Video Time

Entertaining herself on the way to Richmond.


This is Max's happy dance.


We had a party for Tricia in a diner when this song came on.


Always taking care of her things.


She takes care of Dad, too.


Pretty great way to celebrate.

Little learners

We looked up information about Ancient Egypt before bed. The kids were very excited to discover new things.

Updates

• Evelyn finally gave up her paci at night this week.  We cut off the nipple months ago, meaning she was sleeping with just the hard plastic part shoved against her mouth.  When we told her it was gone, she had a major pre-bed meltdown.  But she slept through the night, and the second night was much easier.  This morning she woke up with her thumb solidly in her mouth.  Hooray for big girls who don't need their Ba!
• Potty training is coming along.  It's not speedy, but Evelyn has potty-sitting down and is getting better about it.  Maybe another month or so until she's really diaper-free?
• Max announced last night that he loves Evelyn most, and then Mommy and Daddy, but only because she's so small and fun.  We're good too, we're just not very small.
• When Tricia was here, Max told her that 'Thomas and James would be sensible names for a boy' for Aunt Syd's new baby.
• When Evelyn wants to do things by herself, she says 'MY OWN' really loudly.
• When we try to use bathrooms in public, Evelyn insists on going into the stall by herself.  I usually open the door to find her with shoes/socks/pants off.  That's delightful.  Twice, she's locked herself in the stall and we've had to send Max under the door to open it.  That's delightful, too.
• Evelyn is all about taking care of everyone.  Last night, she kept saying 'Daddy, where's your tummy??' Then she would tickle him and say 'Don't worry Daddy, I take care of you.'
• We are working on 'catching' Max being good.  He walked into the room where I was folding laundry last week and said with full-blown enthusiasm, 'Score, Mom.  Score one for you.  You're putting the laundry away without Dad even having to ask you.'  Then he wheeled around on his heel and headed off to another room.

Bedtime

Feeling rather nostalgic tonight. I know we won't always build castles from memory games before bed, but I hope we are always finding ways to spend special time together.

The Friendly Skies

Dad had lots of fun on his trip this week, and got to make the landing in Memphis. 

Puppy love

NatGeo

My Favorite Pilot

Our family's favorite pilot is high in the sky this week!

Tricia fun

Thank you Tricia for coming to visit while mom and dad had work trips!

Dolly time

Tricia and Evelyn are having quite the girls day!

Pretzel makers

All the books

Max was so excited to head to the library today, and was even more excited to explore the nonfiction shelves - especially once he realized the Dewey Decimal System would put all of the books about his favorite topics (Revolutionary War, War of 1812, French & Indian, and Ancient Egypt) near each other.  We grabbed a couple of books for Evelyn too, and the happy readers have been busy since!

IKEA

Daddy-Daughter Day

Dad and Evelyn went to the Portrait Gallery. She pointed at this portrait and said 'George Washington!'

How she rolls

Evelyn rocked her puppy purse and princess crown (and short sleeves in 30-degree temps) to church this morning.

Best party ever

The kids got me slippers, Guapo's, and a fancy carrot cake for my birthday. I am loved!

2nd floor

We realized we have not been to the second floor of the Natural History museum in at least two years. It was time to check it out!

Princess

Despite the 10 degree temps, Evelyn insisted on dressing herself in a dress and short sleeves. But the princess crown makes it okay (and the heavy coat). Miss Reinalda started potty training yesterday and this morning E went on the potty like its no big deal. Here's hoping we never have to open the giant box of Pull Ups that arrived earlier this week!

Lindsay, Kate and Sally

These girls are some of the kids' favorite. Evelyn's bestie is blonde Kate.

More Snowy Day

Evelyn was so excited to see snow like Peter sees in Snowy Day when she woke up this morning!  She couldn't wait to get outside, catch snow on her tongue, and make snow angels and snowmen.  At least, until she actually touched the cold, wet snow.  Then it was inside for cocoa!