Law School Graduation!

WE DID IT!!

Darrin graduated yesterday (May 4, 2013) from the University of Dayton School of Law.
The ceremony was nice and short and then we enjoyed a brunch at the law school after.
I am so proud of Darrin for all his hard work and dedication the last 3 years.

Waiting in line for his name to be called

Darrin's Hooding

 

Video of the Darrin's hooding

Ella was a trooper through the entire ceremony! We brought her little high chair and she sat in it and colored, ate smarties, read stories, and even took a nap! 

The Brunch at the Law School

Darrin's Locker

Graduating Class 2013

Later in the day we had some dear friends come to a park for a little celebration. We named all of the food after some law words (manslaughter meatballs, trademark treats, copyright cookies, legal lemonade, etc.)
We couldn't have done this Law School thing if it wasn't for our dear friends and family who supported us, encouraged us, and prayed for us. Thank you everyone! We love you and will miss rubbing shoulders with everyone in Ohio.

Congratulations Darrin! We love you and are proud of you!

Now on to the next adventure!

A walk in the park

For the last 3 years we have had the chance to live across the street from a park, pond (with duckies), and the Fraze (an outdoor amphitheater with some great concerts!) 

Ella has enjoyed going for walks even in the freezing temperatures to see the ducks. We are so glad for some nice weather now so we don't have to bundle up!
Ella and I enjoyed a morning walk to see the ducks and smell some flowers. We will sure miss this area!

Ella's new shirt

Mom made Ella a new shirt and she was so excited to show it off to the family (as well as her toothbrush!)

We are excited to welcome a new little one to our family the end of September!

Sledding

We took Ella sledding today but we are poor law school students and spending money on a sled was not in the budget (sleds are a little pricey!)....so we had to get creative...

Yes, we put our daughter in a laundry basket and sent her down the hill. She absolutely LOVED it!

Ella was giggling so hard at times. It was fun to watch her get so excited!

December Delights

Our month of December has been full of fun!
The last day in November the city of Kettering lit the Mayors Holiday Tree along with several other trees around the park that is across the street from us. We bundled all up (thinking it would be cold) and headed out to watch the lighting ceremony. We had lots of fun counting down with the Mayor and watching the "millions of twinkling lights" turn on. 

The first of December started with a piano recital for all of Nicole's piano students. Each week she teaches wonderful little students how to play the piano. It has been so much fun to watch them come not knowing anything and within a few weeks they can play songs!

Christmas eve we went over to our wonderful friends house (Hansen's) and had a yummy dinner and a dance party with glow sticks. Ella and her friend Cole loved dancing to the music with glow sticks on. I think I say this every post but we really are so grateful for our wonderful Ohio family out here!

Our Christmas was one of the best ones we have had so far. We were able to enjoy a Christmas day as a little family. We enjoyed french toast for breakfast and then we loved watching Ella get so excited to open all the presents. She was given a stroller from her grandparents that we had set up for her to see. Once she saw that, she didn't really care about anything else until we showed her how to unwrap things. Later in the day we went to check out the Kettering City Christmas day celebration at Polen Farm. We sang carols, saw Santa Claus, and ate food. We missed being with all of our extended family but we loved having the time to do our own thing!

 We have also enjoyed reading stories, making yummy treats, snuggling with our little pumpkin, and play in the bath tub (Ella).

Our little ballerina

We wish you all a very happy 2013! We look forward to what this new year has in store for us (GRADUATION for one!!!!)