Testing

Sophie (left) and Ellen (right) are into sitting on couches and chairs lately...and standing on them, too. We are constantly reminding them that they must SIT down. But we have some sweet little girls who just love to test the limits on that (and other things)! It's a good thing we love them so.

Getaway

Not the best pictures, but the only ones we have from our short getaway to Florida recently. Brett and I -- no kids -- enjoyed a few days away together taking in some sun and sand, a movie, a nap or two, and some leisurely and delicious dinners out. It was a great break from the daily routine for both of us and the first time ever we've gone away from the 3 kids overnight. Thanks to our parents the kids had just as great a time as we did. We're hoping it's not another (almost) four years until we do it again (that's the age of our oldest daughter)....but if the grandparents have anything to say about it, it will be a lot sooner. We are so blessed to have both the opportunity to go away, and the peace of mind knowing that our kids are in great hands when we do. And I'm not sure who was more excited for us to be home -- the kids or Brett and I. It just might have been us!

The Carter Work Project 2011

Laura is in Haiti this week with Habitat for Humanity, along with about four hundred other volunteers, working to help those whose lives were so totally devastated by the Hurricane there in January 2010. She has been so excited to be a part of the Carter Work Project by volunteering in something she believes in so strongly. For this project Habitat will work to build 100 homes with help from people around the world, including President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. Each person going on this trip needed to raise their own support and out of everyone going Laura not only raised what she needed and more, but she raised the most support out of any individual volunteer going on the trip! As a special thank you and as recognition for her contribution to the Haiti work project, Laura got to sit with President Carter and his wife at the pre-trip dinner send off for everyone headed to Haiti! Here she is with President Carter. She was thrilled to be in his company for the evening and enjoyed the evening tremendously. We're praying for your week in Haiti, L!

Halloween

What a difference a year makes. Now we have three trick-or-treat-ers and way too much candy!
Corinne was totally keyed up for Halloween night this year, and Ellen and Sophie were quick learners. They each held on to a select few pieces of candy-- for dear life --the whole evening. Ellen was Pooh and Sophie was Tigger and my favorite part of their costumes was the rounded belly that poked out in front. A great time for all!

C's Halloween Parade

Ellen, Sophie and I went to watch Corinne in her school's Halloween parade this morning. It was cold, but worth the experience. Corinne chose to be Sleeping Beauty ("Aurora is her other name" she'll tell you) this year which was super easy to pull off. (Those Disney princess dresses are everywhere!) And at the beginning of the week my mom brought over a sparkly tiara she wore to her prom back in the 60's (gasp!) for C to wear with her costume...except it is now part of C's everyday attire and has taken the place of her regular headband. Here are a few quick pictures from the parade.

Girls Weekend

This past weekend I got away with my Monday Night Girlfriends (as they've become known around our house). These girls represent so much more than I could write about here...but suffice it to say we have walked a lot of life together. And their friendships, wisdom, encouragement and faith have been so integral in my own life and how I've grown and changed through the years. I am SO thankful for our weekend together and for the depth of our sharing and conversations.

Twins

Sometimes I am still amazed that we have twin girls. Lately we are seeing more of their twin sister bond shine through. I think before now they were only showing their awareness of one another in small, inconsistent and subtle ways. Probably this was as much due to age and normal development as anything. But these days they interact daily and just today Sophie took some toys (all the way across the room and around some furniture) to Ellen, even though they were playing separately. Sophie handed Ellen toys and Ellen gladly took them...there were some sweet giggles at some point, too. Often times they give kisses, hugs, and sometimes feed each other their food as well. I didn't know many twins going into this thing, but I can say that it is getting really fun to watch them grow and play together. Ellen and Sophie will be 18 months in just two weeks! (Ellen in pink)

Curtain Call

Corinne and I went to see The Wizard of Oz at the Taft Theater downtown today. In the spring we're looking forward to seeing Disney's My Son Pinocchio and Rapunzel! Rapunzel! And judging from today's performance I think we are in for some great performances. Corinne loved the show (apart from the scary Wicked Witch of the West...then again, I still get scared at that part) and wanted to act it all out when she returned home (no surprise there for those of you that know Corinne). It was a terrific experience and time well spent together.

Goodbye Warm Weather

Sophie in blue, Ellen in pink...in case you still don't know :)
I think the warm weather is probably gone for good! So long summer dresses.

Annual Pumpkin Patch Visit

Once again it was a great visit to the pumpkin patch, a trip that has become a tradition with our friends each year! Good food, lots of pumpkins, interesting animals, and this year it could not have been a more perfect (or more beautiful) day.