Lily Starts Kindergarten

Lily is a big kindergarten kid now!  She has started all-day kindergarten and even rides the school bus, which she loves.  Her school started gradually with several half days before she went for a full day, which helped her get used to it.  She likes her teacher, has made some friends, and thinks it's really cool to eat in the cafeteria.  She looked so tiny getting on the bus the first time, but the neighbor girls were with her and she wasn't scared at all.  It looks like she is going to have a good year!

Fort Wayne Visit

We took a trip to Fort Wayne in August and were busy visiting family and going on little adventures.  Lily and Juliet played at Gramps and Mimi's new pond and went to parks, splash pads, and the zoo.  They played with their cousins and even got to meet two new baby cousins!  Michael and I were able to get away for a few days in Chicago, so we all had a nice time.

Dutch Wonderland

We went to Dutch Wonderland for the second time this summer.  It is really our favorite theme park around here and is just perfect for small children.  The girls got to go on a number of little rides, meet fairy tale characters, see a water show, and play in the water park!

4th of July

Grammy and Grandpa came to visit for the 4th of July this year, and we went to a parade with them, had a backyard cookout, and did some fireworks.  We had a beautiful day for it!

Summer Fun

We have been busy this summer with things like meeting some of our favorite characters, taking Juliet to her first movie, Monsters University, and visiting Little Italy.  Lily went to superhero camp where she had a blast, despite being the only girl, and perfected her superhero poses doing obstacle courses.  We also took a trip to the beach on the Chesapeake Bay where the girls had fun playing in the sand and splashing in the water.  Lily even insisted on making a sand angel!

Baseball Game

We took the girls to their first baseball game last weekend!  The Baltimore Orioles play at Camden Yards, which is a beautiful stadium, and we had a nice day for it.  The Orioles lost but we still had fun, and Lily and Juliet lasted until the 8th inning.  I think the highlight of the day for them was getting to eat cotton candy!

Lily's Graduation

Lily graduated from preschool last week and there was a special ceremony for family to attend.  The kids got up on the stage of the elementary school, where they sang a special song and received their diplomas.  Lily was adorable in her graduation cap and so proud of herself.  Afterwards we walked out through the cafeteria where the big kids were having lunch and everyone clapped and cheered when they saw Lily in her cap.  It was the cutest thing - she was so surprised and pleased that they were clapping for her!  We have videos here of the graduation song and of Lily getting her diploma, so you can see for yourself.