Rhinebeck Aerodome

We decided to head up to Rhinebeck, NY before school started. I know what you're thinking, isn't that where Chelsea Clinton got married? Yes, but that's not why we made the treck. There is a great little Aerodome and museum full of airplanes of the WWI and WWII era. We went for the air show, but only got a ground show due to the wind conditions. It was still a great time!
The kids got to sit in the cockpit of one of the planes. Meggin looks the part, don't you think? She just needs a scarf!

The family!

Waiting for the show to start.

They have a fashion show of the times. Nik decided to get dressed up. We were a little late, so he got a vest and then put some kid's hat on. That's him not looking :) He had fun and it was fun watching him go out with all the other people.

First Days of School!

Alex had his first day of first grade this month! He loves first grade, especially recess! He's starting to read really well, which is a load off of mama at bedtime...he reads to Nik and Meggin.This also happened on the first day of school, or maybe the second...trying to get everyone out the door with a bowl of cereal milk spilled all over is a challenge. We did make it to the bus on time!
A week later, Nik had his first day of school at Dogwood. He is a Goldfinch this year...the 4 year old class. He loves it so far and is making new friends already.

The person I most admire

Yvonne Black Stark, my grandmother is the person I admire most. She is the strongest, most gracious, loving, intelligent person I know and I would like to be more like her.

I love you grandma! Meggin loves you too, grandma great!

Lake Anna and more

In July, we were able to go on a family vacation. We went to Lake Anna, Virginia and enjoyed a lake house. The weather was fantastic, the company was fabulous (Laura, Colby and family) and the water was warm.

We were lucky to spend the 4th of July at the Lake and watch fireworks from the back yard. Here are the kids wearing some patriotic outfits!

Battles on the beach and hanging out by the lake. What a fun Vacation!

Fishing, more fishing, and more fishing (thanks daddy...uncle Dave). Rides in the canoe were very fun, Meggin loved the boat.

On the way home we visited Antietam, what an experience for all. There was a reenactment of the soldiers marching and firing their weapons.



Day trips to Mount Vernon and Fredricksburg, very good experience.
A dear friend, Christanne, and her kiddos were able to come and stay with us the last couple of days. It was a treat!


The Girls! Meggin and Annika were inseparable the entire week. Annika was great with Meggin, helping to keep her from getting into trouble and Meggin loved all the attention. Thanks Annika!

What a memorable trip!

Philadelphia

While Nana was visiting, Dave and I took a couple of days and went to Philly. It was a nice time for us to spend time together and neither of us had been to see Independence Hall. We took in the sights, slept in and ordered room service. It was a nice "getaway".

Reading of the Declaration

Time with Nana

In early June, Nana and Uncle Mike came for a visit. The boys (Dave and Mike) went to check out Washington, DC and Nana was able to spend time with me and and the kids. We did lots of things. I think it's an official tradition now (we've done it 2 years in a row) that we clean the garage when she comes. Nana loves to organize and I love to have her help me organize. We did that and then I was able to do some yard work with Nana loving on the kids. Then we began to do all the things on Alex's list. There was Mini Golf, the Zoo, Eating at Burger King and more. We were also able to celebrate Meggin's 2nd birthday early so Nana could be with us. She thought she turned 2 in June :) As a final treat and Mother's Day present, Dave took Nana to the City to see Wicked on Broadway. I think she loved it! What a fun visit, thanks Nana. Meggin's birthday celebration...Dora balloon, Dora cake and the Nana! Doesn't she have a beautiful new dress?! Thanks Nana!

Mini Golf with Nana Meggin was running all over the place

Cool

Meggin loved the animal statues more than playing golf

Closing Programs and Final Picnics

Niklas had his Closing Program from the Chickadee class at Dogwood School in June. He did great, singing all the songs and doing all the actions. What a great kid! He especially liked the number rock song! These are all his buddies at Dogwood.Getting ready for the performance

Nik's amazing teacher, Ms. Beth!Meggin had a great time too, eating up all the snacks! Alex had his final picnic for Kindergarten at Ironia Elementary in June as well. Here is his fun class and his teacher Ms. Acquaviva. They had a Hawaii theme for the picnic, fun, fun, fun!Friends! Alex, Cole and OwenMom got to come tooDancing