First Day of School

Summer vacation has officially ended and Monique's dreams have finally come a reality. School started today for us and the morning seemed like Christmas. All three younger kids got up at the crack of dawn for school while Aedan was the last one up but the first to leave at 6:35am. Aedan allowed Dad to walk him only half way to the bus stop before telling him he could go back home. At the elementary pick up, there were over 76 kids for one bus that sits 60. I guess we need another bus again just like last year. Monique now has the whole day to herself to clean, cook, & do laundry; ha! Ha! More like relax, read, and play on her IPad.)




Aedan's picture. I don't think he likes the 6:45am bus stop idea.




Keean, Harrison, & Ireland pose for a picture before heading to the bus stop 20 minutes early.

Pergola Update!

It has been a long but enjoyable project for us but we finally finished our backyard makeover. We added 500 square feet of new stamped concrete, 19 new bushes in three flowerbeds, a fireplace with stone benches, our first patio set, and a massive 30x16x12ft pergola. Everyone in the family pitched in on something, some more then others! :). The one thing we have left is staining it next Spring (after it dries out) & adding shade curtains.


View from the backyard.



Side view- new table, chairs, carpet, & under view of Pergola.



View from stairs.



View from stairs of the new fireplace. Everyone will get their own bench and marshmallow stick!

5th Grade Promotion

Our "little" boy is now graduated from elementary school and headed for the big world of middle school! Yikes! He is soo excited to move on so I guess I will embrace this new chapter of his life and be grateful that he is happy and excited about things. I am so proud of Aedan and his hard work and accomplishments. We love you Aedan!


Aedan and the rest of Miss Ronniger's class.


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Field Day

Field Day was so fun and well organized! Each grade stayed together and they rotated through about eight stations. Keean is at the popsicle station :). Probably his favorite station :)!


Aedan at the potato sack races!


Harrison on the...... Bouncy ball thingies.......?
What are these called? Hoppers? I don't know :)...


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Memorial day Picnic

Jamie was one of the lucky ones this year to help plan the annual memorial day picnic for church! There was a big turn out even if it was already soo hot! Jamie is manning the snow cone machine. The kids (and adults) kept him busy for a good part of the picnic :) lots of fun!


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St. Clement Island

Today we went to St. Clement Island. On March 25, 1634, the first English settlers under the Baltimore proprietorship sailed to St. Clement's Island on the Ark and the Dove. The 40 acre park contains a memorial cross dedicated to the memory of the first Marylanders.



The kids had mixed reactions to spending a day on the island.



They loved the boat ride to the Island!



They did not like the walk from the dock to the lighthouse.




St. Clement Island Lighthouse!



View from the lighthouse of the giant cross!


School's back in Session! The family sitting in the Old Red Schoolhouse.

Recreation Reptiles

Last night we went to get Rita's Water-ice. In the parking lot they had a Reptile activity going on. The kids had a great time and forgot all about their desserts. The kids loved playing with/ feeding the turtles. The boys were even brave enough to handle the snakes. Jamie stayed back and just took pictures. Jamie ended up being the "bad guy" by pulling the kids away from the event.




Aedan with Two Snakes!




Harrison has found a new friend.




All the kids feeding the turtles.