The New Playroom

Lorelei loves preschool so much, we decided to bring it home. Gryffin's toys are organized into cubbies, the magnetic wall is ready for Lorelei's preschool art, and the new playroom is a hit with all the kids' friends. Can't wait to use it when we're stuck indoors this winter!

The magnetic wall with the ABC's, a calendar center, weather, word wall, etc.

Another view of the new wall and cubbies.
Brunch with the Luksa Ladies (and Gryffin and Kai, too).

Day at the Heart & Meg's Family Celebration

Lorelei with her cousin, Meaghan, celebrating Meg's new home.

Lorelei with her friend, Sammy, inside our new church building.
Gryffin & Mommy in front of our new church, Heartland, at Day at the Heart.

Lorelei climbing mountains.

Not so sure about this...

The Backpack Fairy & L's First Day of Preschool

Lorelei in front of CLEEC preschool.

Lorelei's preschool teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Mrs. Bergdall.
Lorelei posing with her lifelong friend, Rushil

Lorelei at the puzzle table.

Some of Lorelei's classmates hard at work.

Ella, Lorelei, and Hannah (also friends from a wee age)

The Backpack Fairy leaves Lorelei a special present on her first day of preschool.

Testing her new lipgloss.

Look at all the flavors!

THS Ten Year Reunion Weekend

We had a fabulous Labor Day Reunion Weekend with old friends. It started Friday with a tour of my beautiful high school, THS, where I spent two of the best years of my life, followed by dinner with close friends (Care Bears), and a night at O'Dooley's Pub. Saturday we took the kids to the Topeka Zoo with other classmates and their families, then went to the semiformal at the Capitol Plaza Saturday night while Grammy and Great Grammy babysat the kids. Sunday morning was breakfast with Aunt Jennie at the mall, and a family picnic at the lake. Hoy Hoy Mighty Troy!

The Care Bears gather around the THS bell tower

Eric, Mark, David, Brian
My high school BFF, Kelsey (Kreider) Starrs
With our cousins, Daphne and Nick Lauber (Nick graduated in 99, too)

Our awesome class pres (and my dear friend), Miss Lori Wilson (and her roses).

Family Campout (in the backyard)

I came home this afternoon from the mall to find Mark and the kids had erected a tent in the backyard--a HUGE tent, mind you--complete with a TV and movies playing. So we drove through KFC for dinner and ate in our tent, then camped out a bit until Gryffy's bedtime. Now Mark and Lorelei are camping out under the stars. He's such a great dad.

A Christmas Carol Train

On Wednesday we met Mark at work and saw the Disney A Christmas Carol train at Union Station. The day was hot, the line was an hour long, but hey... you can't beat Christmas carols in August. We can't wait to see the movie!

Mazatlan (Wheel of Fortune Prize Trip)

Finally, some photos from our incredible family vacation to Mazatlan, Mexico, compliments of winning the prize puzzle on Wheel of Fortune. I had no idea what an amazing vacation this would be for our family, but it was much needed bonding time... no phones... no Internet... no cooking and chores... no worries, except that I lost our ATM card the first day (oops). It was just time, OUR time, and there's nothing in the world that can beat that.

Gryffin & Lorelei watching the sunset

Lorelei putting Gryffy in the same stranglehold--such love!
Oops... Beach Bum!

Our gorgeous resort, Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay.

The view from our awesome suite--probably the best location there.

The pool in the early morning.

The Princess and her pinada.

Gryffy stomping in the sand.

A view from our balcony.

The fam soaking in the pool.

Lorelei and Mommy.

Gryffy, the buccaneer, in his high chair.

The gazebo

Our suite (after room service, of course)

Daddy and the kids enjoying the Mazatlan sunset.

The cathedral of Mazatlan.

The cliff divers, who I swear are suicidal. Yikes!

More of the Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort.