Justin had a birthday

Justin had a birthday last month.  Lucky for us it happened to fall on the 2nd Tuesday of the month....which is family night at Hofbrahaus!  That is a German restaurant in Pittsburgh.  On family night kids get to eat free! They also do balloon animals, airbrush tattoos, a dance contest and small prizes for the kids.  They always have great polka music.  We love Hofbrahaus.  In fact, Kaelin has chosen to go there next year for her birthday, or so she says now!

 Logan loves Polka music. Who knew?

Hailey Started Gymnastics!

Hailey has chosen to try gymnastics this year instead of dance.  

Here is a panoramic of her gym - Ohio Gymnastics Institute.  

She takes a beginner's class every Thursday.

There were 3 different beams and I was really impressed with her balance.

 I know this is a weird shot, but it cracks me up.  

She loved the trampoline, even though I was nervous due to our family history with trampolines.

I told her if she sticks with it, we will get her some leotards.  She is so excited. 

Hailey's First Day of Kindergarten!

Hailey started Kindergarten on Thursday.  Our district stagger starts their kindergarten classes.  So, she went for one day last week and starts full time on Monday.  

Logan was over the whole picture taking thing.

Hailey peeking out the window between Abby and Kaelin.

A great 1st day! Hopefully she will come off the bus this way every day!!

Kaelin's First Day School

Kaelin's first day of school was last Wednesday.  She really enjoyed her first three days last week.  

She was very excited to see her friends at the bus stop.

Her teacher had us write a letter to our student to leave on her desk.  

The end of a great 1st Day!

We have a new little cousin!

The kiddos got a new cousin last week - Rosemary Louise.  She is adorable (of course)!

Dominic is now a big brother.

Logan saw her and went, "Aww Baby."  Then he tried to share a truck.

Meeting the teacher x2

Monday and Tuesday open house days for Kindergarten and 2nd grade.  

Monday, Hailey got to see her classroom, meet her teacher, Ms Gonda, and find out her best friend, CyleighAnne, is in her class!

 

Tuesday it was Kaelins turn to meet Mrs. Moretti and tour their brand new school.  

Both girls are very excited to start school next week.  

Kaelin starts Wednesday, and Hailey has a staggered start (she only goes on Thursday next week).

I think Hailey is most excited that she gets to ride the bus with her sister!

Washington DC

Good friends of ours headed to DC last week to take their kids for the first time (and they hadn't been there in 18-20 years).  After helping them plan some stops, we decided to go along as tour guides - our family LOVES DC.  We left last Tuesday evening and got home Saturday night.

The Air & Space Hanger

Mount Vernon - our family's favorite place to visit in DC

One day the others (Justin, and our friends Jason, Mary Lou and their son Kenny) went to the Holocaust Museum . The kids and I planned a day at the National Zoo - and it rained.  Instead we played in the hotel, had Noodles & Co for lunch and the kids had Baskin Robbins.

Boat Tour of the Potomac, and a visit to DC Cupcakes in Georgetown: