Fall 2016 was so lovely and warm that we spent many weekends outdoor trying to absorb as much of the Autumn color and fresh air. Something new we did was explore the area around Ellicottville more before Winter hit. Since E-ville has been more of a winter escape for us, we did not get a chance to enjoy it in the other seasons. We managed to visit in the summer when we went swimming at the Holiday Valley resort outdoor pool, and so naturally, we thought it would be fun to explore the village's Arboretum while the leaves were at their peak... and what a beautiful sight it was!
Boys getting prepared for a much anticipated ski season!
November 2016 was mommy's very FIRST election she was able to participate and vote in, since becoming a US citizen recently. It was a very emotional and powerful presidential campaign year leading up to the voting day. I naturally brought the boys with me to the voting booth so they could learn the importance of it and the rights we are lucky to have in this country. The election result was troubling I must admit, hit me harder emotionally than I anticipated because the candidate went against everything I am, what I hoped for my boys' future, and the important humanitarian, immigration, civil rights, and environmental issues I firmly believe in. It was another teachable moment I guess you say when discussing it with the boys. The biggest thing that came out of it was that it propelled us to take action, to educate ourselves, to empower and speak up for those that don't have a voice, and to make sure we mold our little boys into the most compassionate, fair, open-minded, and worldly helpers out in the society! There is an even greater need and push to positively influence and educate our youth, and not allow the media or politics to harden them.
