1st day of Preschool this year!

Allie has had a terrific summer, with a new baby brother, seeing lots of family, a few short road trips, and going to so many fun places it's hard to name them all. However, the 1st day back to school, she was READY to go! Last year, I taught at her school, so most mornings if Brian couldn't take her she would go in with me early, and play in the rooms until school began. She never really participated in car line, which is where parents drop their kids off and pick them up each school day. So, the 1st day back this year I asked her if she would like me to walk her in or drop her off at car line. Without hesitation, she said, just do car line. She hopped right out of the car when a teacher came to get her, and barely looked back. (basically... see ya mom!) She's got wonderful teachers this year and I'm so excited for her to have a wonderful year. Next year I might be shedding a few tears though when my baby goes off to Kindergarten.

Allie on the 1st day of school.

We needed a family photo for Allie to take to school, so here's one of us at the park one evening.

Allie's 1st Sleepover!

Allie has been asking and asking to have a sleepover. So, when Marshall, Jane and family came to meet Hunter and visit us in August, Allie asked if she could have a sleep over with her cousin Omri. Brian and I thought this would be a perfect way to satisfy her sleepover needs! Marshall, Jane, Maitlin and Omri invited us to come down last weekend. The Saturday started off great with Allie's first soccer practice of the fall, then we packed up and headed to Powhatan (west of Richmond). Allie was so excited, we heard the question "are we there yet?" about 30 minutes into the ride. We got there only to watch the end of the terrible VT v. JMU game, which didn't make Uncle Marshall or Daddy very happy, but the day went on. Granny and Papa drove down and we had a great dinner and played outside. Allie kept Omri super busy playing. He's the sweetest 12 year old cousin to Allie. Allie truly had the best sleepover and loved having game night and snuggling in her sleeping bag. Hunter did pretty good too, because was his first time sleeping away from home. Thanks Marshall, Jane, Maitlin and Omri for having us. We love you.

Allie at soccer! She truly loves this.

Picking a pumpkin from Uncle Marshall's garden.

Uncle Marshall showing me lima beans from the garden

Game Night!

Happy Faces! Allie ended up sleeping that night in the room with Brian, Hunter and I, but to her it was the perfect night.

Labor Day weekend

Granny and Papa came for a visit over the weekend. They couldn't believe how much Hunter has grown. Allie was so happy they were here. Brian and I even witnessed Allie next to Papa on the couch watching golf and bowling at one point during the day. (not Phineas and Ferb!). Over the weekend we cheered on the Hokies, went to the park and played and played around the house. Thanks Mom and Dad for coming to to keep the kids so Brian and I could go to the Hokie game.

Daddy ready for the Vriginia Tech v. Boise St. game.

Granny and Papa strolling Hunter while Allie played

Papa snuggling with the little ones.

Love those Smiles

Hunter is really starting to smile LOTS and LOTS! Here's a cute picture I got tonight. He was 12 weeks old yesterday. He's sleeping most nights, through the night. The longest stretch he's gone is from 8:30pm to 6am, which we loved, but usually it's more like 4:30 or 5:30 he'll wake up, have a bottle then go back to bed. He does great at going to bed at night and is doing okay with naps. Today was a great nap day for him in his crib, but I can't say that about everyday! Allie loves him so much.

A Happy Boy!

Allie loves to take a picture with Hunter.

A Dip in the Pool

Hunter got his feet wet in the pool for the 1st time this week. We were all excited to take him to the pool after dinner one evening. All 4 of us were finally making it to the pool, now that it's September! We packed the video camera and camera to get pictures of his reaction. Well, our laid back son, really could have cared less about all the hype. No smiles, no tears, just hanging out with Daddy in the pool.

Meet Perry the Platypus

Allie loves the show Phineas and Ferb. It's a funny show with adult humor, so Brian and I sometimes find ourselves watching along. One of the characters is a pet Platypus named Perry, who is also a secret agent. Allie got the chance to go make a Perry at the Disney store and here it is!

In other Allie news...She is seriously growing up too fast, or at least that's what I think. She's all about being 4 1/2 years old, not just plain old 4! She has been keeping fairly busy this summer with Pony Camp and Tea Party Camp, which were 3 days each, plus play dates, pool time, riding her bike and going to the park. So, having a baby brother in the house hasn't really slowed her social calendar down too much. She loves to play baby dolls, play the Wii, dance and do crafts. In 2 weeks, her activities start up again. She will start Preschool again, which she is so looking forward to. Also, soccer and ballet we will do in the fall too. BUSY GIRL! We love her to pieces!