Halloween 2009

All the kids had fevers for Halloween this year. We did still dress them up and let them walk around a bit because everyone they know ALSO had a fever. We did not stay out long and I think we went out too early- our street was SWARMING by the time we decided to head inside. It was a bit chilly- around 55 degrees I believe. The real bummer was that it was 75 degrees and sunny only 24 hours earlier! The neighbors had bonfires going and great decorations- even a tv set up on the corner to catch the sports games! Next year hopefully everyone will be healthy and we can enjoy it a tad bit more.

Fall photos in the backyard!

Visit to the dentist!

The kids had their first visit to the dentist! They probably could have gone a little bit younger but better late than never. Their teeth were perfect- thank goodness! Poor Lauren is getting ready for braces and a few other appliances starting next week. Hopefully, Ava and Ethan will be spared all the ortho stuff in the future. We shall see! Ava and Ethan were NOT happy about this checkup but by the end they figured out it wasn't scary and were having a good time.

Tile at Nordstom's

Back in the spring. Lauren had a chance to paint a tile that would eventually be installed in the kids department at the Nordstrom they were building here in Cincinnati. We were very excited about the opportunity and she had a ton of fun at the event. The artist that was coordinating the tiles found Roy and expressed that he thought Lauren had a lot of talent. That night she was even in a short clip that made the local news. The store opened the weekend of Sep. 26 and we took the kids to find the tile. It was a great early morning event with things for the kids, balloons and lots of food! We are very proud of you, Lauren!

First Day!

Here are a couple of quick pictures from before we Ava went to school! :)

Ava starts preschool!

Ava was SO ready to start preshool. It was such a great day. I took the day off from work so I could go with Roy to drop her off and pick her up. She goes from about 9:20 to 12:05. She loves her teachers and has friends already! It made a big difference that she met her teacher at the house and luckily at least one of the kids in her class is a member at the gym and they were buddies already. Ethan will be able to attend the same school next year and we are all looking forward to that but for now we are happy he gets to spend one on one time with Roy.

Meeting the teacher!

Ava's teacher Miss Kate stopped by the house to get to know Ava before school starts. Ava just loves her. For a half hour or so we all visited and Miss Kate read some books to Ava. Ethan was a little jealous. It will be his turn next year. Can't wait for the first day!

Lauren starts 3rd grade!!!

Exciting times in the house- Lauren started 3rd grade and Ava will begin preschool next week! It was a great summer! We did tons of swimming, zoo trips, museum visits etc. I am not sure about Lauren but the adults are certainly ready for school to begin.

Lauren turns 8!

Lauren turned 8 on the 1st of July!! We had a great party for her at Lazer Kraze- everyone got into the action including the little kids! We love you big girl!

Summer fun with great friends!

Daniel and Caren came from Oregon to visit us! They were here about a week with baby Lily and a good time was had by all! Sadly, I did not take too many pictures ( the upside was that meant I got to experience every bit of it and not from behind a camera!). We did pose for one the last night there were here so I am posting it. We stayed very busy... got to experience same great restaurants, Kings Island, a mini tour of the city, catching fireflies and a KILLER thunderstorm. It was so hot that week (sorry guys!) so we look forward to having you back maybe next fall. There is still so much to show you! Thanks for a great visit!!

This is one of my favorites!!!

Don't they look like disapproving parents!?

This cracks me up.

Kid Pictures...

Roy has been playing with our new camera.. learning all the fun things to do with it. Here are some shots he took while we were roasting marshmallows on the back-porch.

Guess what we saw...

Regular blog visitors... you guessed it! DEER!! LOL As we were leaving my parents house we passed some deer laying just off to the side of the road. We love living here!