girls day

Last Wednesday, the girls had a really fun day! We had lunch with Claire S., Megan T., Jen, and her girls. Then most of us went to the playground in Jen's neighborhood for some good old fashioned running around. I got to try out Jen's new jogging stroller and let me tell you -- it was great! I even jogged! It seemed easier to push than my "cadillac" for just Kate. However, the true test was turning the thing, which was NOT easier. You have to tilt the stroller up in order to make a turn. That would have been fine for direct right or left turns. The only problem was it was hard to make a curve in the road without some real strain or stopping to readjust the course. Let's just say that the stroller riders had some fun off road, too!

After playtime, we took Claire & Lydia back to our house for some craft time (aka Kate's nap time). Claire, Lydia, and I made cards. Well, Lydia mostly painted & played with playdoh, but I knew she wouldn't last long without doing the same thing as the big girls, so we made a card for Jen (her birthday was on the 4th), and for a cousin who was having her tonsils out. What a perfect little activity for young and old.

After Kate woke up, Claire had to go home, but Lydia got to stay for dinner. When Josh got home, I could finally spare a second to record these fun moments with the camera. It was so adorable watching the girls play on the slide outside while I was making dinner. It felt like a real Mommy moment. When I ran out there to watch a little closer, Lydia informed me that they were so cute, I should take a picture. So, like a good auntie, I ran back to the house for the camera.

One of the things they enjoy doing "together" the most is playing on the bean bag in Kate's room. Lydia loves to jump on it & off it, and Kate barely manages running into it. But, they have fun being together, and that's a great thing. All of this makes me think of the countless sleep overs & slumber parties to come!

Other great Lydia moments -- she is a real card, so she's always good for a story or two. She had to go potty a couple of times while she was here. Once, she had to go #2, but before she announced it to me, she ran around the house looking for the travel potty seat and then grabbing her pants. Finally, I noticed there might be a theme to her behavior, so I asked her if she needed to go potty. Yup! Well, we get in there, and she tells me she has to poop. So, she poops, I clean her up, and I'm about to get her off the potty, when, HEY, here comes some more. I did this one more time, and finally Lydia told me, "Just sit on the stool, auntie." As in, I have some more in here, so just wait until I tell you I'm done! Too funny.

The other great moment was after supper. She started talking about wanting to take a bath with Kate. She "needed" to take a bath, etc. A couple of minutes later, I noticed that Lydia's delightful although constant chatter was coming from the bathroom. I told her that I needed to see her right now-- out she hops, totally naked. She was convinced that we were going to take baths, so she was going to be ready!

And now, some of the moments caught on film. This slide is so perfect for both girls. We put Kate up at the top & she scoots her little bottom until she picks up speed and slides down. It is sooo cute to see her play like a really big girl.

NoteKate's waif look in this picture. It prompted a *rash* action the next day!

Before we took Lydia home, she asked if she could have "one last jump" on the bean bag. Two peas in a pod!



This is my total favorite! It perfectly encapsulates their attitude toward each other -- love & giggles all rolled into one! And, they're holding hands!

words:
bi-ci-bi (bicycle)
be (Ben)
Mi-ca (Michael, Micah -- two boys at school)
side (outside)
side (slide)
otay (okay -- this I heard for the first time today, and I'm pretty sure it had a t sound in there)
buh (book)
spoo (spoon)
ni-ni (Night)
These last two she has said for a looong time, I just don't know that I have written them down.
hi-ya (Hi)
bah-bah (Bye, Bye)