First Pool Day of the Season...

The pool opened this weekend, but we were in Indy for the first three days. So today we headed over there--even though we knew it would be packed--and it was! But, the weather was gorgeous and the girls had a blast hanging out with friends.

Maren...

Logan and friends...

Carsyn and friends...

Indy 500 Weekend...

It's the most wonderful time of the year...no, really! It's been five years since we've owned a home in Speedway, and every May we miss that. But, it's always great to be able to travel back for the festivities--and of course the race. After school Friday we drove to Indianapolis to Kathy's house. That night we went out to eat--party of 11.

Ready for dinner...

Saturday morning I woke the girls (and Barry) up early to go over to the track for our annual picture with our favorite driver, Tony Kanaan. Apparently I'm the only one who cares about upholding that tradition. But once we got there, everyone was in a better mood. The girls got to see Tony, and we even met his sister...very nice!

Waiting in line...

The girls and TK...

Indianapolis Motor Speedway--Racing Capital of the World...

Afterward we went back to Kathy's to see some of our old friends. Kathy (Carsyn's Godmother), Marce (Logan's Godmother), Nicki and I went to grade school together, and we've kept in touch all these years. The kids had such a great time playing together, while all the mom's (and grandmas) chatted.

Maren and Logan...

Carsyn and Macy...

Lyla, Macy, Logan, Maren, Logan, and Carsyn...

The whole bunch...

Kathy, Marce, Me, & Nicki--friends since first grade...

Later Saturday afternoon we went over to daddy's aunt and uncle's house to see family. The girls always love seeing their cousins. Right after that we went over to Mass at St. Chris--another of our race weekend traditions--and we got to chat with Fr. Mike after church. Following Mass we all headed back to Kathy's for a nice, quiet dinner. We decided against making the annual walk down Georgetown this year...I'm sure we didn't miss much. Instead, we went over to aunt Linda's house to see more family--including Grandpa Joe who is getting ready for another 12 month tour in Afghanistan.

Cousins...

Carsyn and Tommy...

The girls and Grandpa Joe...

Sunday morning=race day=greatest day of the year. I love waking up on race morning. I always get so excited with anticipation that I have butterflies in my tummy, and get goosebumps just thinking about it. After eating breakfast, slathering the girls in sunscreen, and packing up our food for the race, we were out the door. We had an easy drive over to 13th street (our old street). Fred had our parking spot waiting for us, and after making everyone go to the bathroom "one more time", we were walking over to the track. We really lucked out in the weather department this year! It was supposed to be near 90, but in never really felt that hot. There were plenty of clouds and a nice breeze...perfect for the 100th anniversary running of the Indianapolis 500. It also allowed the girls to watch more of the race than ever before. Carsyn and Maren stayed for the first 65 laps before Nana took them out to their shady spot behind turn one. Logan stayed until after the 100th lap. And they all came back at about lap 145 for the rest of the race. Pretty good for them! Of course we were cheering for Tony (and were happy with his fourth place finish), but another of our favorites won--Dan Wheldon. It was a great race, always is. We had a great weekend and saw tons of family and friends. Thanks to our hosts!

Carsyn looking over the fence at Fred's to Nana's old house...

Good ole Fred...

Outside of turn one with John and Kathy...

Turn One...

Parade lap...

Pace lap...

All cleaned up after the race...

Maren's Field Day...

It was Field Day at Maren's school today. She and her class had tons of fun playing games and getting their faces painted. Now we're off to Indy for 500 weekend...can't wait!

Maren in her Field Day shirt...

Having fun...

Maren and Jake...

Time Trials or Recital Pictures???

Well, if it were up to me--we'd have been in Indy today for Pole day. But, the girls had their dance recital pictures today. So instead of watching qualifications from turn one, I was doing hair and makeup and sitting at a portrait studio for two and half hours...I'm sure you're all super-jealous ; ) At least they televise quals here.

All done up...

Logan...

Maren...

Waiting...patiently...

Logan's jazz costume...

Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony...

This evening Logan's Girl Scout troop "bridged" from Brownies to Junior Girl Scouts. It was a fun, family night. But, now we will have to sew patches on a brand new vest ; (.

Logan's new Junior troop...

Claire, Carsyn, & Collin...

All the siblings had fun too...

Luci & Tommy's First Birthdays...

This morning we drove over to Indy to celebrate cousins Luci and Tommy's first birthdays. Daddy had to drill this weekend, so I had to drive--yuck! But, the girls had a great time playing with their cousins and eating cake. They were also super-excited to see Maren's Godfather, Chad (too bad her Godmother, Jill wasn't also in town). It was opening day at the track--we didn't go--but it was awesome to hear Indy cars from the backyard again. Awww...such a sweet sound!

The girls ready to party...

Cousins...

Birthday babies...

Tommy--man, did he love that cake!

Luci enjoyed hers too...

Carsyn, Alex, Maren, Logan, and Macy...




Carsyn helping open presents...




They love Chad...

School Style...

I love that Maren and Carsyn still let me pick out their clothes (all the time) and do their hair however I want it! Logan's way too cool for that now...or maybe I'm just not cool enough ; ) Anyway, here are a few pics of the girls before school this morning (and one of Maren before dance class).

Carsyn (wearing the super-cute Diesel skimmers that Logan would never wear)...

Camporee...

Bright and early this morning (7AM--even after having been at the auction until midnight) Logan, Carsyn, and I had to meet at school for Camporee. I honestly had not been looking forward to it, especially since storms were in the forecast, but it turned out to be a fairly nice day. It wasn't near as cold as last year, and it only sprinkled for a few minutes. The girls had a good time too. Logan and Carsyn both said their favorite activity was cooking camp food--and eating it of course. They were also super-thrilled that we got to ride there to and from with their friends, Ame'lie and Claire and their mom--I was glad I didn't have to drive, and had someone to chit chat with!

Carsyn's Daisy troop...

Ame'lie and Logan...

Logan's Brownie troop...

Claire and Carsyn...

Looking for creatures in the creek...

Sisters...

Carsyn and her 5th grade buddy...

First graders...

Carsyn...

3rd graders...

Girl Scout moms...