first day of school

Here we go again....

back to school 2011,

with a sixth grader (totally breaking my heart),

a fourth grader,

a second grader,

and two preschoolers (but Emily doesn't start til after labor day)....

Oh, and a college student! I've started back to school also....though very part-time. I'm excited about having something for myself and seeing if what's left of my brain can be salvaged after so many years in mommy mode!!

Abby as "Annie"

Abby did Annie dance camp this summer at her dance studio.

During the week they got to cut out patterns and sew their own costumes, sing the songs, learn dance moves, and perform at the end of the week.

She did AMAZING and it was so fun to see her dramatic debut!!!

She got to be Annie!!

I can totally see a future for her in musical theatre!

Didn't see that one coming at all!

benny the baller

As anyone who knows us knows, our family loves baseball.

here are a few particularly great shots of ben playing this season.....

It was his 11u year. he got to play with a lot of great boys and made some great friendships.

it will be so fun to see them continue to play together the next several years....

we are sad it's over!

4th of july

our annual tradition...

breakfast at the park,

followed by parade,

naps, lunch, slip n slide at home,

wiffleball and fireworks.

emily's 3rd bday

Emily turned three at the end of June. I know, waaayyy late on that post, but we've been swamped since then.

She had a particularly strong opinion about what she wanted on her birthday cake....a frog...

I don't know why or where it came from, but she was persistent, and consistent...so I succumbed.

She loves to be the center of attention, so as we were singing "happy birthday" to her, she sat there in front of her frog cake with the biggest smile!

I love this kid so incredibly much and I am thankful everyday for the joy she brings to my life and our entire family. Happy 3rd Birthday, bug!