Ice Queens...

Logan and Carsyn started ice skating lessons today. Carsyn had been begging to take them all summer long. Logan didn't want to be left out, so both girls were signed up. Of course when this evening finally arrived and it was time to leave for the rink, Logan wanted nothing to do with it. Reluctantly she went and had a really great time. Both of the girls were extremely scared of being alone on the ice. Neither had skated, but once with Mommy back when we lived in Virginia Beach. It was hilarious to see Logan and Carsyn grabbing each other's arms for balance and then dragging everyone down in the process! Ironically, in the end Logan loved it and Carsyn--not so much. Surely they'll get better...they can't get any worse!

Let's get this show on the ice...

It was like dominos...

Get registered...

In most states, there is only one week left to register to vote in the general election on November 4th. Check out the link below to find out registration guidelines for your state.
http://www.declareyourself.com/voting_faq/state_by_state_info_2.html
So, don't delay. If you aren't registered--do it now. Voice your vote!!!

Lots to do in one day...

This morning we went to Washington for the annual National Book Festival. We had been looking forward to this all month long. We bypassed the enormously long lines for the author signing and headed straight for the children's pavilion. (It is too bad that we didn't see any of the authors because there were 70 there including Tiki Barber, R.L. Stine, and some of our favorites like Doreen Cronin and Jan Brett.) P.B.S. was sponsoring the kids' area with all the favorite television characters. Carsyn had her picture taken "Super Read" and "Word Girl." (See what you're missing if you don't have little kids : ). All three girls got to go through the "Magic School Bus" and received FREE books. They had tons of fun making their own books and doing other crafts. It was another great day for FREEBIES! We all got big reusable shopping bags, bookmarks galore, craft supplies, and stickers!

The girls on the Mall...

Carsyn with "Word Girl"...

Written by Logan...

What should we make, Daddy?

This evening we also took the girls to Disney on Ice at the Patriot Center at George Mason. They thought it was very good. Of course, the cotton candy and popcorn probably enhanced their enjoyment. The most exciting part was getting to see scenes from the upcoming "Tinker Bell" movie.

Maren, Carsyn, and Logan at Disney on Ice...

Daddy wasn't as impressed with the show as the girls were...

At school with Logan and Carsyn...

The girls' school has a really neat buddy system where an upper grade class is paired with a lower grade class. Today Carsyn's class had their first meeting with their fourth grade "buddies." It was a lot of fun seeing Carsyn interact with her two buddies. They read books to her and were very sweet. But, the highlight of their meeting was making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a charity that provides food for the less fortunate. What a great opportunity for the students to take part in a philanthropy and have fun bonding with their buddies at the same time!

Carsyn loves being read to...

Logan has always been pretty artistic, so natrually she loves her art class. Mommy was able to come in to Logan's class today and help out. What fun first graders have!

Logan hard at work...

Busy, but GREAT Saturday...

Today started off with a visit from Grandpa Joe. He surprised the girls by bring over his dog, "Stitch." The girls had a blast playing with the dog. He was very good with them too. It was also nice to spend time with Grandpa Joe before he leaves for Texas, and eventually Iraq.

Maren, Carsyn, Grandpa Joe, and Logan with "Stitch"...

Afterward, Logan had a football game to cheer for in Centerville. The weather was a whole lot nicer this weekend! We also got to see our Cubbies clinch the division title--two years in a row!!! How awesome! We hope "next year" is finally here! Go Cubs Go!!!

This evening we also had a photography session with our old friend, Ms. Priscilla! She came all the way out to Virginia from Nevada to take pictures of several families who have moved out here from out West. It was great to see her again, and we had a super-fun time walking around downtown Fairfax. She always takes the best pictures and has a terrific eye. (Keep a look out for a new link to our photos in the next few weeks.) Afterward we took the girls to get some Italian ice cream--yum! What a great day!

Carsyn, Maren, & Logan wrapping up a wonderful day...

Petite Ballerinas...

Logan and Carsyn started ballet class today. Carsyn has been looking forward to this all summer. Logan, on the other hand, was pretty skeptic about being in the same class as Carsyn--she might cramp her style. But, it worked out just fine. Logan made an instant friend, and Carsyn had fun just being a ballerina! Poor Maren wishes she were taking dance too--maybe after the new year. She certainly did a lot of twirls and plies while waiting for her sisters.

Pretty in Pink...

The Cubbies are only two wins away from winning the Central!!! Go Cubs Go!!!

Here's a picture of Carsyn this morning before school

with our Cubs flag in the background...

Go Big Z!!!

Congratulations to Carlos on the no hitter! How awesome, now on to October! Go Cubs Go!!!

Cheer...

This afternoon Logan cheered for her first game of the season. Unfortunately we had an unusual heat wave and it was 96 degrees--yuck! But, Logan took it like a champ. She cheered well and had fun. Next weekend should be more bearable, and hopefully her sisters will be able to come and "cheer" her on!

Kennedy Center

There are so many things to do here in the Washington metropolitan area. Whenever daddy has a weekend off, we try to take advantage and do something fun. Today we took the Metro to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for their 24th annual Arts Festival. This was our first time visiting there; it was amazing. There were 30 different live performances. We didn't get to see them all, but we did see a Dan Zanes (from Playhouse Disney) concert. That was very cool. It was pretty warm in the sun, but that didn't stop Maren from dancing her butt off. Carsyn and Maren also had fun trying out different percussion instruments. Logan picked up tons of freebies--she loves collecting stuff! It was a great experience for the girls.

Here are the girls at home before we left...

Maren, what a sweetie...

Look at that Carsyn...

And of course, Logan...

Hey Carsyn, they're not real...

Logan happily poses for the camera...

A drummer?

Maybe they'll start a band...

Logan, Mommy, & Carsyn...

Logan, Daddy, & Carsyn overlooking the Potomac...

School days...

The girls have really gotten into the swing of things at their new school. They're both doing really well, they like their teachers, and have made new friends. It's great to still be able to walk to and from school. Both the girls have gym, art, music, and library. Logan also has computer and Spanish. She also goes to mass every Friday with her class. Additionally, their school was named a Blue Ribbon School today by the U.S. Department of Education (and even made the Washington Post)!!!

Carsyn and Logan before school this morning--check out Logan's P.E. uniform...

Carsyn getting ready for school yesterday...

Go Irish!!!

Who's ready for another season of Notre Dame football? We sure are. Let's hope this year is better than last year (it really couldn't be worse!) At least it's not raining in South Bend--it's been pouring here all day long because of the tropical storm. GOOOO IRISH!!!

Only Maren was up for a photo...

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

Carsyn officially started pre-kindergarten today. She had a playday in her classroom last week, but this was the real start of school. Carsyn was so excited for school to start. She had her bag and her snack, and she was set. Her class is Monday through Friday in the mornings. Carsyn's class is right down the hall from Logan's. Now that two of our girls are in school, little Maren gets to pretend to be the only child for a while. So far she's enjoying it.

Ready for school...

Carsyn with her teachers...