Helen Time

With Carys in school during the day, Helen gets to be the big sister and have some time with Mommy and Walker to herself. I'm trying to make the most of this time before her school starts to do some fun things with her. We've gone to the conservatory yesterday and the zoo today. I'm not sure what's on the agenda tomorrow, but I'm going to try to make cookies with her tomorrow. We're also reading, working on her writing and playing at home.

Baird, TX

Besides running through the Dallas airport there and back, my July Texas trip with the girls was a success.

We had all the elements; friends, animals, good food and christian fellowship. It was wonderfully relaxing in spite of toting around 4 kids in 108 degree weather. A bonus was that the kids were able to see up close most of the indigenous (and non-indigenous) animals except the diamondback rattlesnake. Luckily the four geese probably keep enough noise and activity around the house, they don't want to nest there.

Water is getting scarce so if you can add "rain for Baird, Tx." to your prayer list, please do.

Kelley took many wonderful pics and as soon as I get them, I'll post the best. My camera ran out of battery the first hour I was there. Somehow, it always happens that way.

Merry Christmas 2008

Tiffany invited the gang to her house for a Christmas celebration. She had a craft table set up downstairs and we were going to make our traditional graham cracker houses at her house since we were unable to do it earlier.

We had a great time but I underestimated the craziness of organizing the kids at her house. Usually we have it here and that's all we do. The kids were super energized to be at Tiffany's house and were bouncing around like crazy. Plus I thought we'd be able to manage making the houses like we did last year but I think with more kids added, we will need to premake houses. It was still fun and I'm not sure the kids were disapppointed, I did not hear anyone complain.

We did have to make an early exit though. After ALL the excitement, Carys threw up twice and the final straw was Helen pooping in her pants. It could have been worse I guess but that was pretty much the end of the party for us.

Tiny Dancers

Helen has a CD player in her room for her nighttime soothing music. Now her room has morphed into the princesses ball. She and Carys have been dressing up and playing the one princess CD they have over and over. It's great fun for them, now that they are taking dance class, they are very interpretive of the music. Carys is looking forward to teaching a dance class to Helen and the new baby once he arrives.

Home

Our house is smallish and cozyish. Looking back at our old furniture, we are grateful for the hand me downs from family and friends but we did not know how to make it ours. Since I'm staying home we sacrificed another giant loan payment for new furniture and work in the basement. While we may have set ourselves back a couple of years ridding ourselves of school loans, we finally are making our home feel like home.

The girls have a craft table in the basement now, so I still won't be thrilled when they decide to paint themselves instead of the paper. It's virtually kid proof and a fun space for all.

I'm sure you see more pics with the new furniture and basement but for now, I'm having fun digging up the old pics from this year.

Poppy Play

It's always fun to watch Poppy and the girls play. It's so rambunctious, lots of loud noises and running around the house hiding. There's always someone on Poppy's back or climbing on his shoulders. It's vertical, horizontal, chaotic and usually ends up with someone having a minor boo boo.

The girls (and Poppy) LOVE it.

Bathtime 2007

The girls still enjoy taking baths together. Although the bigger they become, the smaller the tub seems. I'm not looking forward to splitting bathtime up but I may have to soon since they are both a little rambunctious in the water.

Cupcake

Yum Yum!

Helen Fun 2007

Helen and Henry enjoyed some backyard fun with Chalk and Mardi Gras beads earlier this summer. I've been slacking on posting pics but had to share these cutie pies with you.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

During the party pics, Carys managed to sneak this one by me. I had at least four shots of her scratching her nose with her big toe. Now I know we adults are thinking that's gross or even how did she do that. But that's a 4 year old for you. She's got many contortionist and gross out tricks. The beauty of this one is I was snapping away at how cute she was and did not notice. Next time, we'll pay closer attention:)

Silly Chicken

We purged some old items from our closets and this Halloween costume was one in a pile. Carys proceeded to try it on for old time sake (she wore this when she was a year and a half) She added the silly faces for extra appeal.

Carys loves to be silly and I love to be silly with her!

Christmas Dance

Carys and Helen danced a little Christmas Eve performance for us. Helen even dressed up for the first time although the feather boa did not stay on too long. Carys is really getting creative with her movement and this next session, she's moving up to the 4-5 year old class.

Dear Santa

One final note today without a picture. Carys found out she could ask Santa for presents. She did the cutest thing when we got out of the car the other day. She looked up into the sky and said "Dear Santa, I would like a crayon box and a play house for me and Helen". It was so cute, I had no choice, even though I'd already gotten their gifts, to go and get these items. When I asked what would happen if Santa didn't bring these things, she said "oh no, he told me he would" and that was that.

PINKY!

Helen LOVES Pinky. I'm not sure I can say the same about Pinky but they've just begun their friendship. For the most part she's gentle with him and he's VERY tolerant of her except in those cases where a tail is being pulled.

Flowers!

These play flowers have been in our house for some time but we just let the girls have fun with them last week. They are bendy and easy to hold and apparently are lots of fun for babies.

Christmas Decorating

We've pulled the decorations and the tree from the basement. The girls had a quasi fun time waiting for us to get the tree together and decorate it. Helen was sorely diappointed when she discovered the ornaments were not for her.

This Time Last Year...

Carys and Helen on the swings last Fall.

Halloween Parade

We did the Halloween parade in Oak Park this year. The girls were dressed and we walked down one of the main streets in Oak Park and trick or treated businesses. As you can see we were not the only ones there.

Haircut for Carys

I just gave Carys her first haircut. Partly encouraged by the fact that I have a scheduled haircut for her on Saturday and the fact that tonight she finally said that I could cut her hair after days of me asking.

I did start to panic after I cut a bit shorter than I intended and I realized my kitchen shears weren't giving me a clean cut. But she tried her 3 year old best to stay still and let me finish. I realize that I need real cutting scissors but probably best not to have had them today, she might have gotten jabbed since she and I are both haircutting novices.

She did express an interest in cutting my hair as well. Hope we don't find Helen with a haircut in the near future.

Pics tomorrow, it's chin length and a cute bob.

End of Day

Some days we ARE tired at the end.