Leah and Zoe!

Leah's First Day of School

Leah was excited to start school this year. She began the
Extended Day program. (The Montessori equivalent of
full-day kindergarten.)

The Benefit of Two Sides

One can use markers while the other uses chalk.
(And yes, Leah painted her face that morning.)

4 Cousins

playing their great-great-great-grandmother's piano.

I Don't Know Why . . .

. . .I love it, but I do. Zoe and Noah look so grown up.
They look deep in conversation.

Pounding for Pancakes

The four cousins cracked themselves up pounding the table
while waiting for peach pancakes.

Tea Time

22 Months Old

Not your standard birthday picture because we were out
of town, and I forgot. But this was taken on the actual day,
and I love that she's running full speed in the opposite
direction from her sister and cousins. That's our Zo!

A Good Peach

You would guess from my picture selections that Zoe is a great
eater. It's actually the opposite. I think I love pictures of her
eating because she so rarely enjoys food. Delicious Maryland
peaches were a surprising exception. (Of course, she won't touch
the peaches I've offered her at home, but I'll take what I can get.)

The Birds

Leah got to feed a couple of birds at the cool zoo exhibit.
Zoe was less successful. They found her zest for life a bit
overwhelming.

Nutella!

Another successful food introduction, but this one was probably
a mistake. Nutella has little value in a child's diet, but it makes
a great mustache.

The Rides

Leah's first roller coaster.

Zoe quickly got frustrated by what she couldn't ride,
so they bounced.

Then Leah and I rode the tea cups. I'm pleased to report that she
enjoyed them and didn't get sick like Peter. That's my girl!

Our First WI State Fair

The BIG slide was the biggest hit.

Leah loved it.

So Peter got a turn.

Then Zoe decided she wasn't going to miss it.
Apparently we're a family of sliders!

Heading to Bed

Peter frequently carries them upstairs this way.
They love it. I think he's crazy.

Zoe knows who's in charge.

Zoe's 1st Haircut

Leah helps Zoe pose for her "before" shot.

She was very happy and cooperative during.

And I forgot to take an "after," but trust me, it looks
much better.

Rice Krispies

I had no idea that rice krispies would be such a hit
with the girls. They couldn't believe I hadn't given
it to them before. Snap! Crackle! Pop! They
thought it was magic.

Fairy and Her Friends

Bumblebee fairy joined us a few hours into it.

Grandpa was a good sport as a fairy escort.

Fairy Festival

This summer we attended what I'm sure will be the first
of many fairy festivals. May I present, posed fairy.

Water fairy.

Flying, flower fairy.

And fashion show fairy. (Can you tell she loved the runway?)

Sleepy Butt

So I totally botched the picture, but I was taking it in total darkness.
Zoe still sleeps on her tummy, with her butt up, and her feet crossed.
Cute!

Heading Home

Leah requested a picture with "Big Boy."

Mesmerized by Peter Pan.

On Lake Brevort

The bow.

The stern.

The lucky mommy.

Lake Huron

Posing and skipping rocks at Lake Huron with the Mackinac bridge
in the background.

Mackinac Island

An afternoon of Mommy/Daddy/Leah time.

Fish and More Fish

She caught several sunfish, perch, bluegill, and a catfish.
She would want me to clarify that this is just a small sample.

Deer Ranch

Sad place, but the girls liked it.

Enjoying Vacation Snacks

Johnsons in the Sand

Building an assortment of castles.

Lake Michigan

A marvelous afternoon on the beach of Lake Michigan. The water was
so cold that we didn't put Zoe in a swimsuit. We thought dipping her feet
would be more than enough.

We were wrong. Both girls went all the way into the water, dragging
their family members with them.

Fingerpainting Alfresco

Our Fisherwoman

Leah loved the fishing on our recent trip to the Upper Penninsula of MI.
Here we're heading out for the first time.

Peter explaining the finer points of fishing.

Leah's first fish (ever)! A perch to be exact.