When the kids come visit my school...

Beth on the Zipline

Last weekend, Bethany channeled her fearless side and took a ride down a zipline (in our neighbor's backyard).   You go girl!

LEGO store

 One thing I LOVE about living in Woodbridge is that we live close to a LEGO store.  Every month they hold a "Free Build" where the kids go and build something that is themed for that month.  This month they made little scarecrows.  That is definitely one thing I will miss about VA when we move (the long traffic lights and poor gas mileage will not be missed though!)

First Day of School

Well, it's back to school time.  The kids had a great first day.  Unfortunately it was very rainy the first couple of days (then we had a "flood day" and no school on Friday).  

Kyle started 1st grade and Jacob started 3rd grade.  

 Bethany missed her brothers

Bear Lake 2011

This year, in keeping with our annual tradition, we went to Bear Lake for 4 days of fun with my family.   This year was especially fun (probably because I didn't have a small baby to chase around). We had so much fun and made so many great memories.  

My Mom brought a new book for each night.  It was a great idea (although a couple of nights she completely forgot until the kids were already in bed!)

The kids loved playing dress-ups

 And jumping on the trampoline

This year, the kids painted birdhouses as one of their crafts.

 Bethany LOVED spending time with her sweet little cousin, Gracie.  She still tells me all the time how much she misses her.

Shoes...

"Do they fit Mommy?"

Beach Trip

In California we were able to hit the beach for a day.  (Sorry the pictures are bad- It was bright and I only had my phone to use).  

Once we convinced Kyle that the pigeons wouldn't attack him, he had a great time (he spent the first 2 hours curled up in a camp chair)

As usual Jacob wouldn't join the family picture

Jacob and his buddy Braydon

Glen Echo Park

 On Labor Day weekend, we decided to go check out Glen Echo Park which is in Maryland near the VA/MD border.  My friend is having her wedding reception here in March and it sounded really cool.  It used to be an old amusement park back in the early 1900's. We rode the historic 1921 Dentzel carousel.  I have to say that it was the fastest, longest carousel ride I've ever been on (and at only $1.25 per person, a great deal!)

There was an arts festival going on that day, so we were able to watch a glassblowing demonstration- It was fascinating.

Chef Jacob

Jacob has become a really good cook.  Last week he made these pancakes from scratch completely by himself.  He used my Grandpa's Russian Whole Wheat Pancake recipe.  They were so yummy! I'm putting him in charge more often!

Raingutter Regatta

At the end of August, Jacob's scout troop had a "Raingutter Regatta."  (For all of you without scout-aged boys, this is like the pinewood derby, only they race little boats in a raingutter by blowing on it to power it forward). 

They made the boats out of styrafoam (very messy!) then decorated them.

I love the way he looks all decked out in his uniform.

Jacob's boat (named "Fire Boom") did great!

Jump On It

While we were in Utah, I decided to take the kids (minus Jacob who was chilling with his cousin Jeffrey) to Jump On It.  They basically have tons of trampolines and inflatables.  After 1 hour, the kids were exhausted (mission accomplished).  

Kyle & his cousin Emma

Bethany (doesn't she look grown up?)