First day of school

Here is a picture of the first day of school for the girls. Madison started Middle School and is in sixth grade this year. Gabrielle is in second grade. I can't believe how fast they are growing up. The girls love their new teachers and seem to be loving school so far. Madison has one science teacher that is old and grouchy, but all of her other teachers are fun. She started band this year and will be playing the flute. She is excited to play with her four aunts.

Fun overnight

Some of the overnights I go on are a lot funner than others. One of my favorites is Philly. I love that city for some reason. The hotel we stay at is right next to so many things to see and do. When you get lucky, you actually have some extra time to take advantage of it. Such was the case on my last trip. I had about four hours of extra time to check things out. I went to the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, went on the tour of the Mint and visited a museum about the history and struggles of America growing into the nation it is today. It is great to appreciate all that was done by the founding fathers. I got the girls a fun map of the US for them to put the quarters in when they collect them all. They have all fifty states finally in circulation. When I gave it to them, they raided our money jar and filled in most of it. There are still about ten or so that we need. It will be fun to find them all.

Slacker!!!

Sorry Folks, I have been a major duty slacker lately. Things are good. Drake keeps on growing like a weed. He is in the top of the charts as far as height is concerned, but the bottom of the charts for weight. He is going to be a string bean like his dad, I think. He is sitting up by himself all the time now and is as mild and happy as ever. He has his own certain set of toys that he likes to play with, but if you introduce anything new to him, he is bound to check it out thoroughly, and then slobber all over it as well.

We had some excitement on the home front. My youngest and last sister got married a week ago. My parents are "empty nesters" now. We had a great time going back to Utah to spend time with family and have a reunion of sorts and then enjoy the wedding as well. Fun stuff. We are actually headed back tomorrow to enjoy another fun day at Lagoon before school starts back up for Madison. It is going to be crazy having the kids in different school schedules (Madison is on the traditional track since she is starting middle school and Gabrielle starts the year-round track since the school is so crowded now). I can't believe my little girl is starting Jr. High. I am getting old!!! Here's a recent picture of Drake to make me feel young, though...