Taptastic Tap Lessons

I started taking tap dancing lessons with my friends, Heather & Krista, at a local parks & rec.  Krista videotaped Heather and Kim doing our steps to the routine, so that we can watch them in case we forget our moves.  This was Krista & my second class, but Heather's first.  We were amazed at how well she did!  

1st Day of Pre-K

Ben & Gavin LOVED their first day of preschool, getting to go upstairs in the big kid's class.  Well, they are the big kids of their school now, with the exception of one kindergartner.  There are nine children, I believe, including their good buddy, Luke.  They've been singing "A Ram Sam Sam" every day on the ride home and love getting ready to go in the morning after I tell them "yes" to their question: "Do we get to go upstairs at our preschool?  Yay!"  After their first week, this may wear off, but I'll take what I can get.

They were VERY tired last night (Friday), after a full week of 9-noon schooling.  The last picture was taken after lunch and a very tired Gavin did not want to smile for a picture, but Ben gave him a big brotherly hug anyway.

Date Night Concert

On our way to our seats up front!

A look back at the crowd behind us.  The "moon" is a giant balloon.

Ray LaMontagne and his band

Ray LaMontagne

David Gray

David Gray on piano, right in front of us!

Brian and I lucked out, happy recipients of third row tickets to an outdoor concert.  His co-worker gave Brian her tickets when she discovered they had a conflict and boy, did we luck out!  We didn't wait in the long line to get in since we had reserved tickets, so we ate dinner first, then walked right up to our seats.  Nice!

The music was really nice-relaxing and upbeat.  And the weather was amazing!  Considering it rained the first week of school, we lucked out and enjoyed gorgeous blue skies.  This concert was rain or shine, so we were so grateful to have all that shine!

First Day of 1st Grade!

Ready to walk to school.

Inside his new classroom.

Successful first day.  Ready to walk home.

Started pouring rain on the walk home.

Mmmm.  Hot chocolate to celebrate!

Carson had a great first day at school.  I was anxious about whether we'd be able to wake him up and get him to school on time, but he jumped out of bed, quickly dressed, gobbled down his breakfast, and was super excited to get to school.  The walk is such a nice change from the long drive we did for three years to his preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten.  I'll still take the twins there every day, but Carson was definitely ready to move on up to elementary school!  And we've enjoyed the early morning and afternoon walk.

70 years and counting . . . My grandparents!

Happy 71st Anniversary to Grandpa Howard and Grandma Charlotte!  I had intended this video for their 70th anniversary present, but since I didn't get my act together in time, I was able to include their 70th anniversary in Vegas for my cousin's wedding.  :)  And a picture of all but one of the great grandchildren together from this summer.

Love to you both!  You are a continuing inspiration to all friends and family!

Last days of summer

Drying off from splashing around in the fountains at a local park.

Caron's hieroglyphics?

Gavin's painting for Mommy.  :)

Carson & Drew having fun at their last summer swim lesson.

Gavin & Ben listening during their life jacket lesson.

Ben's flying high, in and out of the water with his swim instructor at the last class of the season.

Testing out a new picture size.  Thinking I might start posting larger pictures from now on.  I tried the X-Large, but they were cut off, so it's down to Large.  Better than the Medium size I previously used.  I'll play around with formatting so I can make the pictures all X-Large.  I think that's the way to go from now on.  :)

Zoo Trip with Grandma Joanne

A fun day at the zoo with Grandma Joanne on Tuesday with awesome 78 degree weather.  Couldn't have been any nicer out.  We went on the train for the first time in years and it was a great way to take a break, checking out the dinosaurs and elephants from behind.