First Pile

I'm not sure which one Ellen and Corinne enjoyed more: jumping in the leaves or taking a wheelbarrow ride while Brett and I were mulching. Sophie wasn't interested in either of those activities!

The Crew

Here they are! Our three sweet girls. They are growing up quick and each with their own distinct personalities. We have been working on memorizing Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another." And working harder to apply it! But we've encouraged one another by writing down examples when we've seen this in each other. (Sophie in purple, Ellen in pink)

No Wrong Way

All three girls recently had a cookie with balloons and icing on top. Yet interestingly, they each chose a different way to eat their cookie. Corinne was extremely neat and careful and ate around the blue balloon, leaving it for last (blue is one of her favorite colors). Sophie chose to eat the three balloons off the top by scraping off the icing with her mouth when she took a bite. I don't think she ever finished the cookie itself. And Ellen, she just enjoyed the cookie and ate it with no particular strategy in mind--the way most of us do it. (Sophie is in purple, Ellen in pink)

E & S: busy coloring

Even though C is in school three mornings per week, only one of those days do the girls and I get to come home in between drop off and pick up. On that day each week it's been so fun to let E and S play together, and even more fun to just sit back and observe them. They talk to each other--half of which in their own language-- and they are just so cute together. I have loved this short time each week, as it shows me a different side of their relationship. It's the side that demonstrates their twin bond, a side that is usually buried due to life's busy schedule or the dynamics that evolve when Corinne, myself or Brett are around. But when they are allowed this time together, with no one else interfering, it is fascinating to behold. They follow each other, make up their own games, give each other directives, and just generally play back and forth with one another. On this particular day they were just hanging out doing some coloring...while sitting on their own little "bench". (Yes, that is their diaper box. No, I have not attempted potty training them)

E & S

More of E & S...one day they hid under the desk together. And the wooden puzzles they're doing are from when my sisters and I were little. They bring back memories from my childhood and they're one of those familiar things from long ago that my mom saved after all these years. My mom brings the puzzles over sometimes and the girls immediately go for them. I love that E & S love them so much! The middle picture I put in because... really. Do people still think E and S are identical? Come on! It's Ellen in polka dots.

Picnic Lunch

My mom and I recently took the girls to Eden Park for a picnic lunch. It was a great fall day for it, and we had lots of unexpected company...geese! They were a little too close to us for Ellen and Sophie's liking while we ate lunch, though. I don't think the girls took their eyes off of them for a second! Ellen claimed my lap for her picnic spot. And Sophie--true to spunky form--just kept yelling "No!" at them (see video in next post). Corinne liked chasing the geese, though not because she really minded them. I remember visiting this spot when I was growing up, and I am so thankful for the many beautiful places around the city to enjoy the outdoors.

"No!"

Here is Sophie telling the geese to go away, in no uncertain terms. I think she even tries to put her sandwich behind her back halfway through. Mind you, the geese were still about 20 yards away. But too close for Sophie to enjoy her lunch, I guess.

Tottie

 

E & S have had a spike in their vocabulary the last two months. But a more interesting development is that the girls have come up with a name for each other that they now use all the time. It began when a few weeks ago I kept hearing Sophie say, "Tottie" at different times throughout the day. Finally I figured out that Ellen is Tottie! And now Ellen calls Sophie Tottie, too. So it's their new name for each other. I'm not sure if this is what people mean when they talk about twin language, but it sure is fascinating! They have other phrases that I hear repeatedly too, and while I have no idea what they are saying they do seem to respond to one another and understand it. Good thing, because I definitely can't translate for them! Sometimes we joke that we feel like outsiders when E & S are talking. They also like to make funny faces all the time now, too (thanks to Corinne teaching them this new skill). They sure are sweet. And funny.

New School Year

I suppose Corinne's (pre) school year officially begins Monday, but she went with half her class this past week. So we took a first day picture...this time with E & S. For those of you who remember last year's start, thank goodness this resembled nothing of the sort. C was truly excited to head back to school and was a pro on the first day. No tears, just all smiles! I wasn't surprised, she grew and gained so much confidence last year and loved every minute of school. She even outgrew her back pack from last year! (E is in blue, S in pink...and those are "smiles" in the top picture)

Mimi

A few weeks back we took the girls to the zoo and I love this picture. My mom has been a big part of the girls' lives since they were born...and almost every Thursday since Corinne was an infant she's chosen to spend her time with us. We are so blessed!