Family Fun...

Not too much new this week -- and I completely forgot the camera all week. So we're light on pics here. (Most are thanks to Grandpa...)

We were excited to have a visit from Nana and GG all the way from Illinois this week. This was the first time Hayley got to meet her great grandparents. We really appreciated them making the trek out for a visit. Uncle Rory, Aunt Rebekah and Cousin Kirk joined the fun on Friday. I think our crew made a lasting impression on the group. Don't be surprised if everyone stocks up on earplugs before seeing us again! It was fun to have everyone together and Cole and Hayley are enjoying getting to hang out with Kirk some more.

Saturday was busy -- Cole had another soccer game and scored a goal from mid-field! He's quite proud. We also hit the Grand Prix horse jumping competition -- an annual favorite.

Not too much planned for this week -- but we're celebrating John's birthday next weekend! I promise to have pictures of the festivities. We're planning on Benihana (Cole has promised to eat hibachi chicken...we'll believe it when we see it...) and chocolate mousse. See you then!


Uncle Rory and Cousin Kirk with Cole and Hayley. A rare shot of all three that isn't blurry!

G.G. has decided to take on a second career as a beautician. Hopefully they'll teach him the difference between a hair brush and a bottle scrubber in beauty school?

The tables are turned and Cole and Kirk are doing a makeover on G.G.!

Cole enjoying the Grand Prix.

Watching the horses go by -- see you next week!

Kicking back, but not relaxing!

Not too much new to tell this week. Hayley made it through week number 2 at school. She's still not loving it -- but she's found the sandbox on the playground and is having fun getting covered in sand (to pay mom back for leaving her I'm sure). She is now into everything and every day seems to bring new bumps and bruises. Friday she managed to bonk into the side of the Little Tikes slide in the basement and come out with a black eye. Would it be strange if I left her bike helmet on when she's inside the house, too? John's proud though because she now knows how to kick a soccer ball and loves to play soccer in the family room.

Cole had a good soccer game -- no goals for him this week, but the team won 3-2! Go Cougars. It was a hot, hot day so we're hoping for a little break in the heat here (and hopefully some rain too). Enjoy the pics!


Hayley frijole....she loves black beans!

Cole catching a quick drink break at the soccer game.

Cole and his buddy Matthew taking a rest on the foot of Grandpa's chair.

Cole's on the field...ready for action!

Hayley is sweating it out on the sidelines.

Fun at home in the jumpolene. If you look closely you can just make out Hayley's black eye...

Hayley is playing with Buzz Lightyear and Woody.

He's ready for the Tour de France. See you next week.

Are you ready for some football?

This week really signalled the start of fall here. Cole AND Hayley started back to school. Cole is in his last year of pre-K and Hayley is in the Toddlers Taking Off room. Hayley is doing better than expected transitioning to school -- but still cries when dropped off. Surely this is just for mom's benefit...

Cole started soccer this week and scored his first goal in the game. Sunday was the start of the 2005 football season. The Steelers got off to a great start and their fan club has grown by one. Have a good week!


The first day of school!

Cole doing his Ron-Stoppable impression -- and celebrating scoring a goal at his first soccer game.

Three Steeler fans...

Celebrating the Steelers awesome victory on opening day 2005!

Hayley's starting to train for the team. Instead of barbells -- she does reps lifting her doll stroller. Football with a feminine touch?

You must protect this house!

Getting a call from her agent. She's been drafted in the first round.

Stand back terrible towels...now we have the terrible blanky (in lilac...) See you next Sunday!

The party's over....

Happy September! Lot's of pictures to share this week -- from vacation and Hayley's birthday. Hayley is walking well now -- but taking LOTS of falls. She's getting new bruises by the minute running into furniture. Not too many other new developments this week. Cole has taught Hayley the Star Wars theme song. (No...it couldn't be Old MacDonald or Twinkle, Twinkle in this house could it...) They proceeded to sing it throughout the grocery store yesterday evening. It's quite HILARIOUS!

The vacation was soggy (until Thursday) but good. We took two nice hikes, rode bikes, and relaxed. Sunday with celebrated Hayley's 1 year + 2 day birthday with Gram, Grandad, Grandmom and Grandpa. It was a good time and Hayley's enjoying all her new girl toys.

This week starts school. Should be interesting! Have a good week!


The weather finally breaks in Maryland -- so we're out for a morning ride/walk in the neighborhood.

Hayley's inherited the big wheel... Varoom!

Cole's first hike. A 1.5 mile trail to the peak of Welch. This is no small feat for Cole -- and yet, you can see, he's still up for dancin'.

A quick family picture on Welch. Peek-a-boo Sammy...

The children, sitting unattended at the peak's edge... call social services!

Finally the rain subsides, so we're out for another hike on Thursday. This is the Cascade trail.

Another shot at the Cascades.

Happy 1st birthday. Hayley gets a new baby! This baby comes complete with colic, reflux, ear infections, etc. Hee hee.

Opening gifts. Hayley's new bracelet is from Cole.

Cole gets a present from Gram and Grandad too! Lucky boy!

Hayley's princess party and cake.

Hayley - savoring the cake. This is just after she fell asleep in her chair eating spaghetti at her own party.

Every princess party needs a crown, right?