SELF EXPRESSION

When I picked Emma up from Preschool today, this is what I found.  She and her friend Nolan had decided to use themselves as the canvas for the sidewalk chalk.

VISITING WITH THE GANG

 When I was single, I had three women I use to spend lots of time with.  As we all got married, we got together regularly with each other, and our husbands became friends as well. We still try to get together a few times a year, well at least once a year! :)

 This time, we decided on a BBQ at Christopher and Michelle's house.  Actually, this was only their house for another month or two as they were waiting for the short sell on their new home to be completed.  As the years have passed, we have added children to the mix, and they had a great time playing.

 We really need to make more of an effort to see them more often.  It is great to have friends that you can pick up with after months apart as if you saw them last week.

FIRST DAY OF PRE-SCHOOL

 Emma started school today.  We are in a Pre-school co-op this year with five other families.  I will be teaching 1/6th of the time. I think this will be really good for her, as the group is small, and she is familiar with all the families.  Excited to see what this year brings.

 As a surprise, I did this door of streamers and balloons.  Emma and I had also made the sign together.  She loved this in the door, and played in it all day.

Looks excited to go, doesn't she?

There is the smile!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD AND MEREDITH

Emma got Dad some interesting gifts.  She was very proud to pick them out herself.

Pirate Cousin watches as Joe gets the Pirate Ship kite ready to fly

Meredith opens her gifts

Army Man is styling

  My Father and Sister-in-law share the same Birthday --- August 30th.  To celebrate this year, we all went to the beach for a day.  I cannot remember the name of the beach, but it is north of Seaside, south of Fort Steven's and you can drive onto it.  In fact, if you don't drive onto it, it is a long hike.

We had an adventure when my father got his truck stuck, not once, but twice on the beach.  We were very thankful to some very nice people who pulled it out for us with their truck.

And it fly's, sort of...

Emma loves the beach

Emma and Aunt Meredith got some good play time in with the waves.

My Glenn wondering why I am taking his photo

Pirate Cousin and Army Man playing in the sand.