Sunny Days

The girls had fun with our outdoor obstacle course the other day. I taught Corinne, Ellen and Sophie how to weave through the cones. Then they taught me that they can run endlessly! C led her sisters in a big loop from the cones, to the patio, to the sidewalk, and through the cones again--all running. She must have done 5 of those laps in a row. Finally she designated our front stoop as the "break" spot. And the water table is always a good respite from the running. Fill it up and let 'em splash! (I think the shoes and socks only stayed on for about 30 seconds)

For Reference

Marcey sent me the top picture a few weeks ago and I couldn't help but be amazed by it. (Ellen is on the left in both photos) Some things that have remained the same and are evidenced in these photos: Ellen is still a bit taller and weighs more than Sophie--always has. Ellen still has more & thicker hair than Sophie. And in both photos Ellen happens to be wearing purple : )

Party Time!

Ellen and Sophie had a wonderful time at their birthday party. These pictures serve to recount a few highlights...first, Brett ended up buying a helium tank. Yes, you read that right. Apparently it was cheaper than buying 15 helium balloons from our local party store. They now sell helium tanks that come with gobs of balloons and we are now the owners of such a thing. Who knew?! Brett had fun blowing up the balloons with the girls--and of course sucking in the helium to change his voice. (I think they were a little freaked out by that) Once everyone arrived we had dinner, but this year we brought down the girls' table and chairs from the playroom so they could eat at their own table. It was a hit! And I must also mention and include a picture of the shoes my mom got for E & S. Mind you I was told by my mom that she had gotten the girls some cute "hot pink" shoes. Please back me up on the fact that these shoes are NOT hot pink. I would say they are 80's fluorescent pink--more specifically New Kids on the Block pink. Obnoxious pink. They do not match any pink that anyone owns in 2012. Likely I had something in 1989 that might have matched? But the girls love them and wanted to go to bed with the shoes that evening. Much to our chagrin Ellen chose to wear them to church the next morning! Lastly, the cozy coupe cars. The most purchased car in America, really. Ellen and Sophie have chased longingly after all of our neighbors' cozy coupe cars so.many.times. Finally they each have their own.

Party Day: Favorites of the Girls

The rain cleared up just in time for Ellen & Sophie's party! Aunt Marcey flew in at the last minute and we were super glad to have her celebrate with us. We got these few photos before everyone arrived. Don't mind the crazy hair in the top photos...I did manage to finally get Ellen and Sophie's hair combed in time for the celebration. And Brett was happy for that : )
(Ellen is wearing the peach dress, Sophie the pink and white)

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.