a few weeks of pictures...

a couple of weeks ago we went to the Red Mile (Lexington's harness racetrack) This was the first time I had ever been there. Much different crowd than Keeneland!

Simon and I got caught in a rainstorm at his soccer game today. Simon thought it was so much fun!

This picture doesn't do it justice but Sarah had her hair sprayed with purple polka dots to match her dress at Christ the King's Oktoberfest on Saturday.

One morning before school. Simon was trying to show him a book that he made at school that he is very proud of.

Sarah showing no fear at a bounce house for Dawson's birthday party.

Enjoying the park with Kaylee and Stacy over Labor day weekend.

Circus!

front row seats. Sarah stood against the glass most of the time so she would not miss a thing.

(Sarah checking out the acrobats at the preshow)

For the last several years, it has become sort of a tradition that our friend Dana and her son Lucas join me and Simon for a trip to the circus. No Dads or the last two years, no sisters. We felt that Sarah was ready to join us at the circus and Joseph could come along too. Brooke, Luca's little sister will probably be ready to join us next year and we would love to have Paul along too.

Anyway, Sarah absolutely loved her first circus. Her favorite parts were the dancers and the tigers. Simon and Lucas agreed that their favorite part was the motorcycles in the giant metal ball. Thanks to the Etters for getting us terrific seats and a equally terrific cheap price.

First day of Kindergarten!

Simon with a family friend, Kate. We are so glad they are in class together!

The day finally came and Simon's first day of kindergarten was today. He did great and we are thrilled with his class. He is one of 11 students and his teacher seems to be a great fit for him.

St. Louis

Aunt Barb singing to Uncle Kenny

Uncle Kenny and members of his barbershop style singing group singing to Aunt Barb

Sarah admiring the fish at the zoo.

met my Dad's prom date from way back in the day...how fun!

Dad with Andrew

We spent the weekend in St. Louis. Saturday evening was a party to celebrate my Aunt Barb and Uncle Kenny's 50th wedding anniversary. Most of my extended family were there along with all of my immediate family except my brother David (he is still on contract in Afghanistan) We also had a chance to go to the St. Louis Zoo which is my personal favorite zoo.

Birthday celebration!

Another work of art by Grandma Schroer

making "magic" pictures appear

Simon and Ben

Brittany and Nathan

Kaylee, Stacy, and Andrew

opening gifts from family at home

Simon thrilled that he got the Millennium Falcon which he has asked for for over a year. Sarah showing off her change from Grandma and Grandpa for her piggy bank.

We spent the weekend surrounded by family and friends to celebrate Simon's 6th birthday. Friday, my parents, Melissa, Shane, and the twins Andrew and Nathan came in from out of town to spend the weekend with us.

Saturday we had Simon's birthday party at the Explorium. This was the first time we have had a party away from home and wow, it was so much easier.

Today, which was his actual birthday was a quite day at home and a quick trip to the pool.

Thanks to all who joined us to celebrate!

Simon's picture day!

Simon's sixth birthday is Sunday so we went today to get his annual pictures.

Star Wars day

Chewbacca from a distance.

This past Saturday was Star Wars day at Joseph-Beth Booksellers. This is our local bookstore that puts any Barnes and Noble to shame. I could not believe the crowd of people to meet the Star Wars characters. You would have thought it was a Harry Potter release.

Simon was a tired of the crowd by the time it was his time to take pictures with the storm troopers. Sarah was happy to see the characters as long as they were a far distance from her.