First Day of First Grade

How is it possible that we have a first grader?! Olivia started first grade on August 16. As much as I miss her while she's gone, I think this was an easier transition for me as a parent than when she started kindergarten last year. She and I were both ready by the end of the summer for school to start and things seem to be off a great start - her best friend from kindergarten is in her class and her teacher seems very nice. Looking forward to a great year ahead!

Natalie's Real Birthday/Visit with Sarah

On Natalie's real birthday, we started the day off with chocolate chip pancakes at First Watch. We followed that up with a trip to the car wash (her request), and then headed to Aullwood Farm which seemed like the perfect place to celebrate our little animal lover.

:)

Flowers from her best bud, Ian

Playing with her new present from Yusaku and I

We got to have dinner with Meghan, Dan, and Ian at Smashburger -
Natalie's choice as she wanted a "hangaburger" for dinner ;)

Unfortunately, Yusaku had to work the rest weekend so he wasn't able to join in the fun after Friday. Fortunately though, Sarah came into town for her visit. We had fun hanging out with her as always! It was a great weekend celebrating Natalie and enjoying the last bit of Summer!

Natalie's 3rd Birthday Party!

Natalie's birthday party was a blast! Lots of friends, cake, presents, and beautiful weather - just how a party should be. I always feel so much happiness at my kids' parties because I can see and feel how much love our friends and family have for our children. It's such a nice reminder of how lucky we are.

July Phone Pics

July was a pretty full month. Between Yusaku and I's trip to Hocking Hills and a trip to Cincinnati to watch a soccer game, we also made two trips to the Cincinnati Zoo and a trip to Columbus to visit Kelly, Ella, and Isaac. We squeezed in Natalie's first trip to the movies to see Finding Dory and Yusaku and I took a cooking class with some friends of ours for a date night, which turned out to be lots of fun! There were two birthday parties and we explored a new park with our friends Tiffany, Parker, and Ava. And, not to be forgotten, there was a marching band concert where the kids got to listen to some of their favorite neighbors play music. Of course, there was lots of pool time thrown in there too.