Back to School

This week the girls were back in school. Alison is now a 3rd grader and Lauren in 1st.

They were both excited to go and see their friends and meet their new teachers.

Of course Bailey and Lilly wanted to get in on all the action too. So they posed for their first day of not having their older sisters at home with them in awhile. At this stage its easier having twins because they play so well together. It's also a little hard to break up fights and help them share my lap for story time, but overall they are quite the cute pair.

the Summer wrap-up

Arrrr mateys! We've had a great summer visiting with lots of family and friends. After we left MV we had a nice stay at Grandma and Papa's house where we visited:

The Jones family! We will miss you guys. Good luck in your move to Washington.

Visits with sisters. Our girls are lucky to have some amazing Aunties.

We visited with my friend Mara and her adorable girls.

My BFF from grade school and high school- Mara Gleason (now Powers). Its always a blessing to catch up with a dear friend.

Steve's brother, Joe and his family came to visit us. We took them into D.C to visit the Zoo, the American History museum and the Natural History museum. Ahh, I just love museums!

visiting the Ape House

Downey and Laverty girls

Summer Art Camp

My friend Elinn and I did another Summer Art Camp for our children and their friends. We had a great time doing art projects like painting rocks, perspective drawing, working with watercolors, and collage art. We also did artistic snacks like decorating cupcakes and working with fruit. Everyone was so creative- can't wait for next summer!

a sampling of collage art

Lauren with her painted rocks

owl and cookie monster

On another note, for my birthday this year the girls worked on a "big card" which I think looks more like a patchwork quilt. They were so cute to write little messages to me and draw some pictures. They kept it a big secret working on it for awhile. I love it.

Also this summer we found a great pool nearby and were happy to spend

some of August at the pool with friends.