Monday, September 26, 2011

Piano Man

So not too much to report this week. It was a pretty normal week filled with piano, soccer, tennis lessons and school. We also had our customary Tuesday after school visit with Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom.

On Friday night, Marcy, Lily and Jack saw the Lion King in 3-D. Everyone enjoyed the movie and movie snacks! On Saturday we had lots of soccer - both Lily and Jack had games and we had dinner with some friends after Jack's practice.

On Sunday we headed over to the tennis courts for some practice and then Lily and Jack played with some neighborhood friends. Unfortunately, by last evening Lily was feeling a bit under the weather and had a fever. She still felt bad this morning so she stayed home from school for the first time - she was not happy about missing school. Lily seems better tonight so she will be back in class tomorrow.

A few photos and videos to enjoy.

See you next week.

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Jack writing his name.

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Lily practicing her piano.


Jack singing.


Riding his bike - solo.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Cardinal Song

We had a packed week here - lots of activities for Lily and Jack as we head in to fall. On Monday we had back to school night at Lily's school and we got to meet her teacher again and learn a bit more about the school year. She seems to have a great class and is doing very well in the split first/second grade group.

On Thursday, Lily continued with her piano lessons and had her first soccer practice. Earlier in the week Marcy took her to get new shin guards, new cleats and a new soccer ball. She keeps growing out of her old stuff! On Friday she had her first tennis lesson and we finished up the week with a movie, pizza and popcorn!

On Saturday, Lily had her first soccer game. She had a great time and played well. After soccer we met Jack at a neighbor's birthday party. After the party we headed up to Delaware to visit some friends.  Unfortunately, due to travel, Jack missed his first soccer game.

Sunday was busy as well as Lily and I went our first Redskin's game of the year. Marcy and Jack went to the zoo. After the game and the zoo we ducked out for a quick bite to eat and a visit with Grandma Phyllis and Grandpa Maurice. That is all for now. A bit quieter week ahead so we can catch our breath and get ready for the fall!

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At soccer.

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Jack being silly.

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Playing with Ian, Jonah, Vigo and Oliver.

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At the Zoo.

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Imitating a lion.
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At the game - we will try for eyes open next time!


Monday, September 12, 2011

The Magnificent Seven

It was great week in these parts as we celebrated Lily's 7th birthday. It is truly hard to believe that in seven years Lily has grown from this to a dynamic, smart, engaging, funny kid. Where does the time go?

After last week's busy three day weekend we rolled right into the second week of 1st grade. Lily seems to be doing very well and she tries very hard. Homework started tonight so it will be easier to track her progress going forward. Her hope for the year (she made a mini poster for her classroom) was to do well in math this year. On Thursday she had her fifth piano lesson and her play is coming along well. She practices regularly and seems to enjoy playing and showing off for her brother.

Friday was her chance to celebrate her birthday with her classmates. Mini cupcakes were brought in for everyone and she had a lot of fun sharing. She is buying lunch at school one day a week and has been picking Friday as she seems to like the school pizza.

On Saturday it was Lily's actual birthday. Jack woke up bright and early - 6:30 - because he was excited to open presents for Lily. We headed downstairs around 7:30 when Lily woke up and she opened gifts - lots of American Girl accessories and clothes which she loves. Her doll, Julie, is currently in the hospital having her thumb repaired - a dog related injury from a couple of summers ago. Julie is supposed to return from the hospital tomorrow. She also got a new arts and craft kit and some Nintendo games. After presents we made a big homemade breakfast and the Lily headed off to her friend Fisher's rock climbing birthday party. She had a great time and Jack and I used the time to go get his hair cut. He was great at the barber - he was patient since we had to wait about half an hour - and then when it was his turn he climbed right in to the chair. He sat their like a big kid the whole time. After that it was off to the carwash and we picked up Lily's birthday cake.

Saturday evening we went out for dinner and then took the kids to Dave & Busters to play some games. Lily and Jack had a great time and slept really well! Sunday was party day and Lily and her friends had a great gymnastics party complete with a gymnastics cake. Nine friends joined Lily and Jack and they played and ran around like crazy kids! After the party we went home where Lily proceeded to open even more presents. She got lots of great stuff from lots of great friends and from the rest of the family. After wrapping paper craziness we all went out for dinner with Grandpa Maurice, Grandpa Tom, Grandma Gail and Aunty Kelly. Needless to say everyone slept well last night.

Today it was back to school. After her school day, LIly had her seven year appointment. She did great at the appointment - she is 48.5 inches tall and she is in the 67th percentile for height. She keeps growing like a weed! After the doctor she got to hang out with Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom again as they came over to babysit while we headed off to back to school night. We got to see Lily's classroom and meet her teacher. He teacher seems great and it looks like she is great hands for the year.

That is all for this week. Happy belated birthday wishes to Cousin Stephanie!



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Posing for picture before birthday present mayhem begins.

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Working on some new art while sporting her new American Girl matching pjs. The art kit was put together by Lil's cousin Stephanie. She dove right in.

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Jack getting a haircut. He was a big boy and when it was his turn he climbed right up into the chair himself.

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Working with some dough to pass the time while waiting for dinner. Check out that snazzy C3P0 Lego watch he is sporting.

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Riding a motorcycle during a game at Dave & Busters.

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Lily hit the 500 ticket jackpot on the big wheel spin game.
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With Jack and her friend James at her gymnastics party




Trampoline work.


Party craziness.

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Hayley, Casey, Fisher, Lily and Jack in the moon bounce like train thing.

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Pausing in the midst of party chaos.

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Getting ready for some cake.

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The cake.

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Jack waiting for a slice.



Singing.

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Showing off her reading skills for Grandpa Maurice.

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Jack opening up some trains with Grandma Gail's help.

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Playing around on the new trampoline from Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom. We are going to need a a bigger basement.

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After party dinner at our favorite local spot - Nando's Peri Peri. She can be a bit of messy eater!

Monday, September 05, 2011

Baseball Boogie

Another August in the books and summer is officially winding down. A busy week that was to report on.

Monday was the first day of school for Lily. She loves her new class and seems to be very comfortable with her new classmates. She seems to have adjusted well to her new first/second grade split class and she really likes her teacher. The rest of the week went well from the details that we can squeeze out of her.

Jack is enjoying meeting his new classmates at school. The kids had an impromptu fire drill as one of the boys in Jack's class pulled the alarm! All in all it made for an exciting afternoon.

On Friday night Lily had her friend Hayley's birthday party. She had a great time at the Hawaiian themed party and really enjoyed decorating her own flip flops.

On Saturday we ran some errands and did some things around the house. Dinner was out with friends Andy and Jenn. Lily finished up the evening with a super competitive game of checkers with Jenn.

On Sunday we headed out the Washington Nats game. Despite cooler temperatures all week, it was really warm for the game. Fortunately, our seats were in the shade. We got to to the game early since there was a pre-game player autograph session. The kids got to meet one of the Nats - Doug Slaten - who ended up pitching in the game. After the game, the kids got a chance to run the bases and had a great time.

Today we played some baseball in the backyard, visited Grandma Phyllis and Grandpa Maurice and then visited Aunt Kelly, Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom.

All in all a crazy busy weekend. I am sure next weekend will be just as nuts as we celebrate Lil's SEVENTH birthday. Hard to believe she is seven and that we have been doing weekly updates for that long!

On to the pics and video.

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Lily wrapping Jack up as a present.

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Lily getting her autograph.

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Jack's turn.

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Watching the game.

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Refreshments.

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On the field to run the bases.

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Starting the run.


The run.

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After the run.


Today working on his hitting.


Lily's turn.

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Dressed up as Simba. He is a bit infatuated with Lion King right now.