Happy 7th Birthday, Logan!

Our first-born turned seven years old today! Logan (and Carsyn) couldn't wait to open their presents today. Logan was very sweet and wrapped up a present for her sister--of course it was--according to Carsyn, "stuff we already had!" It was hilarious! Logan was also very excited to receive a birthday call from her best friend, Grace! After lunch and cake, we took the girls downtown to the National Museum of American History. The girls had a great time playing and learning in the Spark Lab. Logan participated in a science experiment, while Carsyn and Maren did puzzles and arts and crafts. Afterward, we went out to the Mall for a few pictures. It was a gorgeous (birth)day in Washington!

Birthday Girls...

Carsyn was happy to have a double birthday...

Mad scientist?

Maren hard at work...

The big seven-year-old...

The girls on the National Mall...


Happy Birthday!

Happy 5th Birthday, Carsyn!

It is crazy to think that Carsyn is already five years old! But, she's so proud of the fact that she is five now. No big plans today. We spent most of the day watching the coverage of the Michael Jackson Memorial. It was so sad. But, it wasn't all tears. The girls have really become quite the little fans--they were all practicing their "Moonwalks." Carsyn also enjoyed opening half of her presents today...she'll open the other half with Logan tomorrow on Logan's birthday.

The Birthday Girl...

Logan got to open half of her presents too...

Don't feel left out, Maren--there are a few for you too...

Happy Birthday!

Logan's and Carsyn's Birthday Party...

This afternoon was the girls' big birthday bash. For their birthday gift, Mommy and Daddy bought them a giant blow-up water slide. We thought it would be a super-fun thing to do on a hot summer day. When the invitations went out four weeks ago, we assumed that an outdoor party in July would be hot, and hopefully sunny--but you can never control the weather. Today was unseasonably cool...about 73 degrees, cloudy skies, and scattered rain showers. But, the girls didn't let it ruin their day. They still had a blast on the water slide and playing with their friends. Both Logan's and Carsyn's teachers also came, which was so nice for the girls. Maren had fun spraying all the girls with water and eating cake. The party turned out really well.

The girls this morning after mass...

Logan and Caroline getting sprayed by Maren...

Carsyn too...

The Birthday Girls...

Carsyn and Mrs. B...

Logan and Michelle...

Mrs. W. and Logan...

Happy Fourth...

We definitely took it easy today. Daddy had been working nights all this week, so he didn't even wake up until the afternoon. So, that put an end to our plans of checking out the Fourth of July parade in Downtown Fairfax. Instead, we worked on cleaning up the house and did yard work in preparation for the girls' birthday party tomorrow. After dinner we decided to head downtown for the fireworks. We drove to Daddy's work at the Navy Yard and parked on the roof of the parking garage. From that vantage point we could not only see the fireworks on the Mall, but all around VA, MD, and DC--in every direction! It was very cool. Plus we missed all the traffic and crowds ; ).

The girls' rooftop fireworks...

The Zoo and Georgetown...

We enjoyed gorgeous weather here in the Washington Metropolitan area today. After a relaxing morning and lunch at home, we took the girls downtown to the National Zoo. It was pretty crowded, because a lot of people had off work for the holiday weekend. But, the girls didn't seem to mind. The animals were all out, except for the giant pandas. The girls had fun in the petting zoo and seeing the hippos.

Checking out the goats...

Look at the lion...

Taking a break for a photo op...

Logan...

Maren...

Carsyn...

Sweet sisters...

After the zoo, we went to Georgetown for dinner. We ate at a super-yummy Italian restaurant. The girls had such fun walking along the canal. Georgetown is such a cool place--very pretty.

Logan on the canal...

Carsyn in Georgetown...

Maren found a flower...

Richmond Race...

The girls had a great weekend! Our first, and most likely last visitor to our D.C. home, came to visit. Friday night the girls' "Uncle" John flew in from Indy. They could not wait to wake him up Saturday morning. After hanging out at home in the morning, Carsyn, Daddy, Mommy, and John drove down to Richmond for the Indy Car race (while Nana took Logan to a birthday party and Maren to the library.) Prior to the start of the race we were hanging outside of the hospitality tent when some guys generously gave us tickets to the event. We got to go inside and have a free meal and unlimited beverages. It was also air conditioned with decent bathrooms and music, so we were pretty happy. Carsyn also got her picture taken with Marco Andretti, but we didn't see Tony ; (. Carsyn had such a great time hanging out with her Godfather at the race. We were also excited to meet up with our friends Chad and Evan. A friend of Chad's gave him free tickets and pit passes, which he graciously shared with us--thanks, Chad! The race wasn't as exciting as last year (Tony didn't win,) but it was still fun to hang out with friends and watch. Even though Carsyn wore the same top that Logan had worn last year to Richmond when Tony won, it didn't bring him the luck we had hoped. It was pretty hard to overcome his 18th position start. He finished 6th--not too bad considering.

Marco and Carsyn's pre-race pic...

Chad and Dad on pit road before the race...

Carsyn with her Father and Godfather...

Too cute little race fans, Evan and Carsyn...


Carsyn waiting for the green flag...

Carsyn and Daddy...

Carsyn fell asleep with about 80 laps to go...

After mass this morning, we all stayed in, feeling pretty lazy. We couldn't pull Daddy and John away from the the Cubs on WGN (not a good game.) Then after dinner, it was time to take John to the airport. The girls were very sad to see him go...Carsyn actually cried when we got home : (. He's such a great Godfather and "Uncle"! Thanks for coming out, John.

R.I.P. M.J...

What a sad day for show business and American pop culture, with deaths of the most famous poster girl and the King of Pop. We've been so sad upon hearing of Michael Jackson's passing. We are such fans of his music! Regardless of how you feel about him, there is no denying his musical genius and his influence on entertainment--he's the best there ever was! I'm sure the girls will soon be singing "Rock With You" and doing the "moonwalk!" Here is a picture that Barry took when he met Michael back in 2003 at Circle Centre Mall in Indianapolis.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. The girls are so lucky to have such a great dad who loves them so much and takes them on such fun vacations! After driving us home from Orlando all day yesterday, today Daddy got to relax and watch the Indy Car race after church. And, we really tried to be extra sweet today for him too ; )

Daddy's favorite girls...

Disney World Vacation...

To combat our sadness over moving (again) and to utilize the awesome promotion Disney was offering military personnel, we decided to take a Walt Disney World vacation. After Daddy got home from work Saturday evening, we started our drive south. We got as far as South Carolina before stopping for the night. Sunday morning we got back in the car and finished up the drive down to Disney. We were able to get a really good military rate on villa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Vacation Club resort. Since we didn't get down there until the evening, we decided not to go to the parks. Instead we took the girls to one of the resort pools for a bit. They had a great time swimming around.

Maren and Daddy...

Carsyn with her floaties...

Logan posing after her swim...

Monday morning we took the Disney bus over to Blizzard Beach water park. This was our first time visiting any of the water parks, since we've never been to Disney World in the summer. It was so hot, so it felt really good being constantly in the water. The girls loved the the "Tikes Peak" area. We also had a blast on the family raft ride and the lazy river. Although, you should have seen little Maren's face turn from an excited smile to shear terror as we started down the big hills on the giant raft--I wish I would have had a camera! Poor girl. She was a very good sport though.

Maren ready for a splish-splashin' good time...

Carsyn ready to try the tube slides...

Logan loved it...

So did Carsyn...

Maren was a little less daring...

After finishing up at the water park, we went back to our "home" for a late lunch before heading back out. We decided to take the first bus that showed up. It ended up being for Hollywood Studios. The girls were very excited to go on the Toy Story ride again. However, they did not enjoy waiting in line for over an hour--partially in the rain. That ride always has the worst lines and we never get there early enough to get a fastpass. But, it's always worth the wait because it's such a fun ride. Afterward, we caught the end of the High School Musical 3 pep rally, and went on the Great Movie Ride, which also scared Maren a bit. But, as usual, she rolled with it. Then after dinner and ice cream, we took Logan and Carsyn on one more ride--the Hollywood Tower of Terror. Logan had ridden it before in California--not a huge fan, but Carsyn hadn't. They were both a little scared, but did great. Logan ended up liking it more, whereas Carsyn informed us that it would be the first, last, and only time for her--we'll see.

The girls waiting for the bus...

Maren watching the Wildcats...




Logan longs to be like "Gabriella"...




Carsyn after conquering the Tower of Terror...

Tuesday morning we started at Epcot. It was so stinking hot that right after we arrived (and got our fastpasses for Soarin' of course,) we went inside for the Character meet-and-greets. We didn't care that the line was long because it felt so good to be in air conditioning. After posing for pictures with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy, we headed over to the Seas to go on the Nemo ride. Then we decided that we needed to get indoors again, so we saw the "Honey I Blew Up the Audience" 3D show. Next it was over to the World Showcase for Maren's favorite Donald Duck ride in Mexico. We also made it to Norway for the Viking cruise ride before deciding that it was just too hot, and went back to our hotel for swim. It ended up storming and that evening, so we stayed in for the rest of the night. Oh, well--the girls needed the extra rest.

The girls and Mickey...

Carsyn cooling off in the fountains...

Los dos amigos...

On Wednesday we finally made it to the Magic Kingdom. We went on all the favorites, including Pirates, Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain. This time Logan even went on Splash Mountain, and we definitely did not mind getting wet! After lunch we decided to cool down inside at Mickey's Philharmagic 3D show. It's a really good one. Then we decided to go back "home" for dinner and a dip in the pool.

Aw, the Carousel...

Logan, Maren, and Mommy at the pool (Carsyn fell asleep on the bus and was napping in the room)...

After resting, swimming, and eating, we headed back to the Magic Kingdom for some more fun. The girls really wanted to see the Princesses, so we waited in line at Toontown. We also went on the Tea Cups and Small World. All three of our princesses fell asleep on the bus ride "home." Thank goodness there were three adults to carry them.

Logan...

Carsyn...

Maren...

Waiting on the bus...

Gotta take a castle shot (this time Maren was asleep)...

With Cinderella...

And Belle...



Getting dizzy...

Thursday morning we checked out Typhoon Lagoon water park. The girls loved it too. They had fun on the lazy river, raft rides, and the enormous wave pool.

What a blast...

After the water park, we got cleaned up and headed to Epcot for a character dinner at the Land's Garden Grill. The girls were so excited to see Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale while eating a yummy meal. It was also neat to see how much Maren has grown. She used to be so scared of the characters. Now she LOVES them! We also went a few rides--Soarin' baby--and got to stay late for the "Extra Magic Hours."

The girls at Epcot...

Maren, trying to pose like her sisters...

With Farmer Mickey...

Friday was our last day at the parks. In the morning we went to the Animal Kingdom. It was so, incredibly hot that we decided to do more of the indoor shows. We saw Festival of the Lion King, which is always good. We also saw the Tough to be a Bug 3D show. That was a tad scary for the girls, but they're troopers.

The girls with Donald at Camp Minnie & Mickey...

After that, we had to get out of the heat. We went to the big pool at our resort. They had a really nice water slide and splash areas for the kids. We had a great time.

Logan splashing around...

Carsyn too...

That evening we took the girls back to the Magic Kingdom in hopes that the heat would have diminished...it did not. It was so humid and gross. We rode Small World a few times and waited in line for Peter Pan. Then we caught the fireworks and hit Buzz Lightyear before calling it a night.

Last night at the Magic Kingdom...

Overall, we had a great time. But, we would definitely not recommend going to Disney World in the Summer. It was so unbearably hot and humid, and the crowds were horrible. But, the awesome pools and water parks were definitely the silver lining. Next time we'll pull the girls out of school and go in February ; )

Logan's Last Day of First Grade...

Logan finished first grade today. It was another sad end of a school year. We will be so glad when we can actually look forward to the last day of school, instead of dreading it because we know we're moving. Logan has been so blessed every year with great teachers. This year was no exception. She loved her teacher, her class, and her school. She looked forward to it every day. It was super-hard to leave Lemoore last year, but this will be even harder. The girls have made such great friends, bonded with their teachers, and truly enjoyed having their Nana teaching at their school. What a great year we've had!

Logan and her teacher, Mrs. W...

Logan and her "b.f."...

Maren hanging out with her friends from Nana's class...

Logan and her buddy, Abby...

Logan and Mrs. W's daughter...

Carsyn and her buddy...

Be True to Your School...

This morning Mommy took Carsyn and Maren over to school for the dedication of the new education center. The girls' school has been constructing a new wing this school year, and it's finally finished (just as we are leaving.) The Arch Bishop of the Arlington Diocese even came. They've added a huge cafeteria, state-of-the-art science lab, art and music rooms, an awesome new library, and several new classrooms. The tour was great, but it makes leaving that much more difficult. If anyone lives in or is moving to the Northern Virginia area and wants a Pre-K through 8th grade school recommendation...ask, because ours is the best!

Maren hanging out with her friend during the prayer service...

Carsyn reunited with her Pre-K pals...

Carsyn and Maren at home afterwards...

Parish Picnic...

Our parish had its annual picnic this afternoon. So, after mass we walked home, had lunch, and then walked back to church. The girls had such a blast jumping in the moon bounces, riding the train, running around with friends, and eating all the FREE snow cones and cotton candy they could get their hands on. It was a really nice event. We were happy to be a part of it.

The girls with their first round of snow cones...

Maren and her cotton candy...

Carsyn, Angela, and Logan with Mrs. W. (Logan's teacher)...

Carsyn's Last Day of Pre-K...

Today marked the end of Carsyn's Pre-K days. It was a little sad walking her to school this morning. She's had such a fun year--she loved every minute of it. And we were so blessed with the great teachers she had. We will definitely miss this school, teachers, and friends we've made.

Carsyn and Mrs. M...

Carsyn will really miss Mrs. B...

Anyone need a Room Mom?

The school year is coming to a close, and as of Friday I will be out of a "job." What a great experience it has been acting as a homeroom parent for Carsyn's class. The opportunity to be involved in the classroom on such a regular basis was invaluable. The students were awesome, and the teachers were fantastic! It was nice getting to know all the other parents as well. I really hope that I will be able to find "work" at the new school.

Carsyn and Mommy with the super-cute pot the Pre-K made for the Room Moms...

Lazy days and Mondays...

Some weekends are jam-packed, full of stuff to do. Others, not so much. This weekend we didn't really have any big plans--still recovery from our race weekend trip. Sunday, after mass, we decided to go to downtown/Old Town Fairfax for lunch and a quick library trip. We also stopped by the farmer's market (which definitely pales in comparison to the Hanford Farmer's Market.) Then we made it home just in time for the IRL race in Milwaukee...major disappointment for us : ( Sunday night was filled with even more disappointment as the Cubs had an extremely poor showing, and fell to the Dodgers 8-2.

Carsyn, Logan, and Maren...

It was a gorgeous day...

Today starts the last week of school for Carsyn. It's crazy that the year is almost over--time sure flies. It's definitely bitter-sweet. On the one hand we're getting very excited to move into our new house. But, on the other hand, it's very sad to leave. The girls (and Mommy and Nana)have really bonded with the school and people at the school.

Carsyn's last Monday of Pre-K...

The "Baby"...

Maren is still affectionately referred to as the "Baby." However, she has recently started correcting us. She will say, "I'm not a baby. I'm a BIG girl!" She really has done a lot of growing up. Sometimes she thinks she's a lot bigger than she is--she wants to do everything her sisters do. Maren continues to display the best eating habits of the three girls...meaning she's the least picky. She is also very sweet and loving--except when she's not. She is very quick to let you know when something is "not fair!" or that she "hates that!" But, Maren is extremely polite. She always remembers to say "please" and "thank you." What a funny little girl--we just love our baby girl!

The Greatest Spectacle in Racing...

Immediately after school last Thursday, we hit the road for our Memorial Day weekend. We drove all the way to Beavercreek, OH that night to check on the progress of our new home and to tour the girls new school.

It's getting there...

After seeing our house and visiting the school, we headed the rest of the way to Indianapolis. By the time we got to our hotel, it was too late to make to Carb Day, so we just walked around at the canal and went over to Circle Centre. The girls had fun walking along the canal, but it was kind of nerve-racking when they got too close to the water.

On the canal...

Our family...

Saturday morning we got up pretty early so we could get over to the track and get in line at the drivers' autograph session. We waited in Tony Kanaan's line, while Nana waited for Marco Andretti. Tony was as sweet as ever. He even got up from behind the table and walked around to pose with the girls. Luckily, no tears from Maren this time.

Waiting patiently in line...

Carsyn and Marco...

The girls with our favorite--TK...

In front of the Pagoda...

After leaving the track, we went back downtown to our hotel for lunch and the Indy 500 Festival Parade. This was our first time ever going to the parade. That's right...after living in Speedway for 25 years, Mommy had NEVER gone. The girls loved the big balloon floats, especially the My Little Pony and Sponge Bob. Mommy and Nana liked seeing Mario Andretti and Mario Lopez! After the parade we walked over to Buca's for a late lunch--yum!

Maren waiting for the parade to start...

Carsyn and Sponge Bob...

Monument Circle...

Saturday night we went to mass at St. Chris, one of our favorite race time traditions. We were so glad to be back at our home parish. And, fortunately Father Mike had mass and we were able to visit with him a little after church. We also were very happy to see Kathy, Carol, and Lauryn at mass, and finally get to meet little Lyla! After mass we stopped by Mommy and Daddy's friends' house. The girls had a blast playing with their kiddos. Then we went back to the hotel. The girls were able to hang out at the hotel with John and Kathy a bit before going to bed. Then Mommy, Daddy, John, and Kathy headed back to Speedway for the annual walk down Georgetown Rd.

The girls ready for church...

Carsyn, Lauryn, Logan, and Lyla after mass...

Carsyn, Logan, and Rylee...

On Sunday morning we ate breakfast at the hotel before making the drive over to Speedway. It was very smooth going most of the way. The last mile of the trip took about 40 minutes. We definitely did not like not waking up in Speedway on race morning. Next year we will totally be looking for a place to stay--any offers to put up all six of us??? We were able to park at our old neighbor Fred's house, and hang out there before walking over to the track. At the track we put down some blankets and let the girls play around in the shade before going up to our seats for all the pre-race traditions. The girls did great at the race. Maren slept from lap 5 to lap 105. Carsyn spent a lot of time walking around with Nana during the middle of the race. We saw a lot of action in turn one this year. It was a great race day, and the rain stayed away. However, the outcome could have been better--a lot better. After Tony crashed on lap 98, we had no one else to cheer for (Marco got taken out on the first lap.) Thankfully, he was okay. Next year...

The girls with Uncle John before the race...

Mommy's girls...

Logan enjoying the festivities...

Carsyn and Daddy ready for the parade lap...

Maren and Daddy waiting to see the cars come into turn one...

Carsyn's Field Day...

The Pre-K class had their Field Day today. We really lucked out in the weather department--it was a gorgeous day. The kids had such a great time playing games and running around. Carsyn was on the yellow team, so we were able to recycle Logan's outfit from her field day!

Carsyn racing through the obstacle course...

Now we're off to Indy for the race...

Lunch on the Lawn...

For lunch today, all students and families were invited to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the front lawn. The school band provided the entertainment. Luckily Daddy had off work, so we all were able to go. It was really cool to get to eat lunch with the girls. They had a blast running around and playing with their friends afterward.

Maren...

Carsyn and her gal pals...

Logan and one of her friends...

Field Day...

It was Field Day at school today! Luckily this was Daddy's off week, so Mommy was able to stay all day and "coach" Logan's yellow team. The school was split into two teams: the Spirit and the Flames, with several smaller squads on each team. There were 15 events. Logan loved the three-legged race. She and her friend rocked it--they won every time! Our squad did great! In fact, we only lost two match-ups. We'd like to think that it us who took the "Spirit" team to victory! After a full morning of competition, all the students enjoyed pizza for lunch. Then it was time for the parents vs. 7th graders volleyball game. Well, of course Mommy couldn't resist joining in! We were very thankful that the rain stayed away, and it wasn't too hot. What a perfect day for Field Day!

The girls in Nana's classroom before school...

Angela and Logan in perfect sync...

The winners...

Tug-of-war...

Logan taking a break...

Cubs win...

Tonight Mommy and Daddy went downtown to meet Cousin Justin for drinks and to catch the Cubs game on WGN. The girls were already in bed, so they didn't get to go, but it was great to catch up.

Daddy and Justin...

Happy Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. We had an absolutely beautiful day here in Northern Virginia. We walked to church this morning (Logan got to see her teacher--always a plus!) Then we went to downtown Fairfax. We stopped by the farmer's market to taste some local produce and pick up some fresh corn and tomatoes for dinner. Then we went to Panera for lunch, followed by Italian gelato. To conclude the outing, we hung out at the library for a bit, checking out a several new bedtime stories! It was a great Mother's Day.

The girls before mass...

with Mommy...

Enjoying their ice cream...


A little spill...

Mother's Day at school and Pole Day...

There was a special Mother's Day mass at the girls' school yesterday. In Carsyn's class we enjoyed some yummy snacks and were treated to a cute little musical number. Carsyn made a beautiful, sparkly pin for mommy. After mass we enjoyed more tasty treats in Logan's class. Logan decorated an adorable flower pail for mommy and also made a card and place mat. The girls were so excited to share all the things they made. Maren happily tagged along and ate up all the snacks she could get her hands on. It was a really nice day.

Carsyn, Maren, and Mommy in Pre-K...

Logan and Mommy in First Grade

(yes, it's a different dress--there was a pudding incident in Pre-K resulting in a wardrobe change for Carsyn, Maren, and Mommy--we have to coordinate!)...

Today was Pole Day at Indy. Boy, do we miss Speedway right about now. We miss the sounds, sights, and most of all--being at qualifications. However, we ended up adding VERSUS to our channel line-up and were able to watch it all day...not the same as being there in person though. We also will miss our Mother's Day tradition of walking over to the Brickyard for breakfast after mass, and then going to qual's ; (

It's May...

The month of May has always been our favorite. However, it's not as exciting living anywhere other than Speedway. We sure miss the sound of Indy Cars from our back yard. But, Spring has definitely sprung here, and we have never seen so much color. Everything is gorgeous. At the suggestion of a friend, we took the girls to the U.S. National Arboretum on Saturday. Rain threatened all day, but it turned out to be perfect for walking around looking at all the flowers--overcast and very mild. The girls had a blast feeding the koi and checking out all the different colors of azaleas! We also brought a picnic which we enjoyed in one of the most beautiful settings. What an awesome place.

The fish were hungry...

Logan...

Carsyn...

Maren...

Don't fall in...

The Capitol Columns...

Logan loves being outside...

Carsyn was in heaven...

Maren stopped at every one...

Sweet Sisters...

Field Trip...

Carsyn's class took a field trip to a local nature center called Hidden Pond Park. Maren, Daddy, and Mommy also got to take part in this fun day. All the children enjoyed learning about, seeing, and even touching lots of different amphibious animals. Carsyn was feeling particularly brave--she held a small garter snake, and she let a much larger corn snake wrap around her neck. Maren stayed in the back with Daddy and just watched. Mommy was happy to be behind the camera and not have to touch anything. After the hands-on demonstration, the kids all got to go out to the pond and net for tadpoles, freshwater shrimp, fish, and other creatures. To Carsyn's excitement, she found a few large tadpoles. It was a lot of fun, and Carsyn had a blast bragging to Nana and Logan all about it!

Carsyn loving nature...

Maren too...

Carsyn and a corn snake--eww...

Maren getting ready to go netting...

Carsyn hoping to find a fish...

Maren and Daddy may have something...