Sydney update

Sydney had a very busy spring and early summer. She finished up third grade and is looking forward to fourth grade (where they let you choose your seat in the cafeteria instead of assigning it). Third grade was challenging in that Sydney had a very structured, sort of "old school" teacher. For those of you not very close to Sydney - structured is about the last word we'd ever describe her with! Anyways, she managed well and of course, did a fabulous job academically, but she is very happy to take a break over the summer.

Her schedule has gotten so complex that each month we make a calender detailing where she will be each day, how she's getting there, which babysitters/parents will be transporting etc. Its a huge project. Her summer involves, 2 different weeks at camps (cosmic camp and prehistoric planet camp), a trip to Florida with Grammie Jackie, swimming lessons, a week at the beach with Auntie Erin, a wedding on the North Shore and at least 1 week at home with Mom. Some pictures of recent activities are below:


Sydney prepares to hit a softball pitched by her coach-dad during a game. She had a great year and has really improved since last year. She even hit a grand slam home run during one of her games this year! Hitting is definitely her strongest piece.

Sydney and Sully out "rompin" in the yard. He has really missed her with all her time away from home this summer!

Sydney prepares for her summer concert in June. Her grade prepared a medley of recorder tunes. Jon and I were even able to attend!

New Babies

It seems like our friends and family are dropping babies left and right. Its been so fun being involved with so many babies!

Sydney's new cousin on the Straub side - Savannah. Savannah is Kristin Straub's daughter born earlier this year. Unfortunately, Syd doesn't get to see too much of her as Kristin and her family reside in Ft. Lauderdale, but Sydney is visiting them right now.

Our highschool friends, Lauren and Ryan welcomed their 2nd child in June - Rory. I love this picture of Rory snuggling with her mom (which I stole from their blog...). We get to meet Rory personally this weekend! Congrats Lauren and Ryan!

In May we welcomed our second niece to the family. This one on the Tisdell side - Maureen and Jim's daughter - Emma Marie Tisdell. Here's Sydney holding her new cousin.

....and Jon holding his niece.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that Roberta and Juan are expecting their first in early January! They've opted not to know gender ahead of time which is killing me! We are very excited about this pregnancy and birth!!