Happy Birthday, Matt!

The five of us celebrated Matt's birthday with dinner at a local brewpub, rhubarb pie (my best yet...with a dab of bacon fat in the crust!), and a 100-pound box of books. He is now the proud owner of Modern Cuisine, a five-book set on science, cooking, and everything in between. He also received some original poster paint masterpieces from his daughters: romping bunnies from Kaitlyn and a ferocious "dinosaur rex" from Claire. A happy birthday, indeed.

Must Be Summer!

A nearly naked baby playing in the grass is a sure sign of summer...as is the 92-degree temperature that necessitated the outfit!

School's Out for Summer!

Kaitlyn had her last day of preschool on Friday. That's her performing "Going on a Bear Hunt" for her final class.

For all of the times she complained that she didn't want to go, she had a great year, and I know that she will really miss her teachers and friends. She gave big hugs to Mrs. Scypinski and Mrs. Bahls, and we have big plans to set up play dates with her friends soon. Summer break is here (heaven help me)!

Can't Seem to Catch Up!

Two weeks ago, Grandma and Grandpa Hartings were in town for a long weekend, and we had a blast! Matt and his dad spent the better part of the weekend slaving away in the basement, installing our new suspended ceiling. It looks like we'll finally have a (re)finished basement in a month or so. Yea!

While they were busy, the rest of us headed to the National Zoo on Friday. The animals were out in full force--we saw lion cubs, a cheetah, a tiger, a giant panda, three elephants performing tricks, and an orangutan touring the zoo from his rope tower a hundred feet over our heads! Then, on Saturday, we went to the Gaithersburg Book Festival to get some fabulous new books...and a big ol' bag of kettle corn. Yum!

Falling Behind

Dad had a conference in D.C. two weeks ago, so we had the pleasure of good company for a week. We didn't venture out too much, as the weather was rather unpredictable, but we had a nice time, nonetheless. Here are a few of my favorite pictures with Grandma and Papa Kneen.

The Only Yellowjackets We Like

Jack was sad to miss his godfather's graduation from the University of Rochester this past weekend...but he wasn't sad to miss the incessant downpour and frigid temperatures. And he got this cool t-shirt! Congratulations, Travis!

Beaters Are Fun!

I don't even remember what sweet treat we were whipping up when these pictures were taken, but I love the faces!