Pool Fun with Daddy

Good News/Bad News

The good news is that the girls *usually* play together beautifully while I am vacuuming up the ton of dog fur that accumulates on our floors on a daily basis. The bad news is this is what I typically have waiting for me once I am finished. Thank goodness they are so sweet and adorable!

Back to School/End of Swimming

Bianca had her 3-year-old preschool orientation on Monday and had her first day today. So far, so good! Her teacher, Mrs. Pacini seems very sweet and I have a great feeling about this school year. She took off into the class room this morning and with all of the chaos of the "first day" going on around us, I didn't even have a chance to say good-bye. Needless to say no tears were shed on her end or my end. Ellia was the one who seemed to struggle the most. The poor thing kept calling out her sister's name when we were leaving the school. Later in the day when I told Ellia we were going back to get Bianca she said "Yay!" and had the biggest smile on her face.

Our *attempt* at taking pictures before orientation!

This was the only picture I was able to snap of her at the start of her day. She ran into the classroom to make "play-doh spaghetti".

After school today we ran into Christian and the kids played together outside. If it were a different time I would totally arrange this marriage. He is just the cutest kid I have ever seen and they love each other!

This session of swim lessons is just about over and after Monday's lesson the kids were given medals. I was off my game with school orientation being earlier that day and forgot my camera. However, Bianca was very excited about her "golden medal" and has become a little fish in no time at all. I am so proud of all that she accomplished this summer with her lessons and even happier that she had a great time doing it!

Here are a couple of underwater photos her instructors took recently...

Another Round of Catch Up!

With Bianca no longer taking naps and out of school, it is increasingly difficult to find the time to enter new blog posts. I promise I am trying my best!

It sure is hot out here but, the girls don't seem to mind being outside (unlike Mommy!). One of their favorite things to do now is eat lunch outside on their new picnic table (generously donated to us by our neighbors).

While the Daddies are away, the Mommies and the kiddos will play! Jessica and I took the kids to the Children's Museum a couple weekends ago. The kids had a great time learning all about recycling, making crafts, and "exploring" different countries.

Ellia searching for fossils.

Beating the drums in Kenya!

Hard at work making crafts...

Everyone pitching in to recycle!

Last weekend we made a trip up to Jacksonville to visit Mimi and Poppy. An extra special bonus was the fact that Andrea, Alan and the boys were there. There is nothing better in the world than watching those cousins play together! The only thing that would have made it better was having baby Lily there...hopefully next time! The kids enjoyed swimming, helping Poppy make pizza, going out for ice cream, going to the Alligator Farm, and just plain playing together.

Atlee was the only one brave enough to have his picture taken with the snake around his neck!

My personal favorite...

Don't bother us...we're eating our ice cream!

Atlee is still obsessed with babies!

On another note, Bianca went to the doctor for her three-year check-up recently. She is now 33 lbs. (50th percentile) and 39 3/4 inches (75th percentile). Also, the newest song on the playlist is in honor of her as it is currently her favorite song, tied with Lady Gaga's "Born This Way".