Halloween Sneak Peek

Despite the crazy October snow that we're having today, Mike and I managed to get the kids dressed in their Halloween costumes to take their pictures.  I hate relying on the busy day before trick-or-treating to get  a decent photo, so this takes the pressure off!  This year all the grandkids are all dressing up as detectives.  Lauren's girls went with a Sherlock Holmes look, and kids with lazy parents (who weren't up to sewing fabulous capes like Lauren) got costumes with a film noir feel.  So, introducing the Chin Detective Agency!

Dad's Visit in August

I really wish I'd posted about this sooner, since it's becoming difficult to remember all of the zillions of things we did while he was here!  It was truly an epic, whirlwind visit!  A brief list of activities: Valley Forge, a whole day of antique shopping downtown with a lovely french lunch, day trip to Baltimore including: Fell's Point, Fort McHenry, and historic ship tours, a day trip to Anapolis including a bay cruise, downtown Phily sights including the aquarium in Camden, Reading Terminal, Love Park, Elfreth's Alley, the Masonic Temple, and seeing the view from the top of the tower in City Hall.  Phew!  It was SO much fun!  We miss you already Dad!

Fell's Point

 Dad gave Colin this hat, which is now a treasure!

 Anapolis harbor cruise 

 Elfreth's Alley

 View from the tower in city hall.  One of my favorite memories!  The views were incredible, and it took a LONG elevator ride for only 4 people to get up there.  This photo is of the cool street from city hall to the art museum.

 Oh, hello William.

The rest of our visit to Sarah's

The rest of our visit to Sarah's was great.  We went to the beach at Lake Michigan, which was really fabulous.  The whole experience was exactly like being at the ocean, minus the salty air and smell!  We really had a good time letting the kids dig around.

We also toured around Notre Dame one morning.  It was a lovely campus, and very clean!

Jack is Potty Trained!

In preparation for Jack's upcoming first day of school, he had to be potty trained in a short amount of time. He's been awesome! We still have the occasional accidents, but I'm really pleased. I don't remember what life is like without diapers, but I'm looking forward to remembering all about it!

This is his happy dance/muscles move.

Shipshewana Tea

During our Indiana trip we went to a fancy tea at a tea house in Shipshewana. It was especially for kids- they had special chairs for the dolls/stuffed animals, tiny mugs for them, and a fancy hot cocoa bar. We had a wonderful time!

Jack and Colin brought special stuffed animals.

Amelia brought Julie, her American Girl doll that Grandma Debi gave her.

There was a fancy lunch with tiny sandwiches and treats.

Max and Ryan's brother, Tyson. Somehow I didn't manage to get a photo of Evie or Sarah.

Ryan's Mom Linda, and his sister Maddie

Grandma Susu was there, too!

Visit to Indiana

We had a wonderful visit to Indiana earlier this summer. We absolutely love going out there and hanging out with cousins. The kids were looking cute before church, so we took some quick photos of them.

Back to School 2011

Here are photos of the kids in their back to school outfits! Jack is starting preschool, Colin is doing his last year of preschool, and Amelia is starting 2nd grade. Jack lucked out, after I took his photo I lost the light to a storm cloud, hence the graininess! Oh well.

G.G. and Grandpa Jim's Visit

G.G., Grandpa Jim, and Jim's son Jason came for a lovely long weekend at the end of July. We packed in all sorts of fun things, like going out to eat, celebrating Jack's birthday, visiting the Frankin Institute and seeing the mummy exhibit, and going to Longwood Gardens. We miss you guys!

Summer Showcase

Ginny and Jim came to visit in August, and Amelia just happened to have a mini ballet recital during their visit! It was a lovely little performance, and it was fun to have family with us!

First Dress

This is the first dress I've ever sewn, with the marvelous assistance of my sister Sarah, and her mother-in-law Linda. Thanks for the help, gals!

Jack's 3rd

We went to see Cars 2 in 3D with some friends to celebrate Colin and Jack's birthdays. The boys loved it! They got matching Cars shirts just for the occasion. On the actual day, we celebrated by having a birthday breakfast with Ginny, Jim, and Jim's son Jason (who were in town visiting). Jack blew out some candles in his pancakes. Then we went to the Franklin Institute and finished off the day at a delicious Indian restaurant. It was a wonderful birthday month for all 3 kids!

Amelia's Birthday

For Amelia's birthday we went to a pottery painting shop with some girl friends where she painted a cute little box. On the actual day, all the kids went to Build-a-Bear with Mom, and afterward Amelia got Cheesecake Factory cheesecake and blew out the candles.

Colin's Birthday

Colin's big day started with a trip to the Aquarium and a new stuffed shark, and ended with strawberry birthday cake.