Pumpkin Patch

It was Meri's turn to go to the Pumpkin Patch with her preschool. She was super excited! Of course, I signed Trav up to go along as a parent chaperone. (He's such a great sport!) Her favorite part was feeding the "aminals" and the big slide. Although the pigs were very stinky... she advised all of her friends to plug their noses.

Meri told me that she picked out "a small pumpkin, not a big one." She was happy to take her Daddy through the corn maze, and he was impressed with how quickly she made it through.

As you can see from the photos, it was a beautiful day... a great day for a preschool field trip to the pumpkin patch.

No Training Wheels!

Travis took the training wheels off Ali's bike the other night (we weren't sure how long it was going to take her to get the hang of it) and it turned out to be not long at all!! Travis showed her how to kick off, and walked behind her so he could grab her if she started to fall. It took only about three "lessons" for her to catch on. Now, that's all she wants to do. (Unfortunately, the rain has started...)

OSU vs ASU

We headed down to Corvallis for another football game... this time against Arizona State. We met everyone at Starbucks (of course!) early in the morning and loaded up the motorhome for the journey south. We had lots of laughs (and lots of donuts) on the drive down, arrived in Corvallis, and quickly set up in our usual location. It was our usual tailgating procedure... lots of food, beverages, and laughter... the difference this time was the extra passengers!

Even Charlotte got into the action!

The little girls had a ball being included in the day's festivities. They did a lot of yelling, pop-pom shaking, and cheering for the Beavers! Our seats were in a location that had a spot for them to get up, move, and shake without disturbing anyone else.

It was a nail-biter game! We all were yelling, screaming, and high-fiving the whole time... and the Beavs won! (It looked a little iffy at the end!) It was exhausting! It was a long, full (and great!) day with friends and family. The hard part is always the drive back... Ali and Meri slept the entire way home!

Swim Lessons

We had such a good experience with the OC Pool last year... so we decided to enroll the girls for more swim lessons this September. The loved it! Alison had moved up to level 2, and Merilyn was back in the swim tots class. This time their friend, Alexis joined them, so I had someone to sit and chat with (Alexis's mommy!) during the lessons.

This picture reminds us of the scene from Flashdance... and proves that Merilyn might someday be on the big screen.

September 16, 2010

Happy Birthday, Merilyn Grace!

Photo taken April 2007

Photo taken September 2007, with cousin Johnna Belle

Another photo with Johnna, September 2010

We had a small celebration for Merilyn on her birthday at Red Robin. Gramma and Grampa came, as well as her friend, Alexis. She has definitely gotten into the singing... it's all about her! :)

On the weekend, we had another party with all of the family. Grandma Sandy made a fabulous Strawberry Shortcake cake, Merilyn got more fun gifts, and she got to run around with her cousins. The highlight of the night was the dollhouse from Grandpa Mike. It came with all of the parts and pieces and all of the girls wanted to play with it right away! It was quickly filled with a collection of dolls, toys, and more furniture... Merilyn was in heaven.

Back to School

Can you tell I'm back at work? I started this awhile ago... and finally had time to get it posted!

We've been back into the school year for a whole week! Yay! Things seem to be settling in well. (Ask me again in a couple of weeks when Ali has started bringing home homework and my work load has increased!!)

Ali's principal called us the Friday before school started to invite her in to meet her teacher. Ali was so excited and felt very special. We've definitely been impressed with the principal. We're so grateful that after last year's drama, she's proactive about getting Ali comfortable with a new teacher, grade, etc. (And willing to take the time!)

And... so far Ali's favorite thing about each day has been "school!" Love it! She's jumped right in without hesitation or anxiety. Everything is a joy for her at this point. (Again... ask us in a few weeks!)

Merilyn also started school. She's in the 4-year-old class at the church where she was last year. She also has the same teacher, which thrilled Meri! Miss Meri doesn't have any problems about being unsure of new things. She marched right in with her hands on her hips and announced, "Teacher! I'm here!" Let the party begin.

We found these signs on Ali's bedroom door yesterday...

Alison has developed a need for organization. Everything needs to be in its place; the bed's made, clothes are in their proper drawers, toys are lined up in a particular way... And, Merilyn... just isn't in the same space at this point in her life. On the one hand I can understand how the rules "No touching" and "Merilyn is banned from this room" go together. But, I'm also relieved that Ali isn't a real stickler about the "banning" rule, as they're playing house together right now. Or school, or "Camp Rock", or whatever it is that they come up with. I love their imaginations. And, the need for organization! (Although, I'm not sure about the jeans & long shirts rule?!)