Pomp and Circumstance...Preschool Style!

Emma's preschool graduation took place Friday, May 25. After a sing-a-long, performance to the "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" story (Emma was "Loose Tooth T"), and a beautiful slide show, Emma and her classmates donned paper graduation hats (and thankfully, no gowns, so she could show off her beautiful dress from Grandma Karen) and processed across the stage. They then took their "diplomas", which were actually just blank papers rolled up (we got the real ones later), stuffed them in their hats, up their shirts, or, like, Emma, used them as telescopes and chew toys while their teachers spoke a few words. Grandma and Grandpa Isch were there, and Great Grandma Coe and Aunt Linda made a surprise appearance as well. After all this fanfare, Emma will actually be back in preschool again next year because she misses our school district's August 1st cutoff date for kindergarten by just a few weeks! It's probably a good thing, though...Emma says she can't wait to go back!

Sunny Day and Snoopy!

We went back to Kings Island on a day with 75-degree weather, sunshine, and hardly any lines!!! Our little ride warrior rode every ride in the kids' area-some 2 or 3 times! We also took in several midway rides, like the Scrambler and the Monster! We realize we were spoiled...we aren't likely to have that combination of beautiful weather and an uncrowded park again for a while!!!

Happy Mother's Day...to our 4-legged mother friends!

On Mother's Day, we went to Mom and Dad's, which is just minutes from Malabar Farm State Park. The baby animals were out in full force! Mama goats, sheep, cows, and swans showed off their adorable offspring. And of course, Emma viewed the whole thing with Uncle Jason and Aunt Kristen wrapped around her little finger!

Chillin' at Planet Snoopy (Literally)!

On Saturday, April 28, we braved the weather and went to Kings Island Amusement Park for their opening day. Since we have season passes this year (now that Emma's a paying customer, it's actually cheaper than 2-day passes for all of us), we decided to take our chances, even though it was supposed to be in the 50s with a chance of rain throughout the day. It was pouring as we pulled into the parking lot, but miraculously, it subsided as we walked to the entrance and did nothing more than sprinkle a couple of minutes for the rest of the day. Even though it was indeed chilly (especially on the roller coasters!), we were prepared with coats and gloves and enjoyed the relatively short lines. Also, Emma has now reached the 44 inch mark, so she can-and does-go on any ride in the entire kids' area, including the "Surf Dog" ride pictured here and a suspended roller coaster (which we didn't take pictures of because we all rode it together)! The park's an hour and 40 minute drive from our house, so we won't be going every week, but we look forward to it as a little getaway throughout the season!

Happy Easter 2012!

We had everyone to our house for Easter this year. Even though Emma was the only kid (as usual!) she enjoyed the attention and even found 24 Easter Eggs in just a few minutes!