Class is in Session

Today at a garage sale I found these two darling vintage metal desks. They are very compact, perfect for my little students! Amelia can't wait to do her homework now!

Steamtown

Here are some photos from our visit to Steamtown, which we thought was pretty darn cool!

This was posted inside our passenger car during our train ride. I don't know why, but I think it's pretty funny.

The train is called "Big Boy" and only a few of them were ever made. They were the biggest and most powerful engines out there. Dad was thrilled to see it in person.

The kids liked this cute little one.

On the bridge overlooking Steamtown.

10 Years!!

Happy 10th anniversary, Mike! Being married to you is even better than I could have imagined. I love you!

Amelia has been very interested in our anniversary this year. This is the card she made us! It says, "I love you Mom. I hope you have a happy annuversrry. This is the last time I'm saying I love you in this sentins. I love you. Love Amelia" There is another card in the works for Mike.

Train Buddies

Mom and Dad came for a visit, and now we affectionately call it The Great Train Dash of 2010. Dad didn't have tons of time here, but we managed to cram in as many locomotives as possible. Colin thinks of himself proudly as Papa's train buddy. Our first stop was New Hope, PA. This turned out to be a little early in the tourist season for live steam, so we had to settle for a diesel. After Dad wiped his tears, we had a lovely ride through the forest.

The boys watching the engine link up with our car.

The train buddies resting their arms on the window, just like the engineer does.

We loved this awesome station with the darling witch's cap.

Mother's Day

As far as I'm concerned, the best thing about Mother's Day the last two years has been the Mother's Tea that the preschool puts on. It is wonderful! The kids get dressed up and drink tea from tea cups. They make us darling cards, and Colin made me a special flower pin out of popsicle sticks. Colin really loves having a special time with just the two of us. At the end of the tea, the kids climb up on risers and sing songs that they have been working on all year. Colin, who had formerly claimed to hate singing, busted out in song! It was amazing! He was probably the loudest singer in the whole group. He has a very low voice and can't hit most of the high notes, but that didn't stop him! He also is a very slow singer, so he was usually two or three words behind. He really tried hard and looked like he was enjoying it. I was sooooo proud!

We're Still Alive

Wow, I've taken quite a hiatus this month but I hope to be back in action now! First off, Colin's preschool took a trip to a cute little farm in April and I got to bring all of the kids along. Amelia went with her class last year, so she felt like quite the veteran. Colin was really excited to see all of the animals and he had a great time on the hayride sitting next to his buddy, Albert.

Jack seemed really interested in holding a chick until I actually gave him one. I guess it's not fun, it's horrifying. Right after I took this he angrily shoved the chick off the chair.

Colin on his first pony ride. It was more of a mozy, really.

Amelia and Colin made me look good by sharing this chick and helping each other right in front of the teachers. Way to go, guys!

Colin really liked feeding this sheep some of the hay on the ground.

Jack saying cheese in front of the goats.

Amelia admired this pony's beautiful hair. We thought it could use a bow of some sort.

Feeding the bunnies.

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

This weekend we ventured out to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival with some good friends. Despite it being rather hot and crowded, I had a wonderful time! There was lots of yarn shopping, and I came home with a few skeins of some wonderful stuff. There was also plenty of lamb to eat (strange, I think) and we enjoyed some barbecue lamb ribs that were awesome. The kids like seeing the animals, and watching the experts shear the sheep.

These alpacas were adorable. They are so small and sweet looking, and make cute sounds. I also happen to be a big fan of alpaca yarn.

These alpacas had their fur shaved, and their hairdos match Amelia's!

We all loved checking out the different sheep breeds. This is a heritage breed whose long hair on their faces looks like dreadlocks.

While I was yarn shopping, Mike bought the kids corndogs. Corndogs!? They loved them. Gross.

Colin thought the rams were really cool.