Firehouse Fun

This weekend our local firehouse had an open house.  It was lots of fun to check everything out and they even had a firedog the big kids got to snuggle with!

They also had this cool pretend house and real hose where you could "put out" the fire.  Noah and Anna did a great job and it was lots of fun to watch.

I did get in on the action and "drove" an ambulance.

Jonah did a little driving too.

They even had a pink firetruck that we got to explore.  With a little help from a firefighter behind, I got up close and personal with the glass.

Preschool & Pre-K

About a week after Noah started 1st grade, Anna and I started our school.  Anna started pre-k and I started preschool.

I love preschool so far and am sad on the days I don't get to stay.

Anna in in pre-k Mon-Thurs and usually manages to have a good time and is making new friends out of old ones every week.

Classic Noah's Ark picture

Just me and the boat.....

Anna and another picture that shows a little more of her personality.

Labor Day Adventure

We had a beautiful Labor Day holiday this year.  We went downtown and did all sorts of touristy things.  To start we went on the Seadog around Lake Michigan.  All of us kids were a little nervous to start, but the older 2 warmed up over time, although I remained terrified until the end.

Anna & Noah relaxing on the boat ride.

Anna, sassy-pants, blocking the camera.

As you can see, I wasn't happy about being on the Seadog, no matter how tightly I was held onto.

At the end of our adventure we rented a quad bike and rode around town.  Us kids thought it was fun, although mummy wasn't thinking that this would be our best mode of transportation.

After the Seadog ride, Anna braved the giant ferris wheel with mummy.  She was a little nervous, but was made herself brave and had a fun ride.

First Day of the First Grade

We Are Family

In August Uncle Scott, Aunt Ericka and Sierra came out for a visit.  It was great to see them again and tour them around Chicago sites.  One day daddy and I took them to the Hancock Tower, the Mag Mile, Billy Goat's Tavern, an architectural tour, the aquarium and Chicago Q for dinner.  Another day mummy, Noah and I took them to the Field Museum where we saw a 3-D movie about sharks.

At the Field Museum there was an Underground Experience where we shrunk to the size of mites and explored underground.  See how small we are in relation to a penny?

We because molting mites too.....

Everyone outside the museum.

Soccer

Just a few pictures from my soccer game.  Check out my awesome moves!

Julia cheering for me to run the ball down the field.

Anything for my baby sister! 

1st Grade Meet and Greet

I'm officially a 1st grader!  The Friday before school started I went in for meet the teacher with a backpack full of supplies.

At my desk checking out my seat.

Miss. Falone, our student teacher.

My teacher - Mrs. Fredell

Can You Feel the Love?

Life in the New Normal

Just a few pictures from our new normal - Anna with her funny eyes.

And fantastic hair.

Noah with his Groupon tattoos from "Take Your Kids To Work" day.

Anna and a musical performance in the sunroom.

I love the new normal and exploring the house and all of the toys.

We've got a fire pit at the new house which means s'mores.  Here Jonah is dealing with the aftermath of a good mushy s'more.

Beach Throwback

The Avalon posts may be over, but here are some of the best pictures.  After our long drive to the shore we hit the beach to see the wonderful ocean.  Mummy thought we didn't need our swim suits because we wouldn't be going in - silly mummy!

My first dips into the Atlantic Ocean.  Beach baby here I come!

 The big kids basically went all the way in.  The love of the Atlantic was already in their souls. 

After getting all soaked, the big kids thought it would be perfect to roll around in the sand.  They really love the beach, and after this trip I love it too!

The wet sandy walk home.