Seasons Change

Summer is in full swing here - camp has entered its second week, swim lessons are halfway done and Jack's school is head long into its summer activity schedule.

Lily loved her first week of nature camp and is really enjoying the summer of later bed times, visits to the pool and fun activities. As much as she loves school, that first week back in the fall is going to be tough. Her swim lessons are coming along well and she is getting much better in the water.

Jack is having a good time at pre-school. He loves Tuesday water days and is really enjoying his swim lessons. He was jumping in the water like a pro today.

We had a week with visits with Grandma Gail, Grandpa Tom. Aunt Kelly, Grandpa Maurice and Grandma Phyllis. Here are the pictures ... No post next week but we will be back in two weeks.

Birthday wishes this week go out Grandpa Maurice who celebrates his big day on Wednesday.


Lily showing off the sign she made to cheer me on during a triathlon this past weekend.


Pensive Jack.


Blowing out candles with Grandpa Maurice for his birthday.

Indian Summer Sky

And so just like that, Lily's first year at school came to an end. A very successful kindergarten closed out on Thursday but it was a busy week so let's start at the beginning.

On Monday Lily and Jack had placement for swim testing. They both did great and are ready for their lessons which start tomorrow.

On Tuesday we had visits from Aunt Kelly, Aunt Tracy, Uncle Stan, Casey and Grandpa Tom and Grandma Gail. The kids had a great time playing and we had a busy evening.

Thursday was the last day of school and a visit from Tracy and Casey. Jack and Casey had a good time playing together. That evening we headed off to the baseball game - Nats and Cardinals. Both Lily and Jack got baseballs from the Nats and had a great time.

On Friday night Uncle Stephen came to town for a visit for the weekend. The kids had a good time visiting. They spent much of Saturday at the pool. Sunday was Father's Day and the family headed off for a breakfast out.

It was a great week ... here are the pictures.


The family piano arrived from Montreal on Tuesday! Lily's lessons start soon.


Casey and Jack checking out a turtle.


A closer look.


The last day of school. Compare with the first day of school.


On the way to the baseball game.


Checking out the field.


Lily's vet practice.


Jack picked out his own clothes this evening ... brown shoes, high socks, plaid shorts, St. Patty's day shirt ...


Lily's father's day card ... leaving no doubt as to who created the card.

Partners in Crime

Another whirlwind week as we rocket toward summer. Lily entered her last week of school today - I am finding it impossible to believe that she has already finished kindergarten and that she is going to be in first grade soon. This child used to fit into the crook of my arm and now she rolls her eyes at me - in the sweetest possible way. Needless to say, kindergarten has been an unqualified success - she had a great teacher and worked extremely hard. Lily has gone from not knowing how to read or write to being at above a first grade reading level and writing with great clarity and purpose. She worked hard on her homework and we are confident that she will continue to be a star in first grade. Two extremely proud parents here. Now only if we could slow the clock down a little bit ...

We had our regular Tuesday visit from Grandma Gail this past week. She is always extremely helpful in picking up the kids from school and helping us out with dinner on Tuesday nights. On Thursday was Lily's class field trip to the zoo which Marcy and I both chaperoned. We escorted four kindergartners around to see the animals. Oh, and it was the hottest day of the year so far - 102 degrees and humid. The smart animals were out of sight but we did see a cheetah and some elephants and reptiles and orangutans. Jack had a pajama day on Thursday at school but he was one of the few that remembered to where his pjs so it looked more like we forgot to dress him in the morning. Oh well.

Friday night was Lily's end of the year party at her school. She had a good time and enjoyed showing off her independence - disappearing with friends and activities most of the evening. Saturday the kids visited with Hayley and Cole for the first time in a while. Sunday was another birthday party - this time for Lily - and Jack and I went to the movies - a matinee screening of Kung Fu Panda 2. Everyone seemed to have a great time with their respective activities. We finished up Sunday evening with a trip to Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom's house because Aunt Tracy, Uncle Stan and cousin Casey were arriving in town to begin their month long East Coast swing.

That is all for now. Enjoy the pictures ...



At the zoo.


Lily with her art work at the end of the year art show.


A close up.


Jack's face paint.


Eating some lunch before the movie.


Lily, Jack and Casey playing around outside.

The Battle of New Orleans

Sorry for the delayed post but extracurricular activities (a baseball game) kept us from our regularly scheduled post. It was a relatively quiet week that ended with a ridiculously busy weekend.

On Friday night we had an end of the year party at Jack's school. A Mardi Gras theme party in June with plenty of food, a moon bounce and pony rides. It was a busy night. Saturday was Jack's day o' birthday parties. In the afternoon he had school mates Bea and Nora's joint birthday party at a local kid's museum then it was right off to friend Cannon's party with another moon bounce! Jack had a great time at both parties and used the drive in between to take a quick nap. We finished off Saturday night with movie night - Aladdin and Chinese food.

Sunday was Aunt Kelly's birthday so we headed over towards Mount Vernon and had a nice bike ride with Kelly, Grandpa Tom and Grandma Gail. After the ride we (along with Aunt Kelly) headed over to see George Washington's house. Did I mention that Jack was dressed as a pirate the entire day? After seeing the president's house we headed over the Tom and Gail's for a birthday dinner. After that it was homeward bound for a good night's sleep. Needless to say, the children had to be woken up for school on Monday!

On to the pictures.


Jack's "Mardi Gras" party float.


Lily riding a pony.


Jack decorating his own cupcake and Bea and Nora's party.


Half the crew.


A post bike ride picture.


With George, Martha and the Grandkids. Just before this picture, Jack took his hat and put it on the little boy. Needless to say the women and the info desk were not entertained.


George, Pirate Jack and Lily.


Admiring the view.


Running down to the Potomac.