Welcome Home Otto

August 23, 2015.
Day #1 for Otto was full of excitement. The kids just couldn't get enough of him.  We picked him up at McDonalds in Monroe near the Outlet Mall, where Otto's breeder met us.  The girls both sang him songs on his first morning so he would go to sleep (and both insisted on sleeping with him in his kennel).  Winston on the other hand, enjoyed popping bubble wrap with him (not sure who enjoyed it more).  Otto is going to be a good addition to our family.

Neighborhood Spy Party

In celebration of Veda's 7th and Ethan's 6th birthday party, we hosted a 'Spy' themed party.  Laser maze, neighborhood scavenger hunt, metal detector coin hunt and of course a big ole dynamite pinata.  Lots of fun had by all (almost 50 kids + adults in total).

Adele's First Day of School

August 19, 2015.  Adele couldn't wait for her first day of class in Ms. Stanford's Kindergarten class. She had her outfit (and earrings) picked out weeks in advance.  Veda started 2nd grade in Mrs. Matacia's class.  The best photo op was this picture of Adele waving goodbye from the bus, we have nearly the exact shot of Veda last year as she started 1st grade in Cincinnati (although Adele is so much smaller - just barely able to peek over the window sill).  After about a week of school, the bus driver said 'that one (meaning Adele), she's a tough one'.  No one is getting anything over on Adele.

Dinner with Friends at Ando

Ando is pretty much our favorite restaurant in Cincinnati.  In addition to great sushi, Kathy couldn't wait to try out their Shabu Shabu.  And of course, our good friends Steve & Jen McGhee

Slackline

If you haven't seen it, check it out.  Slacklining resembles tightrope walking as the line is held under tension (the kids love it - especially Adele - hours of fun).  

Veda's Family B-Day Party

Family tradition (organized by Kathy), ever kid gets a full on decorated kitchen, party hats and the opportunity to open presents during breakfast (while eating Dunkin Donuts)...not bad.  Veda had a good day, opening presents from the brother and sister.  Even got a movie date in with Dad (Shaun the Sheep).

Veda Birthday Party #1

Veda celebrated (2) birthday parties this year.  Because we decided to do a joint neighborhood party with Ethan (our good friend Rick & Christine Holmes' son), we let Veda do a small party with friends from her class.  After a long summer apart, many friends were happy to reunite just a few days before the start of second grade.  Veda wanted a reptile party, so we invited Cool Critters over with their pack of animals.  The favorites were the boa constrictor and the giant tortoise, which was the unwilling (and ironic) participant in a game of leap frog.

Rainbow over Cincinnati

Welcome to the Family

This little guy will be joining our family in about 2 weeks.  We've been planning to get a dog for the last two years, but just waiting until Winston was old enough.  I thought we were about 6 months away, but once we opened the door up to Veda, she started the aggressive Google search and constant pestering, so we broke.  This guys name is still TBD, but expect a name soon (and lots of pictures).

Little Helpers

Waiting for animal shaped pancakes on the counter.

Quick Iowa Trip for the Girls

Ninja Turtle Sighting

While on a bike ride, Adele yells to Winston, 'Hey Winston, there's ninja turtles down here.'  So, you go check it out.

4th of July 2015

July 4, 2015.

Building sand volcanos at the beach.

Lounging in the tube. 

The Landing super fans at the Clear Lake parade.