Back to School!

The summer has flown by and although the actual season of summer is over, summer vacation officially ended two weeks ago. In the first two weeks of August, we traveled to New York City and to the Washington DC area to visit family and have lots of fun. I feel this year of 2012 I am perpetually back posting. Although there has been a lack of me keeping up here with our daily life at the Avery House, there hasn't been a lack for wonderful activity. Emma-Carolina and Sophie started off their first day of 2nd grade and kindergarten without a hitch. They were both extremely excited to wear new backpacks and see their new teachers. Although Sophie will not officially start until next Tuesday, the first stagger days of kindergarten have been fun and exciting. The 2012-2013 school year is off to a great start!

 Emma-Caroline chose her Peace, Love, Bearden shirt to wear on her first day of 2nd grade!

 A very excited little girl!

 New backpaack for all of that homework!

 Mrs.. Tarbett, Emma-Caroline's 2nd grade teacher.

 Sophie was super excited to start kindergarten! She wore the same dress Emma-Caroline wore on her first day of kindergarten.

 Sophie's new backpack.

 Emma-Caroline's 2nd day of 2nd grade and Sophie's first day of kindergarten.

 We love Bearden Elementary!

 Ready to start the day!

The Central Park Zoo!

While we in New York visiting family, we also took advantage of the many wonderful things that there are to do there. It always amazes me that you can be right in the middle of such a large city, but also feel like you are in the country side while you are visiting Central Park. On one of the many days that we visited Central Park, we visited the animals of the Central Park Zoo.

 Standing at the entrance of the Central Park Zoo!

 Looking at the baboons.

 Pointing out the turtles.

 Emma-Caroline is always intrigued by the maps everywhere we go.

 Waiting with Ellen to watch the sea lion show.

 Resting in Central Park Zoo.

King of the Central Park Zoo!

Spending Time with Grandma in New York City

Before school started, we are traveled to New York City to see Howie's mother Beverly and his sisters, Rhonda, Bess, and Sherri as well as our nieces Elizabeth, Diane, Lori, and Ellen. It has been a few years since we had brought the girls to the city, so they were both excited to see all of the buildings and people. One of their favorite pass times while we were in the city was spending time with their Grandma Beverly in her garden and across the street from her apartment at the playground. We will have to make another trip soon to see Grandma in New York City!

 Grandma Beverly and her little girlfriends!

 Youngest to oldest, Sophie, Emma-Caroline, Ellen, Lori, Diane, and Elizabeth!