Ohio German Language School: First Day 2013

We were excited for the start of another year at the Ohio German Language School (OGLS)! This is Kyrie's third year at the school, and her first year in the children's class. This is Degen's first year in the Kindergarten program. He was a little nervous to start, mostly because he thought that he had to know math and was afraid that he didn't. I think Kyrie was just a bit nervous, too, since she was moving up. On the way in we saw familiar faces, and I think that helped. Degen sat right down to play with a few other kids who were a little nervous, too. When we went to pick him up, he burst into tears (his feelings were unintentionally hurt by another child- he is pretty sensitive), but we were told that he had a great morning. We are grateful to have this opportunity for our kids and look forward to a great year! 

(I am not sure why I am holding onto Degen's backpack.)

On the way in, we were joined by a buddy who was also moving up from Kindergarten.

A Degen's Eye View: Dude's House

So, these are the (somewhat cool) photos you get when your 4-year old asks for the camera at Dude's house. I like that many of these actually seem a little artistic even though they are of everyday things. (These photos are unedited.)

Swim!

It was a pretty mild summer here, but the kids did actually go swimming a handful of times. It was nice to finish out the summer with a few swims at the hotel over Labor Day. 

Family Visit (2013)

Our favorite part of our Memorial & Labor Day visits is the time we get to spend with our family. 

Kyrie & Olivia: the only girl cousins

Degen & Dude

Dude took this wonderful photo of Degen! 

Washington D.C. (2013)

We took a family trip to the National Mall to visit the Museum of American History. We had a picnic on the mall before heading to the museum. The museum was great, but I didn't get any photos because we were just busy enjoying (& explaining) the exhibits to the kids. This museum visit appealed more to Kyrie who was interested in hearing the stories behind the different artifacts while Degen preferred to just zoom right on through. However, he really enjoyed the gift shop! Ha! 

Degen with his museum souvenirs!

Love this pic of our goofy boy!

A Hike

Another summer, another stop at our favorite rest stop in the woods! The kids were really into exploring on their own this year, so Darren & I sat back and watched from a distance. The kids are growing up so fast- I love that we come back to this spot again & again. It is a wonder to see how the kids change every year, while the woods stay basically the same. Here are some of our favorite pics from this year's hike in the woods: 

Love this pic of Darren!

Degen took this pic of me.