First Grade

The week before school started we got to go to sneak a peak at Laneah's school to find out who her teacher would be, meet her teacher and see her new classroom.

 And the best news? Laneah and Ezra are in the same class this year. They were so happy.

 Laneah was so excited for her first day. Nervous too, but knowing Ezra would be in class with her helped. 

 We met up with Ezra so they could walk together to school. 

 First grade seems so grown up compared to Kindergarten! I love this smart and feisty, beautiful girl.

July

The first week of July, Jason and I had a break from the girls. Kathy and I worked on the nursery for a few days and then Jason and I went to Mrytle Beach with his dad and step mom. It was so great to be on the beach and be able to lay out, read a book and just relax. I only took one picture, can you believe it?! 

We were there for the 4th and it was cool watching the fireworks on the beach. We had to leave super early on Saturday so that we could get back in time for my flight to St Louis. The girls and I got back from St Louis on the 12th and Laneah had her American Girl Broadway Dance camp the following week. She loved it and tried ballet there and wants to do more ballet in the fall. At the end of camp they had a little mini dance recital and Brooklyn, Megan, Anthony and I went to watch. 

We went to a science/magic show at the library and one of the tricks was getting spoons to stick to you. Brooklyn thought it was the best and practiced at home until she could do it like a pro. She does it all the time now. 

I worked a few times and when I work at weddings I always bring home lots of beautiful flowers. 

My friend Lea called me one night and asked me if I wanted to go to a Justin Timberlake concert for free. Umm...heck yeah! It was a great concert. I love spontaneous things like that. Our seats were amazing and he is a really good performer. 

We went to with Amanda and her kids to Sandy Point Beach. There weren't any jellyfish this time which was great and the kids splashed and swam and played in the sand to their hearts content. 

Jen and Blake invited us to Six Flags. It might have been the hottest day of the summer. But that worked out because we spent most of the time at the water park. For the first part of the day I took my girls and Kenny's youngest girl to the kids section where they could ride everything. And then we met up at the water park. 

Dance party with Tweetie Bird. 

The girls both loved Six Flags and have been dying to go back. Maybe we'll have to get season passes next summer. 

We had our adoption fundraiser yard sale. It was a lot of work, but we raised over $1000 so it was well worth it. 

My sister came for a surprise visit and it was so nice to see her and my sweet nephew. 

We finally squeezed Watkins Park in. We went with lots of friends so it was extra fun.

And since it's already mid September, I know I'm forgetting things, but I think I got the best things:)

St Louis

The girls flew to St Louis with my mom on June 28th for two weeks. I flew out after a week and spent a week there as well and then flew home with the girls. My parents had lots of fun taking the girls around. 

Grants Farm

Two of my brothers, Alex and Andrew came to visit while we were there as well. My parents took the girls to a carnival on the 4th of July and then they watched the fireworks. 

 When I was there we went to the zoo. The St Louis zoo is one of the best. 

We were at Hobby Lobby one day and Brooklyn walked past these buttons and shouted "Oh no! We shrunked!" as a joke. She is so silly. 

We went to visit my dad at his work and had lunch with him. They have a koi pond with a gazebo and picnic tables where you can eat. It's really nice. 

The girls really liked feeding the fish. 

We went to Union Station with my mom and Drew. 

And found platform 9 3/4. I wish!! 

Brooklyn loves all things pirate and she freaked out when she saw this Jake and the Neverland Pirates bed. It is pretty awesome. 

And we couldn't be in St Louis and not go to the Incredible Pizza Company.

Drew and I took the girls to the pool one day. I'm so annoyed we don't have places like this in Maryland. This is just a county pool but anyone can get in for a few dollars. It has several pools, a kids pool, a toddler splash pad, a vortex, a tree and rope swing, a climbing wall out of one of the pools, giant slides, a lazy river and more. And it wasn't even crowded. Other than the fact that the water was freezing, it was a lot of fun. 

My parents have two cats, Jack and Tasha. Laneah was thrilled when Tasha jumped up on her lap one day. 

After Drew and Alex were gone, and my dad was working, us girls went for a mall day. We went to my favorite restaurant, Bravo, to start.  So yummy.

We shopped a bit and then the girls got pedicures at the little girl salon they have there. 

Laneah showing off her new "hat" at Steak n Shake. 

My mom bought the girls a little tea cart tray at a thrift shop and painted it so they had lots of dress up tea parties. 

It was so wonderful to be back in St Louis with my parents. I wish we lived closer!