Akron Zoo with Bekah

Bekah and the kids joined Hazel and me at the Akron Zoo on Friday, September 27th. 

It was a beautiful day to be outside and the animals were all pretty active to make it even better.

Hazel was not so sure about this bridge. I had to go and rescue her half way in.

One of the grizzly bears was in the water putting his huge paws on the glass again.
So awesome!

Zech checking out the otters.

Gabe sending Hazel down.

She really did love it and insisted on going three more times.

Digging in the rocks.

Good times had by all!

Family Pictures...attempted

On Wednesday the 25th, the kids and I headed over to Smucker's after naptime to meet up with Laura Perkins to attempt to take family pictures. It was the only time we could get together and have Cody in the pictures so we met at 5pm and attempted to keep the kids from going completely insane. It was a hard fought battle to get some decent pictures and I was pretty sure I was going to fire all of them as my kids by the end of it. Hopefully the end result will make it all worth it! Afterwards, we took the kids to Dairy Queen for dinner and ice cream and life got a bit better. Sadly, we had to drop Cody back at work to finish up some things while we headed home. Pepper and I saw some pretty flowers and decided to take some quick pictures before heading home.

This picture sums up our family pictures well...sigh.

We love fall! 

All tuckered out and ready to go home.

Ammon Griesmyer's 6th Birthday Party

On Friday, September 20th, we helped Ammon celebrate his 6th birthday. He wanted a superhero party so everyone was supposed to come dressed up like their favorite hero. It was a super hot day so Morgan didn't want to wear anything but a cape over his shorts and t-shirt, but Pepper went as Batgirl and Hazel wore a Superman shirt.

The superhero refueling station. 

Pepper with Wonder Woman, Emma.

Attacking the wall with Spiderman silly string.

Wonder Woman, Bekah checking out Jenn's new little man. 

Attacking the evil balloons.

Awesome cake from Ammon's aunt and photo bomb by Eli.

Aquaman Ammon opening his presents.

Hazel and Emma taking a break from the craziness with a little iPad alphabet play.

Sunday Walk with the Griesmyers

The joy of having friends live near by is being able to do things like go for Sunday afternoon walks in the park. On this particular afternoon the Griesmyers joined us at Ft. Island Park for a walk through the woods.

Emma chasing us.

Bekah and Gary hauling the little girls.

All the boys wanted to pose for me.

Feeding the big, ugly fish.

Fall is in the air and we are excited to share it with friends!

Pepper's 1st Day of 4yr Preschool

Pepper started 4yr preschool on Tuesday, September 10th. She will go to school every morning from 9 till 11:30. We were very pleased that she will have Ms. Susan, the same teacher Morgan had for 4yr. We all LOVE her and think she is a terrific teacher!

This year Ms. Susan's mother, Miss Bobbie will be co-teaching with her and teaching special science classes on Fridays. We are all very excited and so far Pepper is one happy little preschooler!

Pepper picked out her outfit all by herself. She insists she is going to be a fashion designer when she grows up.
At least the smile was a lot better this year!

Everything looks better with a soft filter!

Going to the preschool open house on Monday the 9th.

Yep, there are a grand total of 6 kids with 2 teachers.
I very much like these odds!

Pepper, Lafe and Grace checking out their seats while Hazel does her best to destroy the classroom.

Pepper ready to give Ms. Susan her first day present.

Morgan trying to help Pepper smile again.

Then Hazel wanted to join in.

Saying good-bye.

Hazel was not in the mood for anymore pictures and was very, very upset that she didn't get to go into school again.

Greeting, Mrs. Renzi the preschool's director.