Swimming

It was such a gloomy and rainy day today that I thought it would be appropriate to remember that we did have some beautiful days in the pool this summer. During our last few trips to our neighbor's pool, Claranna was finally big enough to participate for a little bit. Here is our littlest bathing beauty... Isn't she cute?

Ella and James both love the pool. We had three separate weeks of swimming lessons this summer. Ella continued to love the lessons and learned how to dive this year. James took a little while to enjoy lessons, but by the end of each week he was very confident. He and Ella both love to swim in the neighbor's pool and we are all so lucky that they let us join them often!

Fun at the Park

We love to go to the park with the kids and now Claranna is old enough to join in the fun. She recently went swinging with Daddy.

For the first time, she was able to swing a tiny bit in a real swing. She seemed to enjoy it!

She still loves her feet too!

First Day of School

On Tuesday, September 8th, Ella and James started a new school year. They both woke up bright and early and were so excited for the start of the school. I hope that their excitement continues for many years to come. And, I wish I could bottle some of their abundant excitement and save it for those later school years when their excitement might be waning...

Don't they look cute? Ella had to wear something sporty on her first day. It was requested by her teachers.

Here's Ella with her teachers. She has two--a job share. One will teach Monday and Tuesday and the other will teach Thursday and Friday. They'll take turns teaching every other Wednesday. Ella already loves her teachers and is having a fine time as a 1st grader. She was kind enough to let us take her to school on the first day. We were able to walk her up to her line, but once she was in her place, she quickly waved us away. I guess we should be glad she is so independent, but I think sometimes that she is growing up way too fast!

James had a short day of preschool on Tuesday and it was a great day for him. He played in the sand inside and outside--it doesn't take much to make him happy! Last year he had a difficult start to almost each day of preschool (he only went one morning a week). This year, we are back at Ella's old preschool and things are off to a fabulous start. No tears from anybody!

I just love this pic of James trying to put on his huge backpack...it almost wears him!

Already?

How did it get to be Labor Day Weekend already? Where did the summer go? Really, we've had a great summer; but, it did pass in kind of a blur. I still haven't found the time to blog about our fishing trip in June with my family, our crazy fourteen hours (straight!) road trip to Ann Arbor, MI, the county fair or our trip to Wisconsin Dells!

Yesterday, on what was our last official day of normal summer break, the kids and I tried to cram the most into the day by park hopping to some of their favorite parks and playing with a few friends. Now the weekend is here and Ella is excitedly counting down to the first day of school while Mark and I are gearing up for a big weekend of projects.

We have several gallons of paint ready, with the intentions of painting two rooms and then flip-flopping Ella and James to different rooms. We may even finally set up a crib for Claranna... maybe! She can't sleep in the bassinet forever. Should be interesting to see how much we accomplish with three kids underfoot. Anyone want to babysit? Have a great weekend everyone!

A New Hobby?

For our 10th Wedding Anniversary I received some non-traditional bling for around my neck. I am the proud new owner of a Rebel XS camera. My new hobby will be figuring out how to use it! Here are just a few photos that I took will trying out some of the settings...

Airplane ride

As part of Mark's birthday present, I made arrangements for the kids and Mark to have a short flight in a small plane. A neighbor near the farm is a pilot with his own plane and grass runway. It was a very unique opportunity and we all enjoyed it. So on a beautiful Sunday evening on August 23rd, we all took to the skies. Mark and James went up first and then Isabella and I went up in a second flight. Here are some photo highlights:

Mark and the kids before the flights.

James is ready for take-off!

On the runway...

Airborne!

The boys back on the ground--they loved it!

Isabella's turn!

So excited!

In awe!

Flying over our street.

The Farm

The straight line of grass is our runway.