It's finally here

OK, we are big nerds, by die-hard fans of Trader Joes. They finally built one just a few miles from our house. So we got a babysitter and went on opening day to check it out (Bryce's idea). Yay! We are so glad.

Fall Fun

Oakley and his cousin Hazel are on the same soccer team. The coach has been great with the kids and Oakley has enjoyed the season so far. I think that he has learned a lot about the game.

The kids are getting excited for Halloween. Tessa tried on this costume and insisted on making a mask.

Tessa is getting to be a good baker. Here she is helping me. She can crack eggs and without getting shell in!

Hathaway update

Here's Hathaway in the cute outfit from Aunt Cherie. She had her appointment at CHOP yesterday to look at her leg. She has a vascular malformation. Now she needs to have an MRI to evaluate what exactly is going on in the blood vessel. Then we can decide what needs to happen next.

Tessa first full day

Tessa had her first whole day of preschool and absolutely loved it. I think she was made for school. Below she is with her friend before they go in the first day. (Also, can you see that Tessa has a little bit of a black eye? That would be from her and Oakley batting each other with bats--which was quickly outlawed.)

First Day of School

So, it's official; school has started. Oakley started 1st grade and Tessa had her meet the teacher day for preschool. They both seem ready and happy for the new year.

For Labor Day we went on one of our favorite hikes, to Bald Pate Mountain. Amy Beth was visiting and we had a fun hike. Oakley took the picture below of the view at the top. Then we came home and had hamburgers and homemade almond cream cheese ice cream (yum).

The Last Hurrah

Before school started, Lisa and I took all the kids up to the Poconos for a few days. It wasnt that long of a drive and it was really beautiful there. The kids were in heaven with lots of rocks and water and outdoors to explore. We did a pretty big hike up to some waterfalls and Tessa did pretty much all of it by herself. Oakley has become a little mountain goat and it a great hiker. We really had fun--thanks Lisa.