D's world gets a little bit bigger

As you saw in the last post, Diana took some big brave steps recently towards riding her bike without her training wheels.  Well, blog fans, hold on to your seats.  Daddy, step back and go get the video camera.  Diana's world just got a little bit bigger.

 

 

 

FINALLY!!  We're so proud of you, Diana.

No more tears

After a first attempt at riding without training wheels that ended not long after it started with Diana crying hysterically because she was too scared, we were finally able to coax her out for a second try.  Here goes...

 

While she was definitely nervous and required that Daddy hold on to the seat in such a manner that she could feel his hand on her butt, she at least tried it without crying.

After a few attempts, she started to gain a lot of confidence.

 

By her fourth try, she was doing better than she even knew.

 

Here she comes...

 

...with Daddy's hand doing nothing but giving her a sense of security.  She was doing it all by herself.  She can't wait to get back out there tomorrow.

School Days!

This year is unique in our family because everyone is going to school except Mommy!  Today, the last of my school kids started, so here is the recap!

 

Our school year started early on July 30, when Daddy started at Command and Staff College!  Here he is with his obligatory sign...



 

Next came Diana, who started first grade on September 3...

 

 

 

And lastly, and probably my most excited chickadee, Cara started preschool today, September 6!

 

What am I going to do with all this free time?  Ha!

Thank you everyone!

Today Mommy and Diana had a outing to use her birthday gift cards!  She is a very lucky girl to have such a generous family!

Here is Diana with her Target choices!  Thank you Grandma and Grandpa and Oma!

Diana with her new Build-A-Bear Hello Kitty doll named Whiskers…figure that one out…she also was able to get the outfit and some PJs! Thanks Grandma!

Diana with her Kohl’s choices! Thank you Nana and Papa! Auntie Wendy and Uncle Rob, we got a little worn out shopping, so we’re going to use yours next!

10 years!

On Saturday we celebrated our 10th anniversary with a family trip to Washington, D.C.

A selfie in the car...yes that’s a real word now according to Oxford’s online dictionary…

We began our day with a trip to the Museum of Natural History.  First on the tour was a stop at the Butterfly Pavilion where we got to be with live butterflies!

Watching the butterfly drink nectar with its super long tongue…or proboscis, its technical name.  Learning!

Next was the insect room…here they are in a termite tunnel!

Next up was the Gems exhibit.  Here is Cara sitting on a huge amethyst, her birthstone!

In front of more gems…I have entered the picture as I have a child on my back. This was taken shortly after 11, which means I had one kid or the other on my back or front for the next 3.5 hours…and it was 92 degrees…good PT!

Cara and a geode

A big rock? Not sure what she’s resting on, but she’s still cute!

In the main hall

Here we learned that giraffes have special valves in their necks so they don’t pass out every time they drink water!

We did walk to the White House after lunch, however were unable to get pictures of our children in front of it due to the dueling protests that were taking place. 

We also walked up Pennsylvania Avenue where they had shut down the street for the 64th annual Chinese-American Street Volleyball tournament.  There were probably at least 30 courts of men and women playing volleyball in the street!  They did play with 9 people on the court to lessen the need for diving, however we did see some dives!  Ouch!

Next we stopped at the World War II memorial. In the background is the Washington Monument which unfortunately is undergoing repairs, so is covered with scaffolding.

On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial

Mommy and Daddy…and the photo bomber…

And ending the day with another selfie…