Ashland's Newest Feature!

On Thursday, just in time for the official start of summer, the sprayground finally opened beside the main branch of the library! Although I had to work, Nana & Grandad took the girls to the opening ceremonies. There they met up with Chris, who took all but this first picture:

Chris said that one of the city engineers took this one from above of our little Caroline. I like it because it gives you a good sense of what the whole thing looks like!

Here's Jordi, along with lots of other kids, enjoying the spray.

Chris has captioned this picture "Mad Caroline." I don't know what brought this on, but our little one does have her moments!

Anyway, it's a fun place within walking distance of our house; we've been there after dinner every day since! We're glad it's open!

Goodbye, Grandma Henri!

As you may know, my mom, Henri, has been visiting for the last three weeks. She came in time to see her oldest granddaughter perform at the beautiful Paramount theatre, and stayed long enough to see her youngest granddaughter grow up in a day on her 3rd birthday!

But the end of her visit came all too soon today. We all made the trip together to bring Grandma to the airport. It was definitely sad to say goodbye, but luckily, Jordi's birthday is only a couple short months away, so we'll see her again in September!

Actually, the girls had to come with us today so that Grandma could take Caroline to Toys 'R' Us. The tradition (started by Mum when we Eastman girls were their age!) goes the birthday girl gets a special trip to the toy store to pick out any toy she wants. Caroline is pictured here in her selection: a butterfly costume with a crown & earrings! Thank you, Grandma! Hurry back - we'll miss you!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Caroline!

Our little Caroline turned three years old on Friday. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the big event:

Jordi, the budding photographer, took this picture of her sister on Friday while they were visiting the neighbors. I love the look on her face!

Caroline's party was Saturday morning. I like this picture because it shows the two girls together, both looking very happy!

I took this picture because I wanted to document how fantastic the artwork on Caroline's cake turned out. For those of you without small kids, that's "Diego," and the likeness is uncanny! It came from Nu-Era Bakery, and it tasted as good as it looked! Who knew that frosting could be an art medium??!

We all have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves during all of Caroline's birthday activities. On her birthday, Nana & Grandad took both girls swimming during the day and then we all went to Gattiland together for a big-time celebration supper. Then on Saturday, of course the party was fun, too: lots of presents & cards to open from family & friends. Then Dad rounded out the day by taking the girls swimming again after supper. We are all worn out by now, but wouldn't want it any other way. It's not every day that the youngest member of the family gets big in one day and turns 3!

Memorial Day Weekend

I know Memorial Day was a couple weeks ago, but better late than never, right? (Let's hope so!) Anyway, it was a busy, fun-filled weekend, and here are a few pictures of what helped make it that way:

When spending time at "Carson's place," there are many ways to enjoy the out-of-doors; this picture illustrates one of them! Chris made many trips around the property on this 4-wheeler, taking turns with each girl. Of course, he waited until he was out of sight to drive like a maniac, but we could still hear those squeals of delight whenever he revved it up really fast!

The whole gang was there for a Memorial Day cook-out, so that means we got to spend time with all our favorite friends. Jordi felt very privileged to be allowed to help Baby Ava eat her strawberry shortcake!

I took this picture at the Ford's house. They have a new pool this year, and we have had a wonderful time helping them to break it in. It's so fantastic, in fact, that I don't know how they got along all these years without one!

I know it's been awhile between posts lately, but I'll try to be more conscientious about it in the future. And since Caroline's birthday is in just a couple days (June 13!), I'll have to make sure to post those pictures in a timely fashion. Stay tuned!

Brief Ballet Video

Here's a brief video of the end of Jordi's time on stage during the ballet. (For the untrained eye, it may be hard to tell all those bunnies apart, so I'll let you know that she's 3rd from the right!) Enjoy!

"Hansel & Gretel" at the Paramount

Last night was the night we've been waiting for: Jordi's ballet recital! The ballet was "Hansel & Gretel" and Jordi's ballet class were cast in the role of Bunnies.

Here's Jordi posing in front of the theater after the show. It's a long-standing tradition that each dancer receives flowers from family & friends in attendance; you can see from her armload of blooms that Jordi is blessed with many of both!

We don't often get all of us in one picture, but, luckily, Susie Daniel was with us last night and she offered to take this special photo!

So, in her honor, here's a picture our wonderful friend, Susie, posing with the ballerina!

Once again, Miss Maria & all the ladies from June Conn put on a wonderful show. Can't wait to do it all again next year!