Some little October treasures

I have been swimming along, Dorrie-style, through a series of colds that I just can't seem to shake. This one finally seems to be behind me (fingers crossed!). Our recent extended rain event cleared up nicely already.
I have my beautiful commute back!

Sunrises, too! The sun actually doesn't fully come up until I'm walking into Chemistry class, but I enjoy the prelude enormously:

The kids continue to run feral with their neighbor friends. The other parents and I take shifts letting them into the house or onto the porch. Mostly I make them stay outside. I'll let them use our bathroom, give them drinks if they ask, but then chivvy them right back out the door.

Here they are socializing on the porch of the Pirate House, giving the Hokies some good luck for the game that night.

We defeated NC State rather soundly, so I think it worked!

I did some thrift shopping in sizes 4t and 7 (!!) recently. Here's one of my favorite finds:

Grendel has made no further attempts at freedom, preferring to chase indoor moths and watch outdoor ones: 

This was parent week at dance classes! Jon gets to go to Miles' class, as I'm holed up in Contemporary Theory on Monday nights from 6-9 (The Worst) but here is Adele in her new leotard!

Miles is taking in some extra dance nights this semester to prepare for....

He's a page in The Nutcracker! He's thrilled, guys. 

Back to Adele:

Wobbles in relevé

This cough has been nighmarish. It's been like having a newborn as far its effects on my sleep, but significantly less cute an experience. Last night, for the first time in a week, though, I slept through the night! There is hope.

Hope: A Visual Testimony in Pastels

\

We leave on Friday for a packed family weekend in Rochester. We'll have a funeral and a birthday party on the same day! In the midst of death we are in life. Alleluia.