Celebrations!

Laura and Marcey flew into town this past week/weekend so we could celebrate my dad, who turned 70!! We had a full schedule for several days in a row and the grand finale was a really great birthday  celebration on the river for my dad...no kids at that one (top picture--sorry about the alien eyes!) The kids especially enjoyed their time with their aunts and also the cookout with cake and ice cream we had for dad at our house. It was wonderful to celebrate dad, who we all love and appreciate. He is one of the most quietly strong people I know. Happy Birthday, Dad /Pop Pop! We love you.

Water Play!

Most of our Memorial Day weekend was spent outside. It's been HOT here and the kids have been dying to get the baby pool and the hose out. So we did! We waded, splashed, hosed, ran, and just had fun. Right in our front yard. And Brett made smoothies for us to enjoy, too. I think we're still recovering!

Zoo Day

 

 

Last week Brett flew in from the West Coast on the red-eye and happened to call me on our way to the zoo. He decided to surprise the girls at the zoo instead of going straight to the office that day, so we got to have a family zoo day right in the middle of the week! And what a blessing it was because by lunch time when we were ready to head home the kids were hot. And tired. And cranky. Neither Ellen and Sophie spent much time riding in the wagon (past the entrance) so Corinne had it all to herself all morning. Even though I had prepped her for our day at the zoo by telling her that the wagon was for her sisters since they are smaller, get tired more easily, etc. Ha! Silly me. And unfortunately we ended the zoo trip with the carousel...which meant we had a HUGE hill to walk up to go home. I wish I had a picture of our trek leaving the zoo. Brett was carrying Ellen and pulling C in the wagon while I carried Sophie. Not a pretty sight. It all turned out fine, and much to my surprise E and S stayed awake the whole way home (major accomplishment). Needless to say everyone slept all.after.noon. Daddy saved the day! And we were happy to spend the morning with him after he had been gone a few days. (Ellen wearing purple, Soph in yellow)

Outnumbered

 

Over the weekend we got together with our friends...who have a daughter almost Corinne's age and twin girls who are almost one! Oh my. We were outnumbered by little girls! But it was so fun to combine our two families and know that this is only the beginning of many great years of our kids playing together. We joke that our families lead parallel lives since the make-up is so incredibly similar. A blessing to have friends like this, for sure. (Ellen in flowers, Sophie wearing stripes)

Last Day

 

Summer has officially begun at our house! Corinne finished her first year of pre-school this past week, and what a wonderful year it was for her. I am so thankful for her teachers and friends, and for the fabulous school she has been a part of. From writing her name, to gaining confidence in a new environment, to blossoming socially (and so much more!) we couldn't be more pleased. School has been a huge positive for her. I remember praying for the right class and the right teachers (after I had prayed for the right school) and God definitely delivered on all fronts. Such a blessing!

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!