The Hopper

Corinne has a new favorite past-time. It's literally called, The Hopper! Really it's just a simple ball with a handle on top and the object is to...hop! Corinne loves it and hops all around the house. (It's actually pretty good exercise, too :) Silly girl.

Walking!

Sophie is taking steps on her own now, and it's pretty fun. We've been playing a game the last few nights where two of us will sit across from each other and Sophie starts at one of us and walks to the other...and then collapses into our arms for a huge hug and then goes back. It lasts for a while and she gets so excited! This time Corinne was the one across from me and we were doing the above game. Not the best photos, but enough to get the gist! (I had to stand behind Sophie or else she just wanted the camera!) Corinne and Soph had so much fun and laughed and giggled as they took their hug to the rug. We're hoping Soph will be walking everywhere soon!

Friday

I prepped C before our trip to the zoo by telling her that doing the Carousel would be out of the question with me flying solo. Surprisingly she was okay with that! So we visited our favorite animals and then hit the train as our grand finale. And yes, (though it's hard to believe) all four of us did fit into that tiny train seat.

Three Peas

My mom spent the day with us recently and we took the girls out for lunch as we often do on those days. The girls had a ball but we didn't have quite enough time for a second stop at the park before heading home so instead we took a walk down the sidewalk in front of storefronts and restaurants to burn off a little energy. It was the perfect thing to do because we spotted this patio furniture, which was really a glider, in front of an Ace Hardware store and the girls thought we hit the jackpot! Who needs the swings at the park when you have the hardware store's summer clearance sale going on?! Plus here they all got to swing together. And then, to top it off, Ellen and Sophie spotted some balloons further down the sidewalk--some store was celebrating the opening of a new location--so the girls literally squealed with delight all. the. way. there! Hooray! It's the simple things, isn't it? (Ellen in blue...Sophie still holding a baguette from lunch :)

An Old Favorite

An old favorite has been revived! The baby strollers have been lying dormant for a year or two now, since Corinne's glory days of pushing them up and down the street (like a broken record) the summer she was 18 months old. But not to worry--they've made a comeback. This time Ellen and Sophie are the drivers! The girls discovered them recently and it made for a lot of fun for all. Even Sophie, who isn't walking on her own yet, was able to take advantage of the extra help the stroller provided in walking up and down the sidewalk. (Ellen in purple)

Sidewalk Chalk

Ellen and Sophie love to check out and do whatever Corinne is doing! That's a normal part of being sisters, I know. And usually Corinne is okay with that...though it definitely depends on what she's playing with. Here is one such instance where everyone was into some chalk drawing. I'm looking forward to lots more of these "Sister Moments". (Soph is in green, Ellen in blue)

Celebrations

We had much celebrating going on this past week! Brett's birthday (yikes...only one more year until he heads over the hill!) and our 6th anniversary. We spent some time reflecting on how incredibly blessed we really are. God's goodness and blessing abounds in our lives and we have grateful hearts for all He has done for us. A good week for sure.

Movin' & Shakin'

I took the three girls to "Movers & Shakers" at the Library recently, for Ellen & Sophie's first experience. They were a little unsure of what to make of it at first...a crowded room full of zany kids and moms, music and books. And one little boy in particular who tried to take Sophie's shoe off (there's one of those in every crowd, isn't there?!). But they warmed up and we even stuck around afterward to keep playing a bit. Though as you can see Ellen is not about to let anyone take her shaker! Oh no you don't. I think Corinne enjoyed it, too. She hasn't been in ages--pre-twins probably. But the best part: no double stroller needed! Ellen walked from the car all the way inside and I carried Sophie. Corinne was my helper along the way. A good morning/decent accomplishment.

15 months

In a bit of an update Ellen (wearing blue) and Sophie (wearing pink) are 15 months now. Ellen is walking pretty sturdily, but Sophie holds on to our hands and has us walk her around to get where she wants to go. They both enjoy the playground now that they're mobile and familiar with steps and they squeal excitedly at the sight of the swings (I remember not too long ago when they hated the swings). We got out to the park recently and had a great time exploring and playing all together! They have very few words (maybe 2? seriously!) but know exactly what we are saying to them and follow simple directions with no problem. The girls seem a little more into each other lately, too. They'll pat each other, eat each other's fingers or toes, wrestle, or just giggle at one another in some secret language. Their personalities continue to be pretty different--Ellen seems to be more of a risk taker. Sophie is deep in the heart of MAJOR separation anxiety. They have super curly hair, more teeth every week or two (it seems) and Ellen still has a pound and a half on Sophie. Life is full these days, but as busy as ever!

Steps

These days a good chunk of our day is spent playing on or climbing up/down the stairs, so it is a good thing I finally figured out how to block them off near the bottom! (a bed rail works nicely) Ellen and Sophie love to sit on a step and swing their feet below. They also just like the monotony of climbing up and down. But it hasn't been without a scary moment or two...like the day I came back in the room to find that all three girls already made it halfway up the stairs and Corinne was literally hanging on to Ellen by her arm to keep her from tumbling to the bottom! Yikes. Corinne was quite proud that she "saved" Ellen that day.