First Day of School

We had a shortened summer this year because the schools over here start earlier than Baltimore.  They have the elementary schools split up into K-2 and 3-5, so Ryley and Jensen go to different schools now.  Unfortunately Jensen has the earlier time and has to get on the bus at 7:30.  It's always a challenge getting there in time.  Ryley on the other hand is always ready way too early.  So far everybody loves their class and they're doing really well!

Exploring St. Louis

 St. Louis has a free zoo that is fantastic.  Sting rays and goats to pet, the whole works.  We haven't even seen half of it yet and we've been 3 times already.

We've also been doing a few hikes around the area.  One of the trails is called the Louis and Clark trail and leads to the Missouri River.  That river is humongous!  We found wild persimmon trees growing along one of the trails.  So yummy!  And we found some teeny tiny frogs.  So cute!

Of course everyone wanted their picture holding the tiny frog.  Eugene would have eaten it, so he didn't get a turn.

Jensen's 7th Birthday

 You want a blue cake?  OK, sure.

 Decorated by the kids themselves!

 Got a skateboard, a new bike, and a water balloon pump!

 Even a pinata!  The kids helped make that too.

And then we got to watch the Lego movie that Grandma got him for his birthday.  A good celebration!

California trip

Visited Jess, Adam and their kids- Olivia, Benjamin and Rachel.  Plus a bonus, uncle Jared lives out there now so we got to play with him too!  I never got a picture, but we got to see Erika and meet her fiance too!

We loved Jess's house.  Chickens, a big garden, trampoline... can life get better?

 4th of July parade in Roseville!

 We stayed 2 nights in Squaw Valley right by lake Tahoe too.  So beautiful!!

I love this picture, with Eugene in the background trying to sneak a quick bite of sand while I'm distracted.

 Riding the Tram up to the high camp.  It seems a funny place to go roller skating, but we did.  Plus there was a nice pool and hot tub up there to play in.

 The Tahoe beaches were so fun!  Even funner was getting to see Em and Bob at the beach too!

 The runners who didn't need the Tram.

 Such cute cousins!

Harder than it looks, huh Jensen.

 Fireworks at Jess's house.  These pics are a little out of order.  Not going to fix them.

 Everyone working hard on the sand castle.

 We even found a crawfish to live in the castle.

 Funny side note.  While we were at the hot tub, Benji decided to pull the fire alarm.  We got to meet the firemen.

 This girl is a fish.

 The water was freezing, but it was a nice hot day luckily.

 Jared, doing some Yoga.  No worries, cause Ryley is standing by for rescue if need be.

 Just look at this water!!  Incredible!

 Jared managed to climb this impossible rock.  Auntie Em also managed to climb a rock!

 Paddle boards are really fun!  I'd never tried one before.  We all loved it.

Can't wait until our next visit!!!