Clara, the Star, at Pre-School

And school's back in session. Clara goes from being the youngest in her class last year, to one of the grizzled veterans in the 5-morning-a-week Star class. It's a big step, but she's telling us she's up to the task.

Monday morning was Clara's transition day. It's a practice drill. Half the class comes in (with parents in tow) for the chance to get stretch those old muscles of school day routine after a lazy summer of neglect. Kate and Hattie tagged along for the fun.

Game day came this morning, and Paul came along to document...

Porch Photos - August 2013

Charlottesville Business Trip TXTs to Girls

Long, rainy drive to Charlottesville, but I'm here safe. Here's a picture for Clara and Hattie. UVA's "The Lawn." Pretty, yeah? Love you!

Happy Birthday to Kate!

What happens when a 4 1/2 year plans your 35th birthday gifts?

You get strawberry cupcakes, a "Sweet 16" heart-shaped balloon, a Princess card, and a Disney-themed candle holder that plays some sort of tune when you twist it clockwise.

Kate loved it nonetheless! Happy thirty-something-ish birthday Mama!

Sesame Street Returns to Dryden Household

Sesame Street has made it's way back into the Dryden household. Elmo led the way with his furry little crack-like addictive qualities, grabbing Hattie's interest as the gateway into the rest of the Street crew. 

Unlike with Clara two years ago, Hattie is doing most of her watching through YouTube. Rather than viewing full episodes on PBS, she goes straight for her favorites. The current playlist (ranked by favorite) is:

1. Jason Mraz singing "Outdoors" (He wears a fedora like cousin Will, so Hattie requests it by saying "Will, Will, Will!")
2. India Arie singing ABC's with Elmo
3. Feist singing 1,2,3,4

Sesame Street has grabbed Clara's attention, too. She's re-living all these oldies-but-goodies that bring back the nostalgia of her own toddlerhood. It's throwback stuff for her. The YouTube snipits are reminding her of the good old days!

Superhero Camp at Arts Together

 Clara missed Monday from a fit of high fever and barfing. But she hit the ground running on Tuesday as Batgirl. (Sorry, Daddy forgot to get a picture.)

Supergirl on Wednesday, and Clara gives her best villain grin.

Pink Supergirl on Thursday.

And the best for Friday...SUPER CLARA!

Not one to be upstaged, Hattie wants to show that she has her own superhero moves:

Here Areare the art projects from camp:

Summer 2013 in Lock Haven

 

The Dryden Girls at Clinton Country Club

Kate, Clara, and Hattie were able to spend an extra week in PA following the McKnight family reunion.  The girls traveled back to Lock Haven with Ga and PapPaw for a week of fun!  The highlights included:
  

• Swimming at the river and the pool!
• Playing on Ga and PapPaw's front porch
• Playing with Cousin Lela (David and Kippy's daughter)
• Visiting with Uncle Jim, Aunt Betsy, and Cousin Becca (and playing with the HUGE soccer ball and parachute they gave the girls!)
• Playing with friends Ella, Shayden, and Landon (children of Kate's best friends from high school, Nicole and Joce)
• Visiting with Cousins Jeannie and Libby
• Visiting with Auntie Lynn
• Playing at Woolrich Park and visiting with Mrs. Renzleman (Kate's former piano teacher)
• Reading and watching the puppet show at the Ross Library  

A few photos that captured the Lock Haven memories:

 

 

Clara, Kate, Nicole & Ella

Clara, Shayden, & Landon

Cousins!