School's Out and a Week-end in West Virginia

Susannah's last day of school was yesterday so before we officially start our summer adventures, I wanted to post photos from the last couple of weeks.  In addition to some school events, Peter and I spent a fun weekend away in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.  Here are the pictures:

I took Sarah Avery to a birthday party the morning before we left for our trip.  They had donuts instead of cake.  SA was a fan.

She was happy to see all of her friends from school.

This was our first deer sighting in West VA.  The girls stayed with their favorite babysitter and all of us had a great time. 

We arrived in the afternoon, early enough for a quick hike before dinner.   

Harper's Ferry is beautiful. 

We loved being out of the city and enjoying the quiet.  

There was a nice view at the summit of our hike but we didn't really capture it with these photos.  ;)

These teeny tiny frogs were all over the trail.  We had to take a picture for the girls.

Crossing the river.

Harper's Ferry is an interesting place because it is the half-way mark on the Appalachian Trail.  We saw several through hikers in town.  Really cool.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, these three were having a blast with Ms. Allison.

/On saturday morning, Peter and I did a zip-line tour.  

I've always wanted to do this and it was so much fun.  Our guides were great.

Post zip-lining beers were in order.  Saturday afternoon we went tubing on the river which was a blast, but we didn't have our phones so no pictures were taken.  

On Sunday morning we hiked a little bit on the Appalachian trail before heading home. 

Beautiful

This place was called Jefferson Rock.  Apparently Thomas Jefferson really liked the view from here. 

On our way home, we stopped in Shephardstown, VA to check out their farmer's market and town square.

We thought the girls would love this tiny house that was built to honor a professor of education.  It was a great trip overall and we are so glad we went.

After our weekend, it was time for Susannah to coast to the finish line of second grade.

She loves school and was sad to say goodbye to her teachers. 

Sarah avery and I have been spending lots of time at "The Art Ladies House."  A few blocks from our house is this pottery graveyard.  It is actually the front yard of an art teacher.  She leaves unclaimed pottery from her students out here and neighborhood kids love sorting through it all.  It is one of Sarah Avery's past-times. 

Our other favorite past time while Susannah is at school is stalking our neighborhood bunny.  We see him in different yards and it never fails to delight us. 

During Susannah's last week, we got to come to her class's poetry reading.  Each student read three of their poems and it was so sweet and impressive. 

Their poem collection was bound into an actual book.  

Susannah had dedicated her book to Shoo-Shoo.  It was such a sweet surprise.

Susannah and her beloved Ms. Bowers

Sarah Avery had our neighbor Lexi over for a backyard pool and sprinkler playdate.  The girls had a blast.

And then Sunday was Father's Day.   Susannah had planned a scavenger hunt for Peter to find his gifts. 

One of his gifts was a home-made puzzle.  

And before we knew it, Susannah was finishing second grade.  

Each year seems to go by faster.  

Everybody wore their George Mason t-shirts to celebrate the last day. 

Even Daddy

Hard to believe the next time we have this photo-op, both girls will be students here. 

After school there were some tears as Susannah's favorite teacher, Ms. Lyon, is moving away.

Susannah did not want to say goodbye.

We did our traditional picnic with friends after school and fun was had by all.

And there you have our last few weeks of school.  Summer is here and we can't wait to see many of you!  Happy Summer to everybody!