Everybody Was...

Ever since we watched Kung Fu Panda as a family several months ago, the song keeps COMING BACK when we're just playing around and when we see martial arts of any kind. The things that make this crazy family smile!

Once H finished her swim lessons before our spring vacation, she really wanted to take dance or gymnastics next. However, when we checked rec classes with our summer schedule, neither of her preferences fit with OUR schedule.

Espi encouraged her to consider a beginning class in karate. She was reluctant but said she'd TRY. After the first class, I was surprised to hear her say, "I really like it, Mom!"

She is such an adorable (and strong), little puncher and kicker. Classes go into the end of June, and she is catching on well so far. As for icing on the cake, Espi told H that if she enjoys karate once this class is all over, he would take a class with her in the future. She is holding him to it!

Diapers Times Two

A row of twenty-four danced on our line today!

His First Bowl of Cereal

...was had today.

I think we've got a fan!

Celebrating Two {Part 2}

"You're a joy to us" starts a lullaby Grandma M wrote for Little A a year ago. This little girl lives up to that claim.

She sees humor all around her,
makes games out of much,
shares without questioning,
loves to hug and cuddle,
sings noises and her words often,
jumps, dances, and somersaults her way around a room.

She brings us many smiles and laughs.

Little A's 2nd birthday celebration started several days earlier during Grandma M's visit which included angel food cake, fresh berries and whipped cream, and several gifts from grandparents. One gift was a set of sweet, homemade banners to adorn the girls' opposite walls exclaiming "peace" and "joy."


(the joy banner::Mom lovingly put the banners together when I saw the idea in Amanda Soule's Homemade Home)

(taking in the size of big Ranger::although she sported a cautious face the whole time, she didn't want to get off)

(giving AD kisses)

On the birthday morning, she woke up to balloons covering the floor and presents on the table. She opened one before breakfast. Then Espi, working from home, had a little something special planned for her soon after.

With H, he started a tradition on each child's birthdays to take a little time off work to do something special just the two of them. For A, it was a pleasant, sunny day so he decided to spend the morning with her at the park. But this year, being only 2, he thought bringing along "big sister" would make it much more fun. So the three took off for the morning. Cake, ice cream, and presents were had after lunch.

(her mix of presents included a sleeping bag, a mini broom, art supplies, and a softie::made a golden cake with vanilla buttercream frosting--please remind me to dry off berries VERY well if I ever use them as frosting decorations again)

(with her softie made by Nicole Owen)

Then a little more dessert was enjoyed after naps. Then some more after supper. The tired, sugar-high girls tell all:

Celebrating Two

Today is her day.

We are enjoying all the cuteness of two in Little A!