Back to School

The boys went back to school very early.  It was sad to have summer cut so short, but they were also very excited about school and seeing friends!

We get out the back to school banner every year, and of course they have little signs that say what grade they are entering.  Camille is just along for the ride :)

Each year they also get a back to school cone (or schultute).  It's a German tradition, and we have been doing it for years.  I make them, decorate them, and fill them with treats and school supplies.

Once we arrived at school we took more pictures

We also needed a few with the teachers.  Since Ms. Beth was Grady's teacher in Primary, I let them both get into that one.

And Camille insisted on being in the shot with Grady's new teacher, Miss Eleanor

There were also a few first day photos of Grady on the school website

So cute...

His little back, mixed in with his friends

I hope they have a fabulous year!  It's off to a great start!

Massachusetts - Part 7

Sadly, our last day in Massachusetts arrived, but we made the most of it and headed off to the children's museum and science center.

We played in the train room a lot - Camille was the ticket lady

Anson drove the train

Anson enjoyed the ball room for a long time

Camille joined some new friends and sang "Row Row Row Your Boat"

Then we headed to the science museum, which was awesome!  Camille checked out a geode VERY carefully!

Grady got to do a drawing on a cool machine.  It holds a marker, you give it a swirl, and it makes a unique picture for you.  There is a special name, but I can't remember it.

This was cool

And there was a huge Lego room!

That evening we went to Friendly's with Grammy Nancy.  The kids loved the ice cream, of course!

It was a yummy ending to a really special trip!  The kids keep asking when we can go back!

Massachusetts - Part 6

Then it was off to the beach!  We went to Watch Hill, RI, which is beautiful, peaceful, and quiet.  The water was chilly for the kids, but it was a great experience to see such a different beach from what they are used to.  Pat came with us too, which was fun.  We all had a great time!

All alone on the sand!

Gal pals at the beach!

Lots of work to be done!

Mama and Patty took a little walk...

More digging...

A little dip in the water

The boys were proud of their "kingdom"!

It was a really nice day at the beach!

Massachusetts - Part 5

The following day we headed to the school where Nana's summer program was taking place so we could see the animal show!  The kids really enjoyed getting to pet all the creatures!

There was even a baby gator!

Then we headed to a nearby farm for lunch and homemade ice cream!  First, we HAD to visit with the goats!

The ice cream was good, and there was plenty of sharing going on :)

That evening we went to Grampy Bruce's house for a swim and pizza by the pool

Oh, and of course a ride in a car or two!

They love Grampy!

Massachusetts - Part 4

We headed into Boston the next day, starting with the awesome aquarium!

Outside, by the sea otters

Checking out the fantastic penguin exhibit

We listened to a talk about penguins, while Camille played

Taking a little break

After the aquarium, we had reservations for a ride on the duck boats!  It's a classic Boston adventure, and the kids loved it!

It was the best when we plunged down into the Charles River!

Then came the best part of all - the boys got to drive!

It was such an awesome day!