Fashion Model Henry

This is the first of what will (hopefully) be a series of posts featuring Henry in his new birthday clothes. Here are a couple of outfits from Aunt Karen in Okinawa!

(Full slideshow here.)

PARTY PARTY PARTY!

It seems like everyone we know, under the age 8, has a birthday in September or October. As the kids get older, the parties seem to grow increasingly extravagant -- and Nora's loving it! This year, it seems that the popular place for a party is a place called "Pump It Up" -- basically a very large room filled with several inflatable playhouses that kids (and adults) can play in. Here are a few pictures of Nora partying it up at her friend, Morgan's, birthday party at Pump it Up. Her friend with the dark hair is Natalie, whom Nora has known since age 6 months from daycare.






Nora looks much happier here than in her first-day-of-school photos!

First Day of School!

Today was Nora's first day of school. She started "K4" or "Junior Kindergarten." It's still hard for me to believe it.

This morning, we all got up made the trip to her elementary school together. It was a beautiful sunny morning. We met her teacher, Miss Ziemet, and we mingled with other anxious kids and parents. (There were so many parents taking pictures and videos!) Nora was pretty brave, but couldn't help but to cry a bit when the schoolbell rang and she realized Mom, Dad, and Henry had to leave. (We shed a few tears ourselves.)

Nora and her new teacher, Miss Ziemet.

Nora's schedule for the year is pretty busy. School is from 8-11 a.m. Then a van from her daycare picks her up. She stays at daycare until about 4 p.m. when we pick her up and bring her home. (Next year, "senior kindergarten" or "K5" will be full day.)

So, it's a lot of changes for Nora right now. We're doing our best to encourage her, and I'm sure she'd appreciate your positive vibes too. (She's also letting everyone know that she'll be turning 5 on Sept. 25).

Heeeyyyyy!

It's the Fonz! The latest addition to Milwaukee's public art scene.
Read all about it here.
It's not without controversy. Some say the likeness could be better. Others say, "Why are the jeans teal?" Still others ask, "Why not Chachi?" Seeing it myself, I have to say the statue looks just a little creepy. I think fiberglass is a more appropriate medium for the TV icon.