W Girls Visit Day 2-Part II

Despite the 100 plus degree weather yesterday, and against my better judgement, we spent the day outside. Fortunately, I didn't take my own advice, because we all have a fabulous time at FairyTale Town and the zoo. Neither is a very large place and both have plenty of shade trees, so we were only moderately hot and sweaty through out the day. I don't think the girls really noticed. They had too much fun exploring, pretending to be princesses and pirates, and watching Jinnga, the baby tiger, play with her momma. Well, you don't have to take my word for it. I think the photos speak for themselves...

Yeah! Fairytale Town!In this pen behind the girls are two sheep. And see that little school house? You guessed it...this was Mary's school and those were her lambs.

"Hello, and welcome to 'Straight Talk.' We're your hosts, Padyn and Coley."We were being quite politically incorrect here... So cute are these girls...Owl's house, like in Whiny they Pooh. Do you see who's missing? Kate apparently still doesn't really like slides. She refused to go down any. These stairs led up to a windy metal slide. Good thing it was in the shade. The girls wanted to wear their princess gear to the park, but I was too worried about them overheating. We let them bring it instead, and put it on for pictures with Cinderella's carriage. Jalyn didn't want to bring one, which is why she refused to get in this photo. When Coley saw this photo this morning she said, "I'm Cinderella and they are my stepsisters!" I don't think Padyn and Kate mind being the stepsisters.My favorite part of this photo is Jalyn standing in the background. I think she was a little upset that she decided not to bring a dress. I didn't know she hadn't brought one until we got to the park, or I would have made sure I stashed an extra in the bag. You know that little people always change their minds. Oh well.

I'm toying with the idea of giving up my mini van for a carriage.Say cheese!Ahoy, Matey!

Oh yes. I have another child. He spent the entire time we were in FTT in the car (with Daddy), taking a nap. He wasn't really happy about waking up in his carseat.And onto the zoo!I love Kate's face as the little joey. I love these girlies...BFFs...What do you do after a hard day like that? Pile onto a Daddy's lap for storytime before bed...

W Girls Visit Day 2-Part I

We went to Fairytale Town yesterday (photos in the next post). The park is just what it sounds like...2.5 acres of settings and play structures based on various nursery rhymes and fairytales. The pirate ship was one of the girls' favorites. Here, Coley has taken on the role of Captain Hook. I'm not sure who the other girls think they are...

W Girls Visit-Day 1

So....I am a dumby. I left my camera at Papa and BonBon's house. Hence, there are only 3 photos posted for today. Good thing The Girls' Daddy remembered his camera! He shot all these...

Padyn: I don't want Coley and Jalyn to leave on Wednesday!

Mommy: Why not?

Padyn (in the whiniest voice you can imagine): Because I'm having so much fun!!!!

Photo Friday-A Whole Lot of Nothing

I know it's Friday, but I have no pictures to share with you. None. Zero. Zilch. We are at BonBon and Papa's house where we've been all week and I haven't broken my camera out once. Not ONCE! We've been super busy with VBS (Vacation Bible School) at our old church, and visiting with all our friends...while I'm sure there's been a (or many) photo ops, I just haven't taken them. Sorry.

But, I promise. There will be photos this week. You see, these girls are coming to visit. It's been a while since we've seen them. This is how old they were one of the last times we saw Coley and Jalyn...

...and this is how old we were.

Happy Friday. We'll see you soon. I promise.

Photo Friday-Random Shots

Some people are all testy that I haven't posted an pictures in a week. Sheesh. We're busy here. It's summer. We're swimming. And biking. And eating frozen yogurt. Who has time to post pictures on the blog? Not me, that's for sure.

So, here are some totally random ones from the last couple weeks. This first one of Robbie is from this morning. The kids have this large stuffed elephant that they, of course, call "Ella." The girls take turns riding her around the living room and Robbie likes to eat her trunk. Someone decided that Robbie should have a turn on her, too. I think he liked it.Besides elephant riding, the little man has learned some new tricks this week. He now plays Peek-A-Boo AND "How Big is Robbie?" Unfortunately, he easily confuses the two, so when you ask how big he is, he puts his hands on his ears and says, "Tay Tay," which is his word for "Peek-A-Boo." As soon as I can get my hands on Daddy's iPhone, I'll post some video of it, but for now you just have to accept a still shot. And I actually don't remember which game we were playing here...What do you do with spare time in the summer when you aren't swimming and eating popsicles? Watch TV. I don't know what they were watching, but I love the interaction between Padyn and Robbie. He's trying to put the end of his pacifier leash in her mouth and she's so absorbed in the show, she just lets him. What a good big sister.

And now, for the most random shots of the post...

Why is she holding my spatula? Your guess is as good as mine.

She told me that she chose the socks because the red in Ariel's hair matched her pink leotard. High fashion, I tell you.

And lastly, we have Tiger Girl. One of the last days of school, Padyn's school had this fun day. Padyn had her face painted by some of the "big kids." She was feeling pretty darn cool with this look. And who wouldn't, really?

Happy Friday. I'm going back to the pool now.

Daddy's Girl

Katelyn said to me the other day in her whiny/pouty voice...

Why does Daddy always have to go to work? It's not fair. I have to be with you all day.

Nice to know you are loved and appreciated.

I Like Berries...

Yes, I do.I like berries...How about you?

Photo Friday-Last Day of School!

Today was the first day of summer vacation, which means that yesterday was the last day of school! I swear, it totally snuck up on me and caught me all off guard. I really felt like I was teaching again...I was all emotional all day and sad for my girls that they would not have these same teachers again...I was quite pathetic. The girls? They were pretty happy about the occasion...

Katelyn with Teacher T...

...and Teacher M.

Katelyn was all smiles and bounces yesterday. She loves school, but she also loves the idea of summer vacation. Not that she really knows what it is yet, but she assures me that she LOVES summer! She's been asking non-stop over the last couple weeks, "Is it summer yet?"

Padyn with Mrs. D...

and Mrs. F. We are so sad that Mrs. F is retiring this year and we won't be able to see her on a regular basis again. She was really a great teacher for Padyn. Both of her teachers were. They gently pushed Padyn with regards to her social shyness, and she really grew academically under their care. I will miss them, too.

But Padyn was especially sad yesterday that her good buddy is getting on a plane tomorrow and moving to Virginia. It's been very troubling for her over the last few weeks. It breaks my heart.

Fortunately for her, her cousin Bella just moved into town, and her best bud, Corinne is coming home from her six month stint in Australia in less than a month! (Mommy pretty excited to have her friend coming home, too.) Her sadness should not linger too long. Cause really, that's no way to start the summer...

Happy Friday and HAPPY SUMMER VACATION!!!

Tired

One of the saddest things in the world is seeing your 13 month old trying to figure out why the contents of his stomach are leaving his body via his mouth. It's especially sad when it's 3am.

Photo Friday-Photos with Limited Commentary

Due to the stomach flu that has invaded my youngest daughter's body (see previous post), today's Photo Friday will have photos, but not much comment. Enjoy.

He finally likes regular oatmeal. I just had to slap it on his tray and let him feed himself.

Dinner time antics

Warmer weather means more time for bubbles.

So proud of himself for being able to climb up on the little blue couch.
Happy Friday!

Just Another Typical Morning

This morning, Kate came into my room as I was getting dressed and said...

Mommy, I just threw up a little, well, medium size (she demonstrated with her hands) but I wiped it up with my Dora blanket.

Ummm...

After a few questions like "Does your tummy hurt?" and "Were you coughing and that made you throw up?" I still could not determine if this was truly the stomach flu or just a weird congestion related vomiting. No fever, no diarrhea, she was playing and acting normally...

About 45 minutes later she was puking again. And 20 minutes after that. I'm thinking stomach flu for sure.

And Daddy is gone for the weekend. Great timing, kiddo.

Sorting Out her Worldview

Padyn: Kate, what do you not believe in?

Kate: I don't believe in bears.