Where's Logan???

This week has been an adjustment for not just Logan, but also for Carsyn and Maren. They're used to having Logan around all day to play with. Now that Logan is in school full-time, Carsyn and Maren have been spending a lot more time together. Carsyn is definitely ready for her school to start though...and so is mommy! It will be interesting to see how Maren reacts to both her sisters being gone every day.

Carsyn and Maren enjoying some time together...

First day of First Grade...

Can you believe we have a first grader??? Logan's first day of first grade was today. Everything went very smoothly this morning, and we were able to walk to school! Logan has been a little anxious about it--being new and not knowing anyone. But, it went really well. She had fun, made a new friend, and liked her teacher. Best of all...she looked super-cute in her uniform! Additionally, Logan and Carsyn are very lucky because their Nana will be at their school everyday because she is teaching in the middle school grades. Carsyn will begin class after Labor day. So, be sure to check back for pictures of her on her first day!

Getting ready for school...

Our first grader...

The girls w/ Nana in her classroom during open house...

Happy 2nd Birthday, Maren!!!

Little Maren turned two today! She was so sweet...all day long whenever anyone would wish her a happy birthday, she'd say happy birthday back. After mass she got to open her presents. She was done after about two, so naturally Logan offered to help--more like take over. Maren was most excited with her new bike helmet and bike seat she received for rides on daddy's bike. Carsyn had a hard time dealing with the fact that it was not her own birthday. But, the cake was huge hit with both Maren and Carsyn. Maren fell in love with cake on her first birthday, and hasn't stopped since! Carsyn really has a sweet tooth, but Logan's not really into cake. Then we took the girls to Build-A-Bear Workshop in Bethesda, MD. (They have the closest Crewcuts to us and it was an additional 40% off sale merchandise.) Maren chose a koala and named her "Newt." She wasn't interested in dressing it, she just wanted to get a stroller to push it around in. It was great second birthday for Maren!

Who's ready to open presents?

Poor Carsyn, you already had your birthday...

Birthday Girl!

Make a wish...

Go Green!!!

We went downtown to the United States Botanic Garden today. They were having their Family Fun Day Festival--focusing on sustaining our planet and conserving energy. The girls love going there anyway, but this time they were able to pot their own plants, make cool buttons, do crafts, and sample yummy organic ice cream. We also received re-usable shopping bags which is something our family has been trying to implement. It was a very informative event. There are so many things we can do to be more self-sufficient and conserve our resources!
Afterward we a picnic lunch. We thought that it would be really cool to eat out on the National Mall, but there was a very large gathering of a fanatical group that we did not want to be around. So, we settle for some shade on the grounds of the Air and Space museum. The weather was perfect, and we all had wonderful day!

Maren, Carsyn, & Logan @ the USBG...

Ice cream...YUM!

Don't worry, Maren had ice cream too...

Family fun day...

Picnic anyone?

Our little treehuggers...

A Quiet and Relaxing Weekend...

Well, it was as quiet and relaxing as it could be with three little girls! The weather has been terrific this weekend--low 80's and no humidity--perfect! We did a little yard work and played outside, went to the library one evening, watched the Olympics, and went to mass. Pretty uneventful, but got a decent photo out of it...

More Summer Fun...

We have been utilizing the Fairfax County Libraries pretty regularly. They are all very nice and pretty well stocked. They also offer many classes and programs for children. Logan and Carsyn have both been to two animal encounters and a Virginia history show. It's great to have fun stuff for them to do that's FREE! We have also been checking out books like crazy. The girls completed their library summer reading list in less than two weeks. Once we turned them in they received a coupon book full of deals and discounts. One of the promotions that we already took advantage of was the Water Mine Family Swimming Hole. It is a family water park with a lazy river, lots of slides, and other water activities all geared toward preschool to elementary aged children. It was so fun--we'll definitely go back!

At the water park...

Sunday=Fun Day...

After noon mass we went downtown to see the Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibit at the S. Dillon Ripley Center. It was very cool to see original storyboards, puppets, and sketches. It was also neat to share things from Mommy and Daddy's childhood (like Fraggle Rock) with the girls. They put on their own puppet show and created unique monster faces. We really had a great time. After the museum closed we walked about a mile and a half to the C.P.K. on Connecticut Ave! We had not eaten there since we were in Las Vegas. This was their treat for being so good at the dentist a few weeks ago and having no cavities! The girls were so excited.

Getting ready for church...

At the Mall...