Ramona

One of my very favorite characters growing up was Ramona Quimby, the pesky, cute, curious central character in one of Beverly Cleary's most popular series of books for young readers. Ramona Quimby. That's who Corinne reminds me of in these pictures. I think it's her haircut. Or maybe that she's doing something silly. Those are the leftover decorations from Ellen and Sophie's party...that we just can't bear to take down. Why? Because the big yellow one "looks like a beehive" C says. And they're just fun!

2nd Birthday Party: Preview

Ellen and Sophie turn two next week and we celebrated a bit early with a party for our two sweet girls! The girls had a birthday cake to share and their own pink cupcakes to enjoy. What fun! (Ellen on left)

Goofy

I just love when I catch Ellen and Sophie laughing at or with one another. For some reason the girls never mind when the other pokes a finger in their eyes or sticks fingers in the other one's mouth. I caught them playing and giggling with one another like this one afternoon when it was just the three of us and thought I'd share it. But... warning! Ellen takes a fall at the end (she's okay though). It reminds me of that show America's Funniest Home Videos because isn't there always someone falling or wiping out at the end of those silly videos?

C as Teacher

All of us are ready for Ellen and Sophie to expand their vocabulary past the 5 words they say. From time to time Corinne will say, "I can't wait until Ellen and Sophie get more words! It's going to be so fun!" So this must have been on Corinne's mind today when she was giving the girls a little lesson. You can't see Ellen in the video because she is sitting next to me, but she is the one soaking up Corinne's teaching and making some attempts to follow Corinne's suggestions. But what I love the most about this video is Corinne's mannerisms...which are quite accurate and true to her. She didn't know I was videoing her, so you are getting a real glimpse into the "Big Sister Corinne" personality.

At the Wheel

This is where Sophie goes every time we have to get in the car (which means Ellen does, too). I must say, it makes it hard to get in the car and go anywhere in a timely fashion. I've begun to factor in "roaming time" when planning our departure times.

Rapunzel

We recently went to see Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale and Corinne has thoroughly enjoyed the series of shows we've gotten to go to this year. This one was a little different...it threw C off by deviating from the classic tale that she knows so well, but was still a great time.

Cousins

Our girls have two cousins in town and we love to be with them! Most recently C & R started swim lessons and it was a huge hit for both of them. Perfect because they probably wouldn't be enthusiastic about it at all if they were taking swim lessons by themselves. But together...they love it! A win-win for everyone. And next week the Connecticut cousins are coming! Can't wait.

From Corinne's Mouth

Just lately I have been taken back by listening to Corinne talk and express herself. She's always been verbal and talked in sentences before she was 2, but it seems like her conversations have gone to another new level. She has a sense of humor and likes to joke now, too. So here are a few quips from C...

"Oh, Mom. You're not perfect anymore." This after I gave her an answer about something that she wasn't too pleased with...it was her way of "striking back". I had to laugh and assure her that she was correct in her conclusion.

Another day we were going to pick up her best school bud to bring her back to our house to play (in and of itself a very big deal) and I made a wrong turn when the street I was looking for snuck up on me. I had to turn around and Corinne said, "Oh, mom, do you have a map?" I told her no, but I had directions to her friend's house. She replied with, "Mom, did you turn the wrong way? That's so crazy! You're hilarious, Mom!"

Who's Who?

I admit...not really fair to ask you to identify Ellen and Sophie on this one. But a fun challenge, right?! Ellen has been a bit better about letting me put her hair up lately, so people tell us that it is really hard to tell the girls apart when they both have a ponytail. I'll give you that. But we really don't think they're identical despite how many people tell us they must be. (Tired of trying? it's Ellen on left and Soph on right)

Easter Party

Our first outdoor egg hunt this year was at Brett's brother's house. Lots of kids, a beautiful day, great food/family/friends, and more candy than we need! (We went to an egg hunt at Corinne's school a weekend or two back but due to weather it ended up being controlled chaos indoors...today was much better!)