A boy and his dog

Last day of preschool

This may have been the last official day of preschool, but since they still have a class picnic, Father's Day (a little program on Saturday morning), and even a "graduation" ceremony, Charlotte didn't seem too broken up about it.  We decided to put her in her "first day of school skirt" (I guess it needs a new name now -- the "first AND last day of school skirt"?) and take a photo of her in the same spot in the house.  I'm just not organized enough to make a cool sign for her to hold.  Someday, maybe.

First day

Last day

I'm not sure CJ and Shelby fully grasp the fact that they won't be going to the same school next year, but then again, I'm trying not to hammer on it too hard for fear of major tears.

There will be lots to miss about preschool, like peeking in the window while waiting for Mrs. Mann to open the door . . .

and bum-rushing poor Mrs. Mann when she does.

A couple of the moms arranged to get each student's photo taken with a different letter/word of Mrs. Mann's school motto -- "First Friends Are Best Friends".  Then, someone photoshopped it altogether and got it printed on a nice canvas.  It looks very cool and Mrs. Mann was very tickled to open it.

It's hard to tell, but Charlotte is holding the "I" in the word "FIRST".

After class, the kids took one last spin up the "highway" to get picked up by the moms.  Again, no real tears because the kids will be back together a bunch of times over the next few days.  I have many, many more times ahead to claim a child off the "highway" since Petey will be going to First Friends for the next couple of years, but it did make me a little sad to know it would never again be for Charlotte.

Goodbye, First Friends Preschool, and hello Baldwin Elementary School!

Illi-noise

The kids and I headed out to Illinois to crash the party at Sonia's house -- my parents were there to attend her ballet/tap recital, and although we couldn't stay long enough to see the recital we decided to come anyway.  Poor Corey had to work pretty much all weekend, but we hope to bring him next time.  I didn't bring my camera, but I stole some shots from Erin.

I know someday these girls will rather die than wear something made by Mommy/Auntie Niki, but until then I'm going to make them as many things as possible.

On Saturday, we went to the Arboretum to let the kids work out some energy.  Grandma JoJo found some blossoms she liked.

Charlotte took photos of EVERYTHING.  She was like the paparazzi at a red carpet event.  It was a little ridiculous, actually.  Thank goodness for digital cameras.  We would be broke if we had to buy that child film and develop those pictures.

Grandpa Spike and his little cuties!

I have no idea what was going on here.

We made the kids wear their age shirts.  Again, I resolve to be thankful for every day that they will wear one of my creations, because I know those days are numbered!

I love it when Petey actually wants to walk holding my hand.  It's a rare treat.  (Sidenote: wow -- I have a LOT of hair.)

Sonia got a little love from Petey, too.

Yes, Erin and I dressed all matchy matchy as well.  We are twins, you know.  We did it on purpose that day, but then we accidentally both wore nearly identical outfits the next day.

Dandelions by Zach's tree!

 Another one of Grandpa Spike and his darlings.

Possible Christmas card photo?  Maybe if they go into Witness Protection . . .

We hauled our bikes 300 miles, but Peter only had eyes for Sonia's scooter (and her cool cape).

At least SOMEONE rode her bike!

NUTBURGER!!!!

Grandma JoJo got the kids all some vinyl sticker books.  Charlotte really loves her dress-up book and every day asks me if she can "do the book where I can dress up my girls".  Sonia was very helpful in teaching Charlotte the wonders of the vinyl stickers.

Rochester Heritage Days Car Show

When I was growing up, one of my favorite things to do was attend the car show at the Heritage Days car show in the Municipal Park in downtown Rochester.

Love the red interior in this late 70's Corvette.

The owner kindly invited Peter and Charlotte to sit in it.

We found my dream car - a 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire.

I've always like the interiors on these . . .

1934 Chevrolet.

Dig this Ford hot rod.

No car show is complete without an early Mustang.

I've always been a fan of the steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps.

Good old Dodge Dart Swinger.

1975 Corvette.

I've always liked these wheels.

1962 Corvette.

The interior of this Plymouth is all business.  

I love the lines on the '69 Mustang Mach I.

This Packard made Peter sad.  I have no idea why.

Peter thought this Opel GT was the exact right size . . . for looking at himself in the rearview mirror.

I've always liked the machine-turned dashboard in the old Trans Ams.

Peter liked the Trans Am.  

Peter sought out this Camaro and struck a tough pose.

I've also aways liked the wheels on the 80's Camaros.

Peter and I were looking at these two T-Buckets, and . . .

. . . the owner invited Peter to sit in it.  

Rochester even showed one of their Charger police cars.

There were also lots of tractors - this Farmall is gorgeous.

Finally, would a car show in Rochester be complete without Rochester's pride and joy, the Bookmobile?