Fall Family Pics

S won a free photo session with a local photographer.  Despite a bit of rain and L being a bit sick, here are some of our favorite pictures.

September--A New Routine

One of our favorite things about living in the Midwest is that the warm weather extends throughout September. The temperature averages in the low 80's, making it perfect weather for a Hawaiian/Arizonian and their offspring.

L has found her own rhythm at the park. Without her sister by her side, she's learned how to maneuver her way around the big kids and she's even more adventurous. No slide is too big for our little lady.

K started weekly dance classes at a local studio. She's learning the basics in tap, jazz and ballet. She's becoming quite the ballerina. 

 With temperatures no longer in the 90s,  K wants to wear her Navajo clothes to church. It takes a bit more time to complete this ensemble, but it's definitely worth it. 

In the month of September we established our new routine. Even though our day now starts an hour earlier (because K started school), we're enjoying our park day, library day, dance class, and occasionally meeting M at his bus stop in the evenings.  

L's First Carnival Ride

Her facial expressions reveal it all...

The look of ambivalence before the ride starts.

The look of worry when the boat starts moving

The look of concern as the boat pulls away.

The look of sheer joy after it circles around.

Ladybug Clutter

Those of you who know M, know that he's afraid of clutter. Even with two children, he's been very adamant about not buying anything that takes up lots of space.

Well, it took about 5.5 years for him to finally break his rule. It also took a big end-of-the-summer clearance sale and two quite adorable girls to break him.

He bought this ladybug patio set (which includes two chairs) so his girls can enjoy eating their meals in our sunroom. 

And boy, do they use it. M doesn't regret his purchase and S still can't believe he bought it. 

August Reflections

After returning from the Southwest, we headed north for our annual reunion with some of our Boston family. 

Oddly, Lake Michigan's beaches are nicer than the beaches in Boston.

We spent half the day splashing around and the girls have the tans to prove it.

The P's played host the whole weekend. Fortunately their house and yard offer plenty of room to play.

We returned home just in time for K's first day of kindergarten.

Here's the smiling (and very nervous) girl in her classroom.

L also wanted in on the photos. 

With K attending full day kindergarten, L and S are finding their new schedule. We spend most of our time outdoors either playing in the nearby stream or at the playground.

S's brother B came into town, and he and M went to a pre-season Colts game. (But no, M, is still not a Colts fan. Go Patriots!)

We also visited Spring Mill State Park and relaxed in the shade.

Aunty V, from Boston, was visiting; and we met up with her in Indianapolis.

Aunty V hooked the girls up with some cool hats.

And K hung out with the Indy wildlife.