Cheetah Run

It's rare to find a good running partner. You know, one who likes the same pace you do and someone who's okay with talking-- or not talking --while you run, depending on the race and the day (or perhaps the time of morning:)! But my good friend, Lauren, is a terrific partner to run with. We did several 5ks last summer and fall and have recently talked about getting back out there. We did the Cincinnati Zoo sponsored "Cheetah Run" over the holiday weekend and had a blast! And for the record: we talked the entire time! The race flew by, even though it was super hilly! Love that.

Bedtime Treat

We had to miss a party at some friends' house this afternoon due to our house full of sickness. So we opted to make the best of the day anyway! We took a family walk to one of our favorite places in the neighborhood for a game of tag with Little C and some fun outdoor exploring. And later after we put Ellen and Sophie to bed we let Corinne stay up a little later to make s'mores on our patio. Is there any doubt from the pictures that she loved her bedtime treat?!

Sharing

This picture was taken a few weeks back, but I chose it because it depicts how the twins share everything...even their fingers. I imagine Ellen saying to Sophie, "Just have a little nibble, Soph, you'll like it." And perhaps this is how they shared their germs, too. This past week all 3 kids plus Brett were down with fevers and colds. Ugh. So far I've managed to steer clear:)

Mini Me

This picture is evidence that Corinne knows my routine well. I was busy double feeding Ellen and Sophie when all of a sudden Little C began collecting bibs, pillows, baby bottles and two of her baby dolls. She set this arrangement up all on her own, it was completely her own doing. Both boppy pillows were in use with Ellen & Sophie so she used regular pillows--smart girl. She also had a running conversation with the baby dolls as she fed them, stopped to burp them, and then changed "their poopy diapers". It was priceless!! She has to be one of the only two year olds anywhere who knows how to double feed two babies! Sad, but true.

Music Truck

Corinne now knows the truth: what she previously thought was just a "music truck" is really the ice cream truck! And how fun it was to watch her experience the ice cream truck come down our street. We literally saw some of the boys who live down the street race out of their house--one in just socks--to make sure they caught the truck before it moved on. But no worries, we held it up for them! And the best part, the truck has been back most nights due to the high volume of eager children on our street! (Okay, eager parents, too!) I say it's still summer as long as the ice cream truck is around!

Family Adventures

We've been on the move as a family a lot lately, choosing an adventure each weekend. One weekend we headed downtown to the Serpentine Wall and then, on a whim, decided to walk across the Purple People Bridge to Newport, KY. We had no idea how hot that adventure was going to be!! But Corinne loved it and it was fun to walk along (and then over) the Ohio River with her. She also found a piano to play along the way!

Brett's Birthday

It's been a busy month, though you wouldn't know it since our computer has been down and out for the last few weeks. Thankfully we are up and running now, and I can slowly get back to a bit of blogging! On August 9th we celebrated Brett! He was born many years ago on that date...38 to be exact. We had his choice of dinners: breakfast, of course! And then went out to a local ice cream parlor so he could get some treats from the candy section. Yep, my husband chose candy over ice cream. A travisty, I know. But we had a great time and as you can see, Corinne adores her daddy! Love that relationship.

Lately with Ellen & Sophie

Sophers with a big smile : ) And Ellen smiling, too!

Ellen trying to get Soph's attention by smiling at her

Bug-eyed, chubby-cheeked Soph!

Ellen and Sophie turned 13 weeks/3 months last week. A couple of noteworthy milestones: they sleep apart now for both naps and bedtimes--a smooth transition, thankfully! Also, they are going to bed earlier and earlier all the time. Currently they are in bed for the night by 8:30pm and sleep all night. Woohoo! And taking a bottle is getting lots quicker, thank goodness! But perhaps my favorite thing of late is that they are noticing each other and breaking into smiles and coos when they do! Love that. It's darling to watch them try to engage each other. Ellen seems to be the one to talk and smile first--we joke that she is already an extravert because it only takes someone (or something) making eye contact with her and she's on a roll, talking away. Sophie seems to take a little longer to come around, but when she does her smiles are as big as Ellen's. They seem to be happy babies and I am thankful for that. I feel like they spend their days mostly sleeping, eating and sitting in the bouncy seats or on the boppy pillows as life swirls on around them.

24 hours away

Thanks to help from Brett's parents and my mom, the two of us were able to get away overnight this past week. We celebrated our five year anniversary a little early and stayed downtown for the night. It was so nice to know that we had no responsibilities for 24 hours or so! Normally I wake up and hit the ground running with the kids, without a moment to look back until around 1 pm when all three girls' naps coincide with one another. I'm not complaining, the girls' schedules have really worked out wonderfully. But it was a luxury to sleep in and just take care of me for a change. We enjoyed every minute! Brett and I had dinner and then went over to Fountain Square to take in the music scene there for a bit. The next day we slept later than we have in...well...almost 3 years, and had a leisurely breakfast around 10am. Then we took in a mid-day movie and stopped for lunch before walking around at Serpentine Wall. (Brett even got a few minutes for a nap, as you can see above.) It was a terrific time away. To top it all off, we got a fantastic report at the homestead...and Brett's parents offered to do it again anytime. We just might have to!

Last Weekend with Aunt M

Aunt M holding Ellen; Corinne playing with M's "Wheels on the Bus" iPhone app after her bath Aunt M playing with Soph

Marce and I had a very laid back weekend with E & S. And she stayed long enough to welcome Corinne and Brett home, too! I was thankful (beyond words) for the help with feedings and, of course, loved having her here to hang out with, too. We worked out together, did a little shopping, had dinner on the square, visited great grandma and hung out with dad--all with twins in tow. (Okay, not the working out part) We even rented a good movie. Plus I checked off everything on my loooong 'To Do' list, like scrubbing the kitchen floor, and snuck in a few short naps. It was a slow pace of life, hopefully not too slow for M's taste?! Thanks, Aunt Marce, for bailing me out. It was great to be with you! (Oh, and Little C and Brett had an awesome trip to Tennessee, as well!)