Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive

The girls investigating a walking stick bug they found.

Off To The Zoo With Ya'

Hallie had a Teacher Prep Day and so we headed to the zoo.

We are so lucky to have a free zoo only 15 minutes away.

Brookie and some of her friends from her ballet class, and Hallie with her friend Ethan. We have been getting together with Ethan and 3 other friends Hallie's age once a week for the past 3 1/2 yearsThe National Zoo has something called a smart enclosure. The ropes are suspended in the air high enough that the orangutans won't climb/jump down. Because of this they are able to climb from building to building across the zoo without a net or cage. It is really cool!

Fishing

There were a ton of fish in the pond in front of the farm house. Chris and I were able to catch our first large mouth bass! Unfortunately Chris released my bass before I was able to get a good look at it (but I am pretty sure mine was bigger) It is still a sore spot in our marriage :)

After several hours of fishing and hanging out by the pond a water moccasin showed up and started swimming straight for myself and the girls, it was pretty CREEPY!

Farm House

When Grandma and Grandpa came out to visit we decided to rent a house for a few days. The house was lovely, and the private property extensive, but to say it had a bug problem would be an understatement. From Dawn to Dusk you could hear a vacuum attacking a "buggly-ugger" in some room in the house. BUT despite all the bug drama we had a really great time, and the organic farm house we stayed at will most likely never be forgotten.

Luray Caverns

We were lucky enough to have Grandma and Grandpa Miller come for a visit. While they were here we decided to visit Luray Caverns. It was amazing! My pictures really do not do this amazing cavern justice (it was really hard to get the lighting right)

This Stalagtite was paper thin and hung just like drapery, it was incredible.

They had a wishing pond there as well. The copper from the pennies turned the water green. It was really pretty.

They also had a Stalagpipe Organ. Each note is made by tapping on stalagtites that are found around the cave. They are hooked to an organ and a speaker so that they are able to make amazing music. They even hold concerts.

Field Trip

Brooklyn had her first real field trip. She was so excited to be able to go on a bus on a field trip just like Hallie. I was excited to be able to tag along.

This is her right before we left.

Brooklyn with some of her friends from school.

We went to a local Pumpkin Patch. Were they had hay rides, slides, rides, and we even got to pick out a pumpkin.

Brooklyns favorite thing by far was the slide. She went down it at least 50 times. After the 2oth time she skipped the burlap bag and slid down on just her little behind. The worker on the top wasn't paying much attention and so the kids went one after another and crashed into each other. It was pretty funny.

Brooklyns Tea Party

While I was upstairs folding laundry Brooklyn really outdid her self by getting this stunning tea party surprise ready for me. It took her an hour to complete, and let me tell you it was worth the wait.

The centerpiece included potpourri from the coffee table, and bathroom which is on top of her dolls pink blanket. We also had a sparkling name tag she made in preschool.

Even the chandelier got a make over

The tablecloth was made out of 3 blankets. Each person also got a placemat name plate, and napkin.

Lastly the food was individualized so that we were all able to eat things that we like. Ice packs were put on top of the cereal and milk to keep them cold until we ate.

NOW. . . the thing that really amazes me is that I DID NOTHING. The pictures that you see here were the first I saw or heard of this tea party. She used a chair to get into the freezer and cupboards and even poured the milk herself. She is going to be a fabulous party planner someday!

General Conference

Before General Conference we like to read the story of King Benjamin (Ben this story always reminds them of you!) Then on Sunday morning we make a fort (tent) for the kids to sit in while they listen. This year Polly Pocket (not pictured), and Barbie and Ken got to get in on the fun as well.

My Little Ballerinas

Brooklyn on the first day of Ballet class. She takes ballet at the community center a couple of blocks away with some other girls her age in the ward. She LOVES ballet class, and loves to practice her moves around the living room at home.

Hallie on her first day of ballet. She doesn't have her ballet slippers on because she is not to wear them outside of class. Hallie takes ballet at a ballet studio 10 minutes away. Her program is a bit more serious, but she loves the challenge. She is a perfect little ballerina.

First Day of School

Brooklyn on her first day of Preschool

Hallie on her first day of second grade

Not my favorite outfit in the world but she picked it out because she thinks that it makes her look older. Even though it wasn't my first choice, she still looks pretty darn cute!