At every opportunity, she tries to get me to return home.

I thought all dogs liked to go on walks?

They had an awesome face painter there. I was shocked Miss H wanted her face covered but she was certain she wanted to be a rainbow cat.

Her and her best friend posed together. (Miss H was almost unrecognizable with the make-up on. It took a little getting use to).

She kept it on for the whole day!

Then on Sunday, it was still gloomy. We headed to swim lessons and Miss H jumped in, dove to the bottom to get a ring and practiced swimming on her back. These lessons have gone much better than lessons in the past.

Miss H liked my dog shirt so much that she found her own so we could match

Kerry and I love that Miss H loves to read and her new favorite thing is to be the teacher. We had to ‘pay attention’ and ‘listen’ as she went through the book. She did a great job of showing us the pictures too!

We decided to head to Shlagel Farms today to meet up with Mom, Leigh and Chip to pick strawberries and it was perfect timing. The weather was a little overcast but no rain spoiled our trip. We got lots of berries and even ran into some friends.

Miss H remembered the swing set from last year and was quick to meet a friend to join her on the double swing. They got it really high!

Then, it was off to the dog wash. Miss S really needed a bath and we decided it was better to let her soak some place that was not one of our bathrooms. She was not a big fan of the whole experience but the rest of us had fun. And, she smells a lot better now.

Speaking of Miss S- she does not like the vacuum.

But she does like empty plastic bottles.

After all this excitement, we decided to head to a Japanese Steakhouse not far from our house. Miss H loves ‘food as entertainment’ and Kerry’s dad had never experienced the fire, the volcano or the flying shrimp. Everyone was full and happy. And, Miss H did a pretty good job with the ‘chompsticks.’

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend!

I am not sure this was his idea of relaxing but it seemed they were all having fun.

In other fun news, Kerry’s sister and her family came to visit en route to Atlanta. They drove from Minnesota and made great time. Plus, they are enjoying our much better weather (they had snow on the ground when they left). The kids have been getting along great and they are were all exhausted by days end.

Saturday, Kerry, Miss H and I took Miss S to puppy school. It was fun to see Miss S play with the other dogs (and learn some stuff too).

Miss H wanted to bring home another puppy.

Then, we all headed to Burke Lake Park. The playground was a huge hit.

And, the train was a bigger hit.

Sunday, Miss H started swim lessons and she had a great time. We have not always had successful lessons but I think this one might be the best yet. Her teacher was super nice and the pool water was warmer than other locations we have been to.

Then it was off to the National Arboretum with everyone. We walked and walked and burned off some serious energy. We were a little sad to learn that the koi pond was closed until next spring but it was still fun to wonder up to the columns and to see the great views from the top.

And, Miss S got to come too.

I could not get them all to smile (or look at the camera).

Everyone leaves tomorrow morning and we hope the rest of their trip is fun! Plus a happy birthday to Mr. O!

Today, it is both Kerry and Grandpa’s birthday! Happy birthday to both of them!

This little anomaly has started a whole list of questions from Miss H. She wants to know why her birthday is not the same? Or why I don’t have the same birthday as grandma, or granddad or Aunt Leigh or all three of them? Why is Daddy the only one who gets to share a birthday?

So, tomorrow will be gifts, dinner out and some cake! More to come on the birthday!

We hosted a baby shower for Aunt Leigh this weekend and it was fun times for everyone. Again, I totally failed in the picture department but I was busy setting up, hosting and enjoying all the company.

Aunt Leigh with her sister and sister-in-laws.

Miss H helping with the presents.

More food.

Dad and Kathy stopped by here en route to South Dakota (not the most direct route but it was all for a good cause) and we got to spend time with them this weekend too. Plus, Buddy and Miss S got to meet and play in the backyard. Buddy is going to be in for a shock the next time he comes to visit and Miss S is much bigger.

Mom came prepared to the shower with gifts for Miss H The highlight was the new paint set and after the festivities were over, she made many paintings on the front walk. It was a great lesson in mixing colors and what colors you can make with only a few of the basics.

Today, we went to see Aunt Leigh (and Uncle Chip’s) new house this weekend. Miss H loved throwing the ball off the deck and kicking it around their big yard.

All in all, a great weekend for a baby shower, family, friends and fun!

Also, this weekend, Miss S started puppy classes and she was worn out by the time she got home. We have had a few incidents of torn pants, stolen smoothies (she took Miss H’s right out of her hands) and general puppy mischief this week. Hopefully, she becomes the star pupil soon. I am still shocked when people ask me, ‘what type of dog is she?’ I feel like the ears give it away!

Miss H and I met friends at the park on Sunday and enjoyed the sunshine and company. All the kids were exhausted after three straight hours of running around.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

We learned letter sounds, worked on writing words and spent some time with the world map. She taught us all the continents and we then colored the world. She nicely pointed out our errors. ‘Daddy colored South America the wrong color.’

I think she forgot she was supposed to be the teacher because she got engrossed in the activity too.

As always, it was fun to spend time at school and we heard how well she is doing.

When we bought the house:

Sunday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Today!

Our neighbors love us right now Seriously, I had three separate people stop me while I was out walking Miss S to compliment us on our new yard.

Mom came to visit in the afternoon. We grilled out, did yard work, ran around the yard and generally just enjoyed the weather. Sunday was more of the same!

Miss S watched over everyone.

She thinks the pile of tree roots is great for chewing.