Back to School...

School has started both for me and the Mt. Lebanon kids, however the official end of summer is still a couple of weeks away. This is going to be a busy semester for me with two different clinicals, definitely a full time schedule. What did I get myself into?! Hopefully it will all pay off in the end.

While John, Amois, and Paloma were in we were able to relax and visit a bit before they left for home. On Thursday we went to the Zoo and saw both of the baby elephants. Paloma was all about the animals, very cute. The weekend lended themselves to chill days with babies and Uncle John feeling a bit under the weather. However it was very nice to enjoy the company and take in some much needed relaxation after a busy Friday night.

Here's Autumn during her first finger painting experience. I think she liked it!!
Proud Daddy and Audi. They're both making their cheese faces.
Super cute Paloma. The girls got along fairly well. Audi thought she would be able to take Paloma's toys away from her...but Paloma used some unconventional methods to hold her ground. However, there were times of genuine love for each other as they figured out cousins rock!!
This picture is funny. I was cleaning up the house when Miles kept shouting, "Katie, get the camera!" Over and over again. So when I rounded the corner Autumn was completely vegging out on Miles watching "The Potty Movie" in a complete trance. Now it may not seem like much, but this was a huge deal because Audi rarely sits still. So yes, I got there in time to take a picture.
This is a picture of one of the baby elephants. The other one was sleeping in another room so it was hard to get a good shot. They are super cute to watch...

Happy 30th Aniversay Grammie and Papa

On Friday we pulled off a Surprise 3oth Wedding Anniversary for my Mom and Dad. I have to admit it was fun that they were both surprised by the whole thing, I thought for sure they'd figure it out. We rented a pavilion at South Park which worked beautifully (there was a park right there for the kids!) It was really cool that so many of their friends and family were able to make it in, and were so excited to celebrate with them. John, Amois, and Paloma flew in for a long weekend so we were able to soak up the baby for a couple of days! Below are pictures from the party...
JW made the trip in from Florida for the party and to visit with relatives. We're so glad you were able to meet Autumn and Paloma! I'm already trying to figure out how I can fly down there over the winter for some sun!

When my Dad walked in he looked around and said, "Wow, Surprise". Then he saw his good friend John who flew in from Florida and said, "Big Surprise"...priceless....

Beach pictures

I admit it...I'm an awful picture taker. Here are the only pictures I took during our vacation on the beach, but at least I got the Pirogi Party on camera! Let's hope Grandpa Dowiak will share his!!

Williamsburg

I forgot to tell you about our Williamsburg layover on the way to the beach. We decided to drive through the night because we didn't want to ride with Autumn during the day. It was a challenge on the way down to the beach, but on the way home it worked like a charm. Anyway...we were able to walk around Williamsburg for a day and spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa Dowiak. It was fun because I remember visiting Williamsburg when I was a kid. Autumn was able to run along for a bit before she got too tired. It was fun watching the horses pull carriages and the drummers come by while we relaxed on a bench.

Back from Vacation

We made it home from our vacation this past Sunday after spending a week with the Dowiak clan in Duck, NC. We lucked out and had beautiful beach weather the whole week. There were a couple of rainstorms that made their way through during the night (we had one black out!), but during the day it was warm enough to make our way to the ocean. It was wonderful to spend some time away from home and just enjoy being around family for the week. Miles really enjoyed sailing with Nate and swimming in the waves. It took him all week...but he got rid of his farmers tan! I enjoyed catching up with family and watching Autumn discover the ocean.

By the time we left Autumn was really starting to get use to the water and sand. I took her swimming two days ago and she has really turned into a water baby! She has no fear anymore when it comes to jumping in and out of the pool. And I'm happy to report that she now goes under the water by herself without getting upset. Now I'm the one who really has to keep my eye on her when we go swimming! It is fun watching her run and swim with all of the other kids at the pool.

And an update on Grammie...she's now home and recovering nicely. We were able to visit last night and actually went to a free concert in South Park. Autumn was a hoot dancing to the music, and Grammie enjoyed watching her work the crowd!