Renn Fest 2012

Autumn is here, which means it is time for RennFest (2011a, 2011b, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006).  

Princess Rory gave her trusty steed a workout. 

And Princess Aven grabbed the reigns from her big sister and showed her that she could do it too. 

Okay, there are still some things that little sisters can't yet do. Rory has become quite the rock climber (see Vail and Wisp). 

The sisters enjoyed getting their faces painted. 

For the first time, Grandma and Opa joined us for this annual rite. They had a great time, although they did not partake in the turkey leg toast. 

Back to School, 2012

Rory and Aven were both very excited to be headed back to school. Rory to First Grade. Aven to a new Pre-K program. 

For Rory, it was back to MacArthur Elementary, the neighborhood public school where Rory had such a wonderful year of kindergarten. 

Her new classroom is next door to her old room with Ms. Soucie. 

This year, Rory's teacher is Dr. Vick, with whom Rory is quite taken. 

After saying goodbye to Rory, it was off to Aven's new school, St. Clement's pre-K program. 

Aven was super-excited to be a student in the Purple Room. 

Aven spent plenty of time exploring her new room, finding the ruby red slippers and the baby doll collection. 

Both girls had a wonderful first day, with lots of stories. Rory's "first grade survey" revealed a happy kid. 

Hershey PA

Why is this little lady so happy?

She's in Hershey Park!... The sweetest place on earth! 

As a last summer hurray, we ventured up to Hershey, PA. Home of Hershey Chocolate. 

We had a wonderful day in the amusement park. 

And Aven was flabbergasted that the chocolate came to life!

We had a nice moment on the ferris wheel. 

They tamed the dinosaur. 

And the starship.

Back on the ferris wheel. 

Did I mention that my girls LOVE THE ROLLER COASTERS!

Joy.

Aven's very first roller coaster experience!

Now, Mommy has simpler pleasures. A chocolate martini!

Rory Celebrates Six

We celebrated Rory's sixth birthday with her closest girl friends for an afternoon tea party ...

... hosted by our very own version of Martha Stewart. What a pretty spread. And what is that amazing center piece?...

... It's a fruit kabob firework explosion!

And the birthday girl was quite a fan.

Blowing out six candles on a Strawberry Shortcake birthday requires some lungs!

Rory's celebration included the finger-nail artistry of Chelle, Jenny, and our friend Alicia.

Aren't those gorgeous nails?!

The festivities included a bow-making station ...

... that Mommy was quite proud of. 

Rory was quite the lucky lady to receive so many wonderful and generous gifts.  

One of her favorites was her first pet, a fish that she named Merida.