Photo shoot with Hannah...

I decided to take Hannah to one of our favorite spots this afternoon and practice some different techniques. Some of the shots came out pretty good! Enjoy!

When she's asked to smile pretty, she goes all out!

LOVE this one!!

Caught in the tree...

Dublin Zoo

Since we didn't really do something "big" for summer this year, we took a quick trip over to Dublin to check out the zoo. It was a well deserved break for the family, and sort of a last chance to do something together before Isaac comes (and the subsequent down time that will follow!) We had a great day, even though there was rain off and on the whole day. We just tucked into shelters and under trees as each shower would come, and then we'd continue on. The girls absolutely LOVED it! It really was a blast for us, and though today we're tired from the quick trip, we're very glad we went! Here's some pics of the day with the kids. (the pics were limited because of the rain, but there were some good pics none-the-less)

Sweet picture!!

Jen and I laughed a bit at this sign...did they miss anything?!? LOL!

...and in the spirit of that sign, play the "Jaws" theme song in your mind at this one! If they don't want little kids chasing or doing anything on their little signs, then don't put peacocks out in the middle of the paths! LOL

Tiger sleeping blissfully next to the glass...

Mom helping them get a good look

This was probably the coolest thing that happened. We walked up to this enclosure where the otters were and we at first couldn't see them. Then I noticed some grass rustling and knew they were coming, so Hannah and Cailyn made their way over. The otters (no joke) SAW the girls at the window and came right over to them, and they all just stared at each other for a couple minutes. It was neat!

And the obligatory face in the Orangutan photos...Hannah

...Cailyn

...and a mommy who refuses to grow up! LOL

First Day of School!!!

Big, big things happening around here! Hannah is in the next class up from last year. In the states, we're pretty sure this would be 1st grade, but it's sort of like a second Kindergarten. She was really chomping at the bit to head back to school and be with all her friends again. No problems dropping her off...she just marched right into the room, found her seat and started coloring.

Bigger though is that Cailyn started school! She's in the preschool that Hannah went to, and absolutely LOVES it so far. She has several friends from the day-care place that she was at and has already made some new friends. She is really doing well with it! It's busy again with the school schedule, but there's something about it that just seemed like it was time! Here's a couple pics of the morning...

Lunch bags in hand, headed out the door (can you tell Cailyn is happy???)

Dropping Cailyn off at her school