September

Our big adventure for the month was a trip to the beach, and it was during this trip that we saw the first real signs of Madeline's new favorite activity - meeting people. We have no idea where it came from, but suddenly Madeline, our shy little girl, finds amazing joy in meeting and talking to people. On the beach she asked us if she could approach strangers nearby and, as we kept a watchful eye, she would walk fearlessly up to them and start asking questions. "What's your name?" was usually the first. Generally a minutes-long conversation would follow. (Lest you worry about Madeline approaching strangers, it seemed like she has a gift for choosing people who would welcome a conversation - mostly motherly and grandmotherly women and preteen girls - and we were always with her, obviously.)

The fascinating thing is that she was having real conversations - listening to questions, replying appropriately and coming up with thoughts of her own that matched the subject and progressed the conversation. She wasn't just talking extemporaneously - there was a real give-and-take. Maybe I shouldn't be so surprised - she's getting older and she's ready to start exploring the world of interpersonal relationships outside of her parents and family. But I've been impressed by her thoughtfulness and boldness, and even her skill. And while the beach was the first time we really saw this in action, she's had many more chances to practice in the following weeks at several larger gatherings we've attended. Even her preschool teacher has commented that she's been more outgoing.

On the other hand, when the AC repairman came to our house this morning, she ran and hid behind an end table!

Here are some pictures from the month:

Most of our time at the beach was spent like this - relaxing while Madeline dug in the sand.

We did get an unusual opportunity to watch a sea-turtle release that was happening just down the beach from our hotel. The timing was perfect, and Madeline got a front-row seat to witness the action.

Lacey and Madeline found a great book at the library that described the annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebrated in some Asian cultures. It just so happened to occur the week we were at the beach, so we created our own festival, and were rewarded with an amazing red moon over the ocean.

Madeline taunts a crab with a stick. Probably not the best idea, but it was fun for a couple minutes.

We spent one morning making sand sculptures such as this well-decorated castle.

Kite-flying was also a fun activity as the weather turned cloudy and cold on our last day at the beach.

Madeline enjoyed her turn at the controls.

Back in Virginia, we loaded up the car with all of our favorite outdoor implements for a fun weekend at the river.

I presented Madeline with my old digital camera, and she spent hours taking pictures with it. Thank goodness it has rechargeable batteries, because she wore them out several times a day.

Our budding photographer snaps a shot of some blooming flowers.

We got a lot of rain in September and it seemed like almost every day was cloudy and drizzly. We didn't let that keep up inside, though.

Madeline was excited to start the new school year. She's happy to go in the morning and excited to talk about her day and her friends when she gets home.