Carsyn's First Day of Kindergarten...

Our little Carsyn had her first official day of Kindergarten today. She was very ready to go to school (like Logan.) It was also nice that she had already met most of the kids in her class, as well as her teachers. Mommy and Daddy dropped the girls off this morning, with no tears. Carsyn had a great day at school. Now we only have Maren left at home--she starts school next week.

Carsyn and Logan doing a little pre-school posing...

On their way...

Logan's First Day of 2nd Grade...

Logan started second grade today. She's been pretty excited about getting back to school, and I've been looking forward to getting back into a normal routine. This is Logan's fifth different school in five years, but hopefully we'll be here for long time. Because Carsyn's first day isn't until tomorrow, Logan and I were able to walk (the whole 1.5 miles) to school. Everything went very smoothly. Then Carsyn and mommy had to go back to school for the Kindergarten orientation. Carsyn is really looking forward to her first day too.

Logan, our 2nd grader...

Out in front of school...

Carsyn getting ready too...

Almost a Kindergartner...

Carsyn and her teacher...

Lucey and Carsyn...

Logan's 2nd grade class...

2nd Grade Picnic...

Some parents from the two second grade classes at the girls' new school organized a picnic for all the kids before school started. This was great for us--being new--so the girls could meet people, and not walk into a classroom full of strangers. Logan and Carsyn were excited to play with the friends they had met on Friday, and a few new ones. Maren had a great time swinging on the swing and playing on the slide. What a fun last day of summer.

Maren swinging away...

Logan and Lakyn...

Sister, sister and sister, sister...

Lucey, Lakyn, and Logan exploring in the creek...

A Day at the Museum...

Earlier this morning the girls had a new student orientation at their new school. They were able to tour the school again, see their classrooms, and meet their teachers. They also met a few other new students that will be in their classes. Afterward--at the suggestion of our neighbor--we took the girls to Boonshoft Discovery Museum in Dayton this afternoon. They had such a great time. There were so many hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and live animals. Plus several play areas. It was also nice to get to experience it all with their new friend, Shannon.

The girls at the museum...

The girls and Shannon...

Logan...

Maren...

Carsyn...

Good Times at the Library...

We have always been huge fans of libraries, so one of the first things we did after moving in (something we've done in every new city) was go to the local library to get our library cards. One of the advantages of living in Fairfax Co. Virginia was their excellent public library system, so that was hard to leave behind. But, we were pleasantly surprised with our new library. The children's section is expansive, and they also offer several educational programs. Today Logan and Carsyn were able to participate in a really fun class about Hawaii...in honor of its 50th anniversary of Statehood. They had a great time doing crafts, learning songs, dances, and hearing about the Hawaiian culture. Maren was too young for this particular class, but she enjoyed putting together puzzles and reading books while here sisters were busy with the class.

Logan making a puka shell bracelet...

Carsyn decorating her Hawaiian frame...

Happy 3rd Birthday, Maren!

Oh my gosh...how in the world did these last three years fly by so fast!? It seems like just yesterday that our little baby, Maren was born. Now, she's a big three-year-old--getting ready to start preschool. Amazing!

Maren's big sisters love her...

Maren was very ready for cake and presents...

Unwrapping...

Still...

Carsyn was a much better sport this year...

Everyone was happy...

Making a wish...

Maren's Birthday Activities...

For Maren's birthday we decided to take the girls over to The Greene. On Mondays they have arts and crafts for kids, as well as animals from the parks department. So, we got the girls ready--bathing suits, sunscreen, the whole deal--so they could play in the fountain too. But, when we opened up the garage door, it was pouring down rain. It was so strange because it was still sunny out. Instead we went to Build-a-Bear Workshop. This has become Maren's birthday tradition. The girls had a blast as always. Afterward we tried The Greene again. The girls were able to see the animals, but it started storming again before we ever made to the splash area. Fortunately, we found shelter at a super-cute girlie boutique where the girls played until the rain let up. What an exciting birthday outing.

Maren and her puppy...

Logan and her bunny...

Carsyn and her bear...

The birthday girl...

Superstars...

No More Terrible Two's...

Well, we hope that's the case. Actually, Maren hasn't been any worse or better at two, than she was at one. Surely she'll still be a sweetie at three, and every year after that. Tomorrow is the big day. Today we enjoyed a beautiful Sunday, went to mass, had doughnuts, and a little shopping. Perfect.

After mass...

We just love our porch...

Can you tell?

First Game of the Season...

Logan and Carsyn had their first game to cheer for this morning. It was super-hot and humid, but the girls did well, and the boys even won! They were also happy that Aunt Gloria was able to see them cheer. Thanks, for visiting Aunt Gloria!

Go Big B!

Our little cheerleaders...

The girls with Aunt Gloria...

The Taste of The Greene...

It's kind of like the Taste of Chicago, but much, much smaller. Right after cheer practice we all went over to The Greene Town Center. It was a lot of fun sampling food from all the different vendors and restaurants. The girls like the sweet rolls from Panera, the cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. They also had a great time dancing to the live music. We stayed out a little too late, and ate a little too much...but, it was a really fun night!

The girls at The Greene...

Our First Visitor...

The girls are super-excited to have our first visitor in our new home, (but it's not John.) Aunt Gloria will be arriving tomorrow. Hopefully they will be on their best behavior ; ).

Weekend in Indiana...

It's definitely nice being back in the Midwest again, and being close to family and friends. We were invited to Cousin Ellie's birthday party on Saturday; and because we're just a couple of hours away, we were able to go. We left home a little early so we could go to Keystone at the Crossing first--we used to love going there. We picked up a few things from PBK, but were very disappointed to find that the J. Crew no longer carried Crewcuts : (. Anyway, then we were off to the party. The girls were so excited to get to play with their cousin and see other family members that we hadn't seen in a long time.

The birthday girl and Maren...

Logan...

Carsyn...

Maren...

Logan and Cocoa...

Carsyn, Grandma T, Aunt Linda, and Logan...

Cousins: Maren, Logan, Ellie, & Carsyn...

Afterward we drove Grandma T. back down to the farm in Jasonville to visit more with her and Grandpa. The girls always love going there. They sure kept their great grandparents busy and entertained, dancing, singing, and showing them their cheers. Late that night the girls stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's with Nana, while Mommy went with Uncle Steve to see another cousin of ours who has a band...Philpot.

Cousin Brock, Mommy, Cousin Kentz, and Uncle Steve...

After sleeping in Sunday morning, the girls enjoyed some more time with their great grandparents before we had to head back home. It was nice weekend--the girls didn't want to leave.

The girls and their Great Grandparents...