Creepy Chiropractor

We went to see Dr. Williams after school today, and thought it was great that he had this decoration outside his office.  Last year, we got him this as a gift (it was on sale, and after the season).  He has candy inside the office for visiting children, plus a few other pumpkins and things like that.  This sign, however, is pretty specific.  It's actually a sign advertising for a chiropractor, one named "Ima Bonecracker, D.C." who specializes in "alternative torture."

Madison was in rare form today, cracking everyone up at the office.  It was a great visit as always, and of course Madison got the candy as she left.  And the stickers.  And some prizes from the prize chest.  But even if she didn't get all that, she still has a great time.  She giggles like crazy, laughing very hard as she's having her back adjusted.  It's all a ginormous tickle fight!

Afterwards, we went over to a consignment shop that Mommy has been selling clothing to.  Mommy was looking for a winter jacket for Madison, and she got one!  This may be just in time, as the weather is taking a sharp turn towards cooler in the morning.

Next, it was the Cracker Barrel.  This place is beloved by our family, however Mommy's diet has changed dramatically since she's discovered a severe allergic reaction to food with gluten in it.  Cracker Barrel itself is practically 90% gluten.  The bricklayers actually used gluten as a sealant!

But Madison suggested it, and we thought we'd see if there were any items on the menu that could work with Mommy.  In a show of solidarity, Daddy got fish and a salad.  Mommy did find something and of course Madison can find anything on the menu, so long as she can drench it in four layers of ketchup.

We played checkers outside afterwards, and Daddy was surprised to see Madison getting much smarter at the game.  She no longer needed much coaching, and was doing well for the most part.  It was nice to play checkers on the front porch of Cracker Barrel.  The two of us sat in rocking chairs, outside in the pleasant weather.  The skies are beautiful tonight, rolling clouds making the landscape look like a painting.

We got home to do some more piano, and then some ice cream - and then a bath.  We were overdue for a bath, that's for sure.  We've been busy lately though!

One amazing tidbit that goes along with the "quick learning of checkers strategy."  Madison's teacher is giving her sight words for second graders now.  I don't know if this is just a strategy to make parents feel good about themselves, but it's working:  Madison actually started reading off all of these second grade site words right away, and for a few moments this evening, Mommy and Daddy were quite impressed with our daughter.  She's got a knack for math, that's for sure.  And grammar too!  She's definitely a bit brighter than Daddy and Mommy were at her age!