My Big Girls!

Since 2 1/2yrs, it's been, 'I do it'. They dress themselves (most of the time, backwards, until we told them 'the sticker' goes in the back), climb in the car; brushing was an old hat, but now they can spit. Vienna likes to gargle, Laurel doesnt.

They love discovering new but simple things, pockets and band aids are a still hit.

They carry conversations, and if one is Max, the other is Ruby or Boots or Dora. For awhile, everyone (including stuff animals) was baby Ella (their baby cousin).
Driving, they have their own game, any spotted yellow or orange car, comes an exclamation from the back: 'Yellow like your Pooh bear! or 'Orange like Tigger on your side'. And 'more ding-ding song please!'

They have no problems communicating their needs, 'I'm hungry' or 'I'm tired' or 'Momma, I'm not Ginger, dont tell me to leave it'. [Sheesh]. It's so nice not to hear a crying baby that cant say what's up!

They love to draw. Vienna will draw shapes (very caterpillar-ish) and deem them her family or pets (the cat is hers, the dog is Laurels, the fishes divided). Laurel has started coloring in between the lines. She enjoys her workbooks, learning to match her colors, shapes and tracing.

They have very distinct, different personalities. Vienna makes friends easily, where Laurel will play quietly on her own. But Laurel is more agressive btwn the two of them. Not sure if it's 'sibling rival', but she CANT be left out. The fastest I've seen her move is when she thinks Vienna is getting there first!

Laurel is more helpful, esp when smiley faces = candy reward. Vienna isnt particular (unless it's her 'poncho' pj pants), thus we always let Laurel pick first (of course, she'll pick the poncho pants- oy!).

There's been many changes when they turned 3. After our trip from Hilton Head, we let the nanny go and now they go to school full time (9- 4:30). They learned to nap in cots at school, which lead the way to big girl beds at home. Momma was dreading the move, but the transition went very smoothly. They picked out their beds and bedding and were super excited. They have yet to sneak out of bed and are still great sleepers. They sleep from 8:30 to 7:15 with about an hour nap. If Vienna sleeps past 7:15, she wont nap and will get cranky (no melt downs) tired by 7PM. So they still need their nap, but I wouldnt be too surprised if they dropped the nap before 4yrs.

And thou they adored Maria (she NEVER said no to them), only a couple of times have they mentioned her--- another smooth transition.

After school, they started ISR (infant swim resource). Its basically swimming boot camp for kids. It lasts for 4-6wks, 4-5 days a wk. The classes fm the rec center were mostly singing and splashing with no real swimming drills. By the time they've completed ISR, they would be dunked over a 1000 times.

But once they get it, they get it. Vienna got the hang of it quicker and now she loves to dive under water or back float in the jacuzzi tub. Here's a video of my big girls in action:

for your viewing enjoyment

party video highlights, hope everyone enjoyed the show. i know i heard grandpa bill & uncle patrick laughing; and not at the magic (-:

very long magic show video, here's the breakdown for skipping:
1) starts with lotus & rope trick
2) 26:90 - vienna, laurel, anna, lindsey & sorena with flag trick
3) 2:46:02 - timothy and katie with sword trick
4) 8:56:10 - joshua and paper trick
5) 10:10:42 - mia and ball trick
6) 10:27:22 - noah & newspaper trick



magic finale and birthday cake video:



just in case you have extra free time, the big bugs hunt video(w.director commentary,uncut version):

Bugs 3rd Bday Party!

video to come...

Beachy Good Time

we visited gramma and aunt alice in hilton head for a week. it was HOT, 100' HOT. lots of beach and pool time, it rained maybe once in the afternoon. the water was warm & clear (not as clear as OBX). there was the extra bonus of large pools of trapped water which became the girls' wading area. laurel called the ocean, the 'waterfalls'.
the (2/12 hr) plane ride was a breeze, we didnt even have to resort to the dvd player. overall, it was a wonderfully, relaxing trip. lazy summer days are best at the beach!

i've been to HH once before and it hasnt changed much. it's a lush and tropical island --- looks more like hawaii than a casual beach town.

we also spent 1 1/2 days in savannah (only 1/2hr drive away). the city is much smaller than i expected and not was grand as i envisioned. but the spanish-moss oak trees are amazing.