A Day of "Firsts".......

Today was the first day of school for Dan (with students). He took Emma to school this morning, so she was a part of his "first" picture.



Today was also the first day of 2nd and 5th Grades for Grace and Olivia. While I was getting ready to take their picture, they were trying to decide who was taller....Grace wins, but not by much.

My 2nd Grader and 5th Grader

Tonight was also Emma's first night of soccer. Yeah! She has waited for weeks to wear her cleats and shin guards. She had a blast, smiling the whole time! Here are a few pictures from her first experience on a sporting team.

She likes to strike up conversations during "down time".

This is her serious face, or maybe just tired?

Last Day of Summer Vacation

Yesterday when the girls got up, I asked them what they wanted to do on their last day of summer vacation. They all agreed it would be a great day to go to the zoo, and they were right! The weather was perfect and it wasn't too crowded because some of the schools here in Cincinnati have already started. The girls got to pet a baby crocodile, see a Bard Owl up close, and got some personal lectures on a Sumatrin Rhino and the Gorillas. It was a great close to summer vacation. The only bad thing was that daddy couldn't join us!

The girls at the new multi-million dollar entrance. (No wonder the zoo pass costs so much!)

Grace, Emma and legs....I mean Olivia.

Double Digits

Grace entered the world of double digits on Saturday. I can't believe my sweet, amazing little girl is 10!!! We spent the morning helping at the absolutely free garage sale at church (Grace insisted and even baked brownies) and then went to the pool in the afternoon with grammy and papa. For dinner Grace had her best friend Malerie over and requested hamburgers on the grill, sweetcorn, fruit, and grammy's mashed potatoes. In Grace's words when I tucked her in that night, "It was the best birthday ever!"

Grace is excited about the Wii game her sisters got her! Olivia really thought Grace should have it (besides, she really likes that game, too!)

Oh Gram!

Last Campout in the Playhouse

Last night the girls and I slept out in the playhouse for what was probably our last campout in the playhouse. We are running out of nights before the big move, and, of course, we pick the hottest night of the summer, so it was really the last campout in the "sweatbox". Seriously, it wasn't too bad. We had lots of fun reading, having a snack, painting toenails by flashlight, and talking. It was kind of sad that it was our last campout, but really, I don't think all four of us would fit in there next summer (and we all know they will never sleep out there alone), so it's probably time to move on and leave it for the next little girl and her mommy to sleep out there.

"Hey, mom, will you read us some of this book? It's my new favorite."

As you can see, I was thrilled to be sweating it out with my girls in the playhouse for the last time.

Cincinnati Children's Choir Festival

Grace was invited to the Cincinnati Children's Choir Festival this week. She spent every day this week down at UC from 9-4 rehearsing, learning theory, sight reading, and the history of music. She had a blast, and this afternoon we had the pleasure of going and listening to their concert. It was amazing, and, of course, I was moved to tears to see my little girl up on that stage, enjoying herself, singing her heart out, and looking so beautiful (can you tell I'm one proud mama!)

The Entire Festival Choir

Grace's group for the week. (She's in the second row from the top in the middle.)

A family shot out in front of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

This is the Day Dan Has Been Waiting for.....

Last weekend Dan taught Grace how to mow the lawn. She mowed a few strips in the front before deciding that was enough for the first lesson. I guess she needs to build up a tolerance before tackling the back, too!