connor's head. He's too big for me to hold now, has to be in the right mood for affection, and is too busy to hold my hand, but he'll let me scratch his head. It's a good compromise for me to get some loves in, and when I do it, he knows that I wish I could scoop him up in my arms and give him a squeeze.
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Anthony is beginning to feel "the power of the Dark Side".
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Their lightsaber fights have definitely been taken to another level. (Costume still in beta at his point...just you wait.)
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They're also becoming more theatrical, which is fun to watch!
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The kids have been asking to get our pumpkins early, so I figured we would paint them now, then carve them later!
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Anthony was at school, so I took the liberty of painting his in a way that I thought he'd appreciate! :)
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I'm relieved to have wrapped up these wedding photos right before we dive into holiday parties, but I have to say, it definitely whet my appetite for more photography outside of the home! DSC_0447_2

Halloween, here we come! I'm sure it'll be 2013 before I know it! Crazy!

1 comment:

Mary Ann Carlile said...

Does it just take everything in you to not run over and pinch those cheeks on his meditation face?! Oh man, that would be hard to resist! Your fall pics are gorgeous - as always. I noticed you referred to the Vader suit as a costume. I did the same, and was reprimanded. Change your ways, young lady!! ;)
Maesa and Alaina can sit together and talk about how mean their moms are to not let them start gymnastics yet. Misery loves company.