First Day of School

And we are walking down the lane with all the crew in tow.

Hanna began 1st Grade at Mediapolis Community School

Lexi started Pre-K and their cousin Lyrica began 1st grade

New Edition to the Family

We made a tough decision to get rid of the riding horses. I haven't had much time to ride this summer, because we have been traveling so much, and we like dong that, so it seems a little frivolous to keep a big horse that eats a lot of hay all winter when we probably won't ride next summer either. So I took some final picture with the girls on HD and then we sold her.

But I could justify getting a pony for the girls, and along came Annie. The girls have enjoyed these last days of summer with her and I am excited about them working with her in the Spring. They really needed something smaller that they could build their confidence on.

Living History Farms

While we were in Des Moines for the fair, we decided to visit the Living History Farms.
We began the tour 300 years ago with a Native American camp and then went on to a 1800's farm, were the girls found sheep, pigs and ducks.

Then we rode a tractor back ride back and the girls hung out in a flower garden.

Finally a Group hug outside after a long, fun day.

Fun At The Fair

The State fair was a year of new experiences this year. John's Mom and Dad, and Uncle Kenny and Aunt Carol, were up and had never been to a State fair before. And the girls took everything in two jam packed days.


We made sure to stop for Honey Straws

Played in the mister

and we made sure to take time for play.

At The Beach

We went for an end of summer vacation at Saylorville just north of Des Moines.

The Girls LOVE the water

And we had the beach all to ourselves

For swimming

And sandcastles

It was a Wonderful Day!

Tea Party

A Date Was Set, And No One Was Late

To The Mad Hatter Tea Party

A Celebrate for

Lexi Renee Trochesset

and

Hanna Marie Trochesset

There were so many good picture, I created a slide show, click on the photo and it should take you to photobucket - Enjoy!

The First Day of The Rest of Their Lives

July 28th

Today was the long awaited, at least by John and I, day!

The girls were both happy and sad at the same time and we had lots of heartfelt discussions that I never thought I would be having with a 6 and 4 year old. It was an emotional rollercoaster, which ended with grins and forever good-night hugs. We decided that they would both make just and fair judges when they grew up :)

Baby Emily Arrives

We welcomed a new member to the Family in May, just two weeks before Lexi's Birthday :)

Emily Kaye Schnedler

The girls welcomed her by throwing a baby shower and they were named the Hostesses with the Mostesses!

Beginning of Summer

Trip to Nashville - To see Family

The girls began another long trip - this time with Dramamine in hand - to Dickson TN, on the east side of Nashville, to see their Aunt Amy, Uncle Rich, and Cousins Kelsey and Kaylin. We stayed at the State Park in Dickson, which was a lot of fun, and spend lots of time with family.