Here's the Deal...: February 2011

Thursday, February 24, 2011

5 pounds, 5 inches, & 5 steps behind

We had our 1-year and 3-year checkups this week.

Our girls are both above average in height and weight.

Audrey weighs 32.5 pounds and Brenna is five pounds behind her at 27.

Audrey is 37 inches tall and Brenna is five inches behind her at 32.

And as you can see, Brenna stays five steps behind Audrey all day.

Brenna thinks she can do whatever Audrey does. And Audrey is sweet to include her in her play and encourage her along.

They are truly sweet sisters and the best of friends.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Monkey Message

Three little monkeys jumping today,

Wishing their Nana a Happy Birthday!

They all called Nana and what did they say,

We love you in a very big way!

From your three favorite little monkeys!

We love you very much, Nana!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Outdoor Adventuring

We are loving this weather and all the adventuring it allows!

We found the town's biggest sandbox next door! You have never seen three filthier kids...or a sandier floor than ours!

We've also done quite a bit of picniccing :)

This past weekend, Josh built an awesome fort for the kids at my parents' house. As you can see, he had several big and little helpers :)

And as we waited (somewhat patiently) for the fort to be done, we did a few other fun things...

Brenna loves being bounced around by the big kids :)

Talk about a Cozy Coupe....

Enjoy some sunshine for yourself, too!

Friday, February 18, 2011

See the Sea

There's many fish in the sea...and we made a few!

Jellyfish

Whales (this was the one that swallowed Jonah :)

Sharks

Lobster

Squid & Crab

Now if only we could take a field trip to the beach...

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

"Mom, I just love reading," Audrey told me a few days ago...and this makes my heart so glad.

She reads 50% of her day and has learned an incredible amount from books. She can probably accurately retell most of the books that we have...especially the ones she has asked us to read hundreds, no thousands, of times.

She especially likes Disney books and reading from the Gospels right now :) A Bible and boots...what more could you ask for :)

Brenna is already enjoying books, too. Granted, this is what the floor usually looks like when she is done with her reading...

...but her interest makes my heart glad, too. She can turn pages and point to pictures like a big girl, and she loves the book that features herself :)

Then again, these kids have no other choice than to read since we have more books than toys! Our collection of children's books reaches back to my childhood and my teaching days...and although it feels like we are very often drowning in books, I love the special times we have reading together:

"Read to Me"

When you ask me to read to you,

With your gentle voice so sweet,

I look into your bright, wide eyes

And quickly take a seat.

For in this world, I promise,

There is nothing I'd rather do

Than sit and share this storybook

With a child as sweet as you.

Of course I'll read to you, my dear.

It fills my heart with pride

That I could be the lucky one

To read right by your side.

I have always loved to read, too. I would actually alphabetize my books and play library...thrilling, huh :) Some of my childhood books have writing inside from when I would "check out" the books. My check-out name was always Vivian (spelled Vivving as you can see below). My cousin's was Jennifer and my brother's was Slash. Audrey is always bothered by the writing she finds in her books :)

So if you haven't done so lately, pick up a book and read to a child. It is a learning experience for you as well as them! (Josh would advise staying away from the Disney "novels", though :)