Camping- Wyalusing SP

This weekend we went to Wylusing State Park for the first time and it was fantastic! A quick impromptu vote in the car on the way out of the park put Wyalusing in the lead passing Rock Island and Madeleine Island for Annika. Emma has them all tied. No matter the specific votes, it is a very cool, very special spot.
We did some canoeing on the Mississippi River slough today before leaving. Annika was the most vocal about canoeing. Apparently she wasn't concerned about the need to wear a life vest, something that was a huge deal breaker for the last "fun day" of swim lessons this summer. The rivers are flooded because of the huge amounts of rain over the last few weeks. So there were trees and grasses and other land plants that were poking up in strange places. The water was flowing but not too fast to push us out of sight of the dock area (a mandatory requirement since the canoe trail was closed). The first time out on the water Annika was at the helm, I sat behind her on the canoe bottom with Bandit, next came Emma and Steve was steering. Bandit did really well but I also had her on a very short leash. It was quiet and peaceful except for the fast-moving trains that went barreling down the tracks every so often.
We took a break for lunch and then the girls and I went back out. This time Emma was up front and really knows how to paddle. I was steering in the back. We enjoyed the shade of some close-to-shore spaces. The canoeing was a highlight for sure!
On Saturday we woke up and headed to some points of interest such as some burial mounds and the Passenger Pigeon monument. Annika was grumbling in the van about hiking but once we got to the scenic overlooks and took in the awesome views of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers she was leading us down the trails. We hiked for a good 2.5-3 hours down and up and around the ridges. We had to go "off-roading" a couple times when the trail was found covered with water for many feet. It was an adventure. While sitting around the campfire later Annika had this to say (out of the blue): I am glad I didn't complain today. Wow- so cool! (Hiking at Rock Island was one for the books and involved many tears, screaming and complaining for most of the hiking.)
After some rest that afternoon we went on a driving tour of some of the spots we had not seen. Lots to save for next time. And speaking of next time, we are definitely going to reserve a spot in the Wisconsin Ridge campground instead of Homestead. The views for many of them are breathtaking! Plus there are more hammock options. On the way home Emma made a list of the places we would like to visit next summer and beyond. Wyalusing is top!

Annika's 6th Birthday was Grrrr-reat!

Annika wanted her party to be tiger themed. So I donated some money to National Geographic when they emailed me about saving the tigers. Then we threw her a kids' party at the local park. We cut ribbon into lengths of tails and secured them to mini, orange clothespins. These were used to dress-up and to play catch the tails. Only a few kids wanted to chase each other around but they had fun. One of A's friends won the game with 3 tails. They used the tails to play pin the tail on the tiger. Emma had drawn the tail-less tiger on a reused piece of poster board. They all loved that. Annika and one other friend got their tails the closest to the actual spot. They also ran around the castle play structure, swung on the swings and generally played around in the warm sunshine.

Lots of food in orange and black colors. Cheeto paws and puffs. Carrots (with ranch dip that I forgot to put out until later), blackberry + cantaloupe skewers, a bowl of alternating rows of cubed orange cheese and black olives. Pizza for the main course followed by cupcakes in tiger striped wrappers, made by grandma and topped with tiger faces on sticks.

Annika also wanted whiskers and a black nose. It was so cute to see her and her friends running around like tigers. It was a great time at the park!

What she said she wanted to do all year long (since her 5th birthday) was to go back to Rock Island State Park. So the day after her birthday we headed up there for a 3-night camping adventure. So much fun was had! Swimming, hiking (though Annika was not a fan of this part and let the entire island know by her very loud, very long-lasting vocal complaints), roasting marshmallows, playing a stopping game on the hammock, sleeping in the tents and enjoying nature.

Annika and Emma shared the 2-person tent. Huge first time adventure for all of us! They have never slept in a tent without either Mommy or Daddy. And despite a few squabbles, it was a great experience.

One of the highlights was when Bandit swam out to all of us out in the water. She didn't want to be left alone on the shore so she joined us. It was so cute. After that we had to let her have some swimming time by going out to fetch sticks. (She doesn't really get the entire fetching process but she got to swim and chew on some sticks!)

My thoughts to "Little A" on your 6th birthday:  You are quite the energetic and out-spoken girl. You know what you want and are not afraid to do your best to make that happen. You can be fiery and fierce but you also know that the best feelings are those of kindness. You have a big heart and a loving soul. Your hugs and kisses are the best! I have gotten teary eyed several times so far this school year as I watched your little face peering up over the edge of the bus window as it drove away. You wave and blow kisses and try to make the "I love you" sign with your fingers- all the way until the bus passes out of sight. It is so hard to watch you moving away from me like that- going off to world where I cannot go. As you start 1st grade this year it is especially hard because this is how it will be. You are growing up and I am learning how to let you do that on your own, in your own special, unique way. I will be here always to support and love you, no matter what path you take. I know that with your intelligence, curiosity and zest for life, you will do amazing things. Happy birthday!

5 and 10

Not the local dime store- I don't think they exist anymore. Annika is 5 and Emma is 10. As I type this, those ages (numbers) seem more significant now than they have since October when Emma celebrated her 10th birthday. And birthdays seem like a good place to start.
Annika's 5th birthday- swimming! At Goodman, at the beach. It was great.
Emma- celebrated with Grandma and Grandpa and Tom and Karen with dessert. She brought a friend with to a waterpark in the Dells. That was fun!

In no particular order- here are some highlights that pop up as I type:
Last night Annika splashed in the rain while Emma practiced the piano. I love to watch the outside joys and listening to my girl make music is just pure magical bliss.
Chloe had to be put down a couple years ago- February 29th actually. That was awful and Emma really took it hard. She loved that dog so much! They were great pals and I know Emma whispered things to Chloe and thought of her as a close, dear friend.
Last year at the end of May we adopted Bandit, though that name took awhile in the making. She was just over 1 year old and full of spirit. My grandma Helwig would have called it "full of piss and vinegar." No joke. Those first few months were rough! Emma missed Chloe even more because this new pet was not a cuddle up with and whisper to kind of friend. Bandit is getting there, though, and everyone loves her. Even Steve. She is a perfect blend of hijinx and sweetness and as she continues to be trained up and pass out of puppy years, she is going to be great.
Annika loves Kindergarten at Toad Hill. It is so incredibly sad that we are aging out of that school. In the fall, both girls will attend Isthmus Montessori Academy Public. That has been a long time coming and is very exciting. The girls are looking forward to being at the same school and we are looking forward to being tuition-free!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Annika Marie!

This year we kept things simple. On Sunday before her birthday we went to Goodman Pool for the first time ever. And it was great! Both girls loved the experience. Annika hardly ever let go of our hands so that she could jump up and down.  The pool is a zero entry with some fun water spouts, fountains, hoses and other over-sized sprinkler towers. Fun for all ages!
The pool slowly gets deeper until it turns and reaches a deep end where they have a diving board. The girls had fun watching some boys do flips. Emma was not interested in swimming in the deep end or in going down the water slides. Maybe next year.
All was fun and games until for no reason Annika bit Daddy's finger. We took a time out on the chairs and a couple minutes later a break was called for the whole pool. Good timing so we headed home.
Annika requested salami, cheese, yogurt and Cheetos for dinner. We feasted on various combos of those main ingredients when we got home. Emma carried the cake (raspberry with raspberry frosting) while we all sang, including Annika. She blew out the candles in two or three puffs. Then she requested we eat cake and vanilla ice cream outside so we headed to the patio. It was such pleasant evening!
Annika also opened some presents with Emma's help. We gave her Knufflebunny (a book), homemade finger paints, an Elsa shirt, and a refill roll of paper for her easel. Emma was so sweet and made Hop Hop a tiny shirt (the stitches came off so we need to redo it but she was so eager to make if all herself and was quite proud, in Emma's quiet way) and gave Annika an Anna and Elsa shirt. Plus Emma wrote a very sweet card.
On Annika's birthday morning we made chocolate pancakes with whipped cream. Yummy! Later the girls went with Steve to the grocery and hung out at home while I taught Wonder Bugs. We all met at Noodles for lunch, where the girls had Mac and cheese dishes. Annika had meatballs on hers! Such a carnivore!  Atfter not napping we ran some errands and had a nice recap of her birthday meal. Grandma Karen (across the street) stopped by and gave Annika a present from her and Tom- a Bunnies Tale book and a cute bunny purse. Godfather Andrew called to give their wishes as well as Auntie Em. Fun night!
Annika must have had a fun, tiring day because she fell asleep without any shenanigans!  A wonderful birthday season for a wonderful little girl!

Annika- you are still that smiley charmer so quick to laugh. You will talk to anyone about anything that comes to your mind. You definitely know what you want and can stubbornly hold your ground. Your three year old outbursts are loud and intense but you can be calmed down quickly with some distractions. You adore your big sis! Whatever Emma is doing, you want to do as well. Although you have found your own person inside. You still like Barbies while Emma has given them up. You love to run around naked! Just yesterday you wore only your undies outside and then just took those off as well. You rode your bike naked, gardened naked and of course, went potty outside. You have taken on a big girl bed with pizazz! It was your decision to also give up Pull-ups at the same time. Big girl bed, big girl undies for all sleeps. And you are doing amazing! We wish for you a lifetime of following your dreams, doing whatever it is that makes you happy. Keep smiling and laughing! It is contagious.

Annika's 2nd birthday (because now she is 3!)

Trying to catch up a little and delete texts saved in Notability....

Thanks 2 You

Happy 2nd birthday, little A!  You are such a delightful and happy girl. so curious and eager to learn and help. You obviously desire to be just like your big sister in every way and attempt to keep up with her in almost all situations. You have peed on the potty and toilet a few times now although you aren't super interested in actually training. That's just fine for now. I have no doubt that when you want to, you will train yourself. :)  I wish for you to always be able to find the joy in life- that will serve you well from 2 to old age. Keep that good sense of humor and easy laugh.

For your birthday we went to visit Aunt Susan in Cincinnati for the weekend. We left on friday morning, arriving in time to eat dinner at Aunt susan's apartment. the drive was over 7 hours and you were not a happy camper; I spent a lot of time askign you to be quiet. ssh! Aunt susan had made a delicious meal of heuvos rancheros with black beans and these veggie pancakes and latkes. Oh so good. There is no table or chairs at Aunt susie's so we tried to get you to sit still on the couch to minimize cleanups on the rug. You kind of banged around like a pinball but ate well. We sang Happy Brithday to you and you tried to blow out hte candles on top of the Mint Truffle ice cream cake. You slept well in the pack and play in the roommates room.
 The next morning we all went to check out Eden park that has views of the river and kentucky. Then we went to the observatory and enjoyed walking through the greenhouses. the park across the street had the President'os Grove of trees planted in honor of all the US Presidents. then we drove to the museum spot and had lunch in the cafe before exploring the children's museuem.  You cooked a baby in the house that was part of the kid-sized village. Before then you climbed on everything you c

Frozen

It seems as if this blog has been frozen!  Our lives, however, have not- except when frozen actually refers to Frozen, the Disney movie.
I took Emma to see Frozen at the church family movie night last year. She loved it! We listened to the soundtrack on spotify tons of times and evefry time Let It Go came on the radio the volume had ot be turned up. Of course the obvious side effect of all of this was that annika also listened and learned. It did not take too long before Annika was belting out Let It Go- everyhwere, all the time and very loudly. Emma's love of Frozen may have started to diminsh somewhat once her annoying little sister jumpoed on the bandwagon.
Enter Great Grandma, Uncle Chuck (and his sons) and Olive (Grandma's friend).  Come Christmas of 2014 with packages crowding Great Grandma's tiny house. So many Frozen things. Huge stuffed Anna and Elsa dolls, art sets, plates and utensil sets, a lamp, Elsa barbie. Emma decided she was a bit too old for most of the babyish things but was gracious in person during the unwrapping. Since then Emma has given up Barbies and has even taken to creating potions and spells (with her good friend Evelyn) to make Annika give them up too. (It has not worked yet.) Annika on the other hand is completely Frozen through and through. Her babysitter (Rebecca) commented the other day that she needs to teach Annika a new Disney song so that Let It Go can be replaced. (The sitters have encouraged the infatuation by playing songs for the girls on their phones.)
Yes, Annika will still belt out Let it Go with surprising accuracy and pitch. We happened to hear it once on the car radio last week and now she asks for it semi-regularly, the reality and intracacies of radio versus internet lost on her little mind.
The large stuffed Anna and Elsa are constant companions. There was a brief stint of time when Emma would get furious at Annika for taking her Elsa doll, but now Emma does not even glance sideways at the dolls. Annika, however, takes them in the car, sleeps with them in her crib (along with assorted other friends like Hop Hop, Hop Hops parents, Snoopy, etc), plays with them downstairs and sometimes takes them outside. I have had to stitch the bodice on Elsa once and Anna's cap has been removed; I am sure these dolls will fall apart before they are left aside.

On a non-frozen note, Hop Hop went missing two weekends ago. Annika had him at dinner and then when she went to go to sleep he could not be found anywhere. Steve searched everywhere. The next day I searched everywhere. On the next Monday or so Annika answered (in response to inquiries from Emma and I) that Hop Hop was dirty and went in the trash. I emptied all cans and shallowly searched all bags to no avail. During nap times I searched in all bags, nooks and crannies that I could think of. the sewing maching drawers in the guest room. Under all beds. Down in the play room in all baskets, bins and corners. In the thrift pile in the basement. Nothing.  We were all missing that little bunny and Annika's adorable attachment to him. So one afternoon I was down in the basement sewing and decided to look again in the thrift area. The pack and play is also incidentally stowed near here as well. I checked the various bags and under piles and then stood there scratching my head while my eyes wandered over the mess. Wait- was there a small bulge under the zipper of the pack and play bag? I hurried over with my heart thumping and unzipped the bag. Yes!! Oh, there you are Hop Hop, you sweet little bunny. I was grinning ear to ear as if this furry, dingy friend was my long lost pal. When Annika woke from her nap I took him in her room with me. As I grasped the end of the crib with Hop Hop in my hand (just his ears were peeking over the side) Annika's cries and distressing just-woke-up voice instantly stopped when she saw him. "Where was he by?" she asked. I smiled, told her and handed her Hop Hop. She glowed and snuggled him and has not let him be forgetten again. Yet. :) Too bad I couldn't freeze that warm fuzzy moment- this is as close as I can get.

Wedding '09

Paul and Lauren said "I do" this past weekend. To Emma they are Uncle Paul and Aunt Lauren. To most everyone in the family Emma is "a beautiful girl." awww.

So this is the trip where Emma decided that she just can't (won't) sleep on an airplane. She will fuss, cry, scramble from lap to lap, roll, fuss, fidget, cry, lie down, stand up, fuss, rub her eyes, roll over, lie down, scramble from lap to lap, kick and push the seats in front of her- pretty much anything goes except sleep! Okay, she did sleep for about 20 minutes in this sort of awkward position that she ended up in after fussing around for 3/4s of the flight back to Chicago. We were almost sorry that the flight wasn't longer just so she would get a better nap.


Thursday we made it into Philly a little delayed due to weather, and we made it to Bryn Mawr's athletic field just after the start of Karen Anna's lacrosse game. It was wet and coldish so we left to go to the hotel at halftime.

The highlights: more plane trips (no sleeping except once), KA's game, rehearsal dinner in the garden, Cafe Hun, wedding, times with KA.

Want vs need

This morning Annika woke up and promptly went into Emma's room to play with toys. Emma was agreeable to that, except for when Annika said, "rancoon!" Emma flew across the room and placed her stuffed chiuhua, Cancun, up high in her closet. Whew. Annika got a bit more frantic with her "Rancoon!" Pleas. So I took her into her room to change her diaper and clothes. She started banging her legs up and down and whining, "want Rancoon!" So I sang a little bit of the Rolling Stones. You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes you just might get what you need.  After pausing for a few seconds Annika said, "need Rancoon!"

Snow Musings

I will have to update about the girls' birthdays later. For now I want to share my thoughts from this snowy day.
Emma had a horse riding lesson this morning; Steve took her. They went with the idea that maybe Emma could stay and help in the barn afterward. we tried once before but it was early in the morning and no one was awake yet. So today was the first day for helping. Steve came home around 10 without emma so I thought something was wrong, but he was only getting her snow gloves and winter coat. Then he came back 20 minutes later to explain that Margie (the owner) told him Emma could stay for 1-2 hours and suggested Steve leave Emma there until noon. Emma seemed pleased so steve came home. (He told me that he took her aside and explained that she was going to be there to work and that she needed to listen and all of that. To which she replied, "Yeah, yeah, I know." We have been getting that response a lot lately. I wish I could have been there to see her lesson and to watch her work.
All morning I kept getting misty eyed thinking about our 7 year old daughter mucking out stalls. I am sure that she would have told me "don't smile!" And this was the first time she has been left on her own anywhere that wasn't church or a play date.  She is getting so grown up. (And yet this afternoon when she was playing Frances family with her little sister it made me smile to watch her riding her stuffed horse around the house. still so much a kid. thank goodness.) Emma, we are so proud of you and amazed at your capabilities and passion at such a young age.
When Emma got home I was so excited to hear about how it went. And Emma of course did not want to tell me. she got a good report according to steve and she told Steve that she would rather muck out stalls then clean her room. Her pants were dirty, her boots muddy and her love of horses even stronger. Emma said that the girls were nice and she could not remember their names. She was the youngest girl there she thinks. Emma is a horse girl all right!

So this afternoon after annika's nap the girls played horse in Emma's room. I was reluctant to leave them alone but Emma seemed in a very peaceful mood so I stayed in the kitchen and checked periodically (and always kept my ears on full alert). They played upstairs with zero incidences for about an hour at whihc point Emma called down and said, "Mama, Annika wants to come down." They were waiting at the top of the stairs, horses in hand. I thought for sure that when they came down the sister playtime would dissolve in tears or anger. They proved me wrong and played so sweetly for another hour. Everyonce in a while Emma would ask me to do something as part of the game and I obliged. I kept to the kitchen to avoid being any inadvertent reason for the game to end. It warmed me heart and steve's too when he got home from running errands. I stole a Twizzler Halloween candy from emma's stash (sorry kiddo!) but shared it with both girls, telling them how much I loved watching them playing so nicely together.
annika was in seventh heaven. She galloped around when Emma said, "'OK, practice riding, Gloria." Emma was so sweet and I think she loved having someone so eager to play her game, mostly following her rules.
Annika and Emma, I hope that you realize someday that as sisters you have a friend for life. Watching you today was just the best. you two are the best. we should take pictures of you two and add them to the quilts aunt Jan made for you. absolutely precious all around-both of you.

Annika is in an indoor soccer class for 6 saturday sessions with other 2 year olds and their parents. today was the second session and it is so much fun. Like the other kids, Annika loves to stop the ball with her hands (crawling on the floor if need be) or carry the ball in her arms. She dribbled the ball for a few steps today and had fun throwing the ball overhead to me when she refused to no longer kick the ball at the wall. She watches the 3 other kids but unlike Emma she does not hang back and cling to me. She will sit by me on the floor for stretching, grab my hand for "duck"ing the ball or running across the court, or let me help her zig zag through the cones. But she listens to the coach, gives high fives, and smiles a lot. at the end of class the coach put all of the balls away except one and they kids (and adults) had a scrimmage of sorts. They took turns kicking/moving/throwing/carrying the ball first to one goal and then towards the other. they played like there was no defense, just an offense that switched sides after every goal. The adults cheered them all on and assisted in goals by shifting the goal as needed. Annika did not mind the clapping or shouting although it did make her stop and look. She happily would run from one end of the court to the other, occasionally touching the ball. It was great fun to watch. When I went in to get her out of her crib this morning the first thing she said was "play soccer today." aw. she did ask about basketball when we were there so we told steve about it and he told her they could play some time.
Annika, you may not choose to play soccer or any sports, but it sure is fun experiencing the newness with you now and sharing something that I like to do too. But No matter what you decide to do, we will support you and encourage you. We look forward to introducing you to new games, sports, activities these next few years and can hardly wait to see who you will become.

Annika and I vacuumed the front room today after soccer (and throwing the ball for the dog a few times- it was too cold for Annika to be outside without her whole winter gear lineup). For a very brief time she did help by pushing and pulling the vacuum with me. then she found it much more fun to scale the couch cushion (that was upright on the couch to keep the dog off) and giggle when the vacuum got too close. steve came home when I was done so I left the vacuum and Annika in the room and went to chat with him in the other. Not that long later the vacuum turned on and we heard a fast-paced pitter patter pitter patter heading our way. I looked over right as I started to move towards the room and there was annika, concern on her face and booking it as fast as she could from the vacuum. I could not stop myself from laughing, which stopped her in her tracks. I turned the vacuum off and still laughing, went to her. I asked her if the vacuum scared her and she said yes. Well if you turn it on, it turns on. I gave her a hug and she quickly went from being concerned to being curious about my sense of humor. Or so I think. She gave some small smiles and that was that. Oh it was too cute.

Annika says her name Hannika, but the N sounds are mushy so it is more like Haahika. So she may end up calling herself Awn-nnika some day instead of Anne-ika like we usually say. Today Emma said she wants to be called Amma. :)

Summer Update

Annika is saying more and more words. Pooh, which means either a poop in her diaper or Emma's blue bear or the Winnie the Pooh sticker on her toothbrush. Bye bye is quite common. Mommy, Daddy and Nanny, which means Annie.  When I ask her a question she will say "No", usually with some force. If she wants to say yes, she will shake her head in the affirmative. It is so cute. The other day she busted out with the word boy. Sometimes girls and boys are both, boy. Just now from the back seat she heard me say I really have to pee. So she says, Mama pee. Mama peepee.
The book that Emma got from Tom and Karen with the music box is a favorite. She asks for help. Help, hop hop and up all sound very similar so we have to pay attention to the context clues. She does not always want to listen to the story, but she does know some pages. Like she says me (which is how the book starts). and she will say and pie. We had some strawberry pie (after the girls and I went strawberry picking. They both ate a lot! Annika was covered in strawberry juice and did not actually contribute any of the berries that we bought.) and enjoyed eating it for dessert and breakfast. Annika loved saying pie, even after it was all gone.
When Annika wants us to stop what we are doing and play with her or read to her, she finds us, pushes us and says go repeatedly until we follow her. She glances over her shoulder to make sure we are following the leader.
Here you go and thank you sound very similar. She will say both  phrases (or is it one?) for many different situations. Just now she dropped Pooh and was saying Pooh with a plaintive tone. After I returned the bear to her she said thank you, Mama. If she wants something she will say here you go while pointing. She will hand you things in this same way. But she has the tendency to be an Indian giver, getting upset if you don't give it back promptly.

We finally turned her car seat around thinking that some of the car angst could be due to the fact that she was watching the back of her seat and landscape cruising by backwards. For our trip to Great Grandma's that theory was blown to bits. It wasn't the worst trip but any amount of screaming makes it far worse than plain okay. When she climbs in the car she rushes for the little seat between the two car seats and plops herself down, happily. She is not quite so happy to be strapped into her seat. Who can blame her? If given the opportunity she will try to climb over the middle front tray into the front or scramble in the passenger door and press the buttons and turn the knobs, frantic to get the chance before being whisked away.


Emma was calling herself a pancake today after realizing that cookies can sometimes be thin (and not just chunky).
Daddy: wow, Emma you are one smart...
Emma: little cookie.
Daddy: that's right, you are the cookie.
Emma: Well, I am the cookie because cookies are thin and I am skinny.
Daddy: Cookies can be thick, like big chunky cookies.
Emma: Oh yeah. Well I am a pancake then because pancakes are thin. Annika is a brownie.
Mama: Yeah, Annika is a brownie.

Both girls love the water.!  After taking swim lessons this winter, Emma can handle herself in pools just fine. Annika has no fear and would walk off the edge into the water if allowed to do so. At Grandma and Grandpa's Annika refused to sit in the infant float seat after getting a small taste of freedom. Steve and I both had the experience of holding her while she bounced on the stairs, tried to walk off the deepest one and laughed herself silly. When I talk about the pool or going swimming she makes a swishing sound while moving her arms in a freestyle stroke pattern (or an odd doggy paddle movement).  Annika likes playing with her water at the table as well. If she is done eating but is left alone for just a tad too long she commences Stage One of Water Play- commence water bottle emptying (on her tray). Or she will take a big swig of water and send it out of her mouth in a fountain. Then if we can't get there fast enough she will quickly swipe her hand back and forth, sending the water out to meet the floor, table, her legs, the dog. It's a water world!

Emma got to see a fireworks show for the first time ever this Fourth of July. We went to the Kniola's annual party and had a blast. Emma dressed for the occasion in her red tee that reads "you crack me up". We went swimming and Emma went down the water slide multiple times and loved it. Annika was happy for a long time in the plastic kiddie pool on the edge. She also enjoyed jumping on the pool steps and splashing Mama. We went back with Uncle Steve and Aunt Darcy to their neighborhood for the fireworks show. Emma covered her ears a few times but really liked the display.  Shortly after she actually said that she was very tired and wanted to go to bed- another first! So I took her back to the house and got her ready for bed. Unlike her sister, she slept through the random cracks and booms of neighborhood DIY firecrackers. Annika went to sleep around 9 (super duper late and she was very angry) and woke up relatively happy at 5 am. We left like thieves in the night by 6 am to keep from waking the entire house. Sheesh.

So there you have a very random summary of things since May. Oh so many stories and adventures to try to remember!

Mothers Day 2014

Apparently for three nights in a row this week Emma gave up story time to work on the plan for Mother's Day. How cute is that?  I will have to take a picture and post it-later.
I was instructed last night to stay up late so that I would sleep in. If i snuck down the stairs like Mama  bear in the Berenstain Bears Mama's Day Surprise story, the whole day would be put on hold and we would have to do Mother's Day the next day or the next Sunday. I don't want to ruin any surprises do I?
I woke up to the sound of something crashing (it wasn't anything relating to the meal prep). Not long later a marvelous spread was carried up, led by Emma who wished me a Happy Mother's Day with her gap-y grin. Annika also came in and smiled at me while asking to come into bed. (Steve whisked her away for a diaper change.) Chocolate crepes with sliced strawberries on the side. Yogurt with granola and dried cranberries. Cherry juice. ginger lemon tea. C'est magnifique!  Plus a lovely card that Emma signed from both her and Annika.
I lounged in bed and ate quietly. Everyone else ate downstairs. when I came down, Annika was calling Mama. Not too special of an occurrence these days. she is always wanting Mama/Mommy. But still warms the heart.
After a brief interlude (I had to go to church briefly to try a song) steve hooked up the bike seat to my bike. Emma really wanted to go on a family bike ride and has been asking all week. so we headed out to the purple park but turned down the path through the school property and went along the backroads to Emma's school. Or rather to the park by Emma's school, Heistand Park. Steve walked with Emma across all the cross-streets and we made it there safely. We chained our bikes to the start of the trail and headed off up the hill. Emma first gave us the nature talk. "This will be a nature walk. We will use three senses- sight, hearing, and our noses for smelling. We won't taste anything. Nature stays on the ground and we are going to walk quietly."
Annika was slow going and eventually Steve had to carry her the rest of the way. she picked up a couple sticks and a popped balloon (icky). Emma didn't reprimand her but that might have been because Emma was patiently waiting at a fork in the trail at the top of the hill.
"This is the hill that you rolled down that day that you helped out in class, Mama." indeed it was. that brought back good memories. Emma ran down the hill to the next concrete rectangle (the park has a frisbee golf course embedded in the woods and trails). we caught up and then were advised to wait for a couple of guys who were throwing for the next cage. they were nice and commented on the weather and also wished me a happy Mother's Day. the trees were oaks and very scraggly and stately. (I will insert a family selfie later.)
At one point Emma tripped and got caught on a stick. She started to whine and cry, "i hate the dirt! I don't like the dirt!" She brushed her legs off and got it together quickly. we made it back to the bikes without further incidences. Emma was interested in exploring the stream but not by herself. so she gave up the idea.
We rode back home on Milwaukee street that is a pretty brutal hill- up hill from pretty much the park all the way to the entrance to our subdivision. Emma did awesome!  Even though her and Steve had to stop to walk across two streets they almost caught up to Annika and I!  It was great.
Back home we made some delicious hummus, tomato, cuke, lettuce sandos and had a picnic in the backyard. There were two kinds of potato chips and some sandwich cookies. Plus sliced apples and pear. so good. Annika only ate a couple pieces of bread. she had eyes only for the fruit and chips. We rationed her, though, and she wouldn't eat sando even for a cookie.
Annika went down for a nap and I napped in the chair. :) Emma and Daddy hung out in the front yard until I stumbled out 40 minutes later.
Emma lazed around inside on the couch for a bit while Steve and I did some gardening. eventually Emma came out to help by shaking the dirt off the grass clumps and filling the wheelbarrow. We transplanted the rosebushes (more like rose sticks) from the front yard to the Rainbow Garden area along the front sidewalk. (Emma and Annika picked out some native seeds to plant a Rainbow Garden in a couple weeks- after the seeds have been properly stratified.) The roses secure the red zone for now.
Then the girls and Daddy went to Smoky John's to pick up some ribs and then we have a fantastic rib meal with beans and broccoli salad. Steve made some strawberry-blackberry juice and served it with three kinds of chocolate. Emma and Daddy sang a little bit of Old MacDonald to be silly right before serving. so good.
Then it was a "twin bath night" according to Emma.  Daddy helped scrub and get them clean. Mama helped get Annika into her PJs and Daddy read her stories. Then Mama dried Emma's hair and we organized the bookshelf. Emma helped choose books to share with Annika and some for the garage sale. she is getting so grown up.
I read her stories and Daddy tucked her into sleep. She seemed so proud of herself when we thanked her for her efforts to make the day so fantastic. For once Emma didn't say "you are making me feel too proud!" or something similar.
It was the best day so far this year! thank you to my precious girls and loving hubby for making it happen. I am the luckiest Mama ever. :)

Let it go!

Annika hasn't seen Frozen but she can sing part of Let it Go.  The neighbors across the street watched the girls on Friday for a couple hours. When I stopped by to pick them up, Karen exclaimed- she can sing Let it Go.  And right on cue, annika started singing.  She only knows that phrase but she can really belt it out. I have a video that I will have to upload later. I do not get this technology!
Anyway, stay tuned for the next youngest star!
It should be noted that after Emma saw Frozen at church a couple months ago she was addicted. We listened to the soundtrack multiple times and she sang Let it Go and For the First Time all the time. Then on our France trip Frozen was one of the free inflight movies. She watched it around 5-6 times there and back. Wow. So it isn't like Annika got the song from nowhere. :)

Making Up Songs

Today on the phone my grandma asked me if Emma is interested in music. I realized that the answer to that question might need to be addressed on this site- for posterity.
It amazes me how musical she is. Not in a prodigy sort of way. If that were the case I am sure that the piano would be used for more than just plunking and random song creation. Emma hasn't composed any sonatas or piano concertos or anything like that.
However, she does on occasion sit and sing songs while playing. She is in fact composing new songs every time, but sadly they are not recorded.
And she does not limit her song creation to her fleeting moments at the piano. Just yesterday morning- or was it this morning?- while she was feeding the dog Emma was busting out a classic song. I so wish that I could remember even a few of the lines. She was rhyming and singing about the dog and herself. She uses some techniques from songs we hear on the radio or (yikes) in the Frozen songs. Things like adjusting the intensity, volume and actual notes. It is pretty cool.
(It reminds me of my singing days as child. I have a vivid memory of sitting on the exercise bike in the creepy basement near the laundry space and belting out totally random tunes. I wondered what my family thought, if they could hear me, and was only a little embarassed when they teased me about my singing.)
We have talked about making music lessons a priority for the girls at some point. Piano and guitar are instruments we have here so that would be easy. But I wonder what Emma would choose if she had the chance to explore different instruments?  And voice is an instrument.

Annika also seems to have a musical bone. She reminds me of Boo in Monsters Inc.- in cuteness, pigtail likeness and the humming/singing characteristic.  I do not have memories of Emma singing much without intelligible words. but Emma talked earlier. Anyway, Annika has been able to hum Happy Birthday for awhile now. Tonight at the dinner table Annika started humming Happy Birthday,  which reminded me that it is Aunt Jan's birthday today. I asked Emma if she wanted to record a birthday video message for her. She was very eager so I recorded her singing Happy birthday while annika smiled along. Unfortunatley she did't hum while Emma sang. Stage fright perhaps.

Some of the best musical moments also involve Daddy. He is great at random singing songs about what is happening using familiar tunes mostly. Sometimes the tune is original.  Emma joins right in- most of the time- and the two of them laugh and sing. I love those moments. And it is clear that they do, too.

Fanny Pack Sister

I had to take Annika to work with me on Wednesday. It made my bosses day. "I love this baby! She is the best baby in the world."
so anyway, I am almost done teaching when Julie comes down obviously looking for something. she asks me if I have any extra pants for Annika, which of course I do not. Is this my first time packing a diaper bag or what? Julie tells me that Annika leaked through a little but she thinks they have spare pants her size downstairs. No biggie!
So i start cleaning up forgetting that my daughter is roaming around in the offices when i look up and see Virginia heading my way along with Little A.
Mommy: (laughter)
Virginia: (laughter) isn't this great?
Annika: (stops, gives a weird half smile and observes my response)
Mommy: oh my goodness, that is too much! Look at you, Annie, with no pants on. You are too cute. (laughter)
Virginia: she said no to the extra pants. All she wanted was her fanny pack back on. (laughter)

There are no photos to go with this post unfortunately. It would have been priceless. so instead my words will have to paint a mental picture.
Annika is wearing a bright green short sleeve shirt. Her hair is half up in an off-center, floppy do. She is wearing white socks with her dirty white Robeez. You can kind of see her bulky cloth diaper with blue flower wrap underneath the adult-size dark blue fanny pack. It hangs loosely in front like a cat's jungle pouch and is weighed down with something. the straps are dangling almost to the ground on both sides of the pack. Every once in awhile Annika's hands rest in the open front pocket. she wears an impish grin alternating with a contented gaze.

Virginia: she wanted to put some rocks and tree cookies in there. (Chuckles)
Mommy: wow, look at your collection. That is really something. (endearing laughter and a hug)

Annika wore the fanny pack up until the moment I strapped her into the stroller and tucked her into my fleece sweatshirt. Thankfully she did not put up a fight at that point.

sleep tent

Who knew that preparing for a plane trip could be so much fun?  I set up the travel sleep crib so Annika could see it and maybe remember it come sleepy time in France.  and I also wanted to see how easy it was to set-up; very!

Emma: can I go in?
Mama: I don't think thats a good idea.
Emma: aww.
Annika: gibberish

The next thing I knew, Emma was in the tent, too.
Emma: she wanted me in here.

I have to admit that it certainly seemed that way.

Annika: all kinds of happy gibberish. Plus- "that, that, that, " while pointing at things she wants in the tent with her.

Emma: here, Annika, we are making this a little baby house.
She added some water (in bottle form and then had to promptly wipe up some droplets), a book, plush toys and plastic toys. Annika still seems content. When I asked Emma to unzip the crib Annika whined a bit.
Emma: see, she wants it zipped up.

Bleak Winter

I wish I could say that this posting will be the start of a new era- keeping up with this blog!  But I will not make promises I cannot keep.

My only guess at why I have not written since November is the weather. This winter has been an absolute nightmare. I should not really be complaining. The winter before was when we were in the throes of colic and potty regression. That was a different kind of nightmare. The dark days of this winter were literally due to the large number of cloudy days. No sun is bound to make things dark and dreary.

Besides the lack of sunshine, we were confined to the great indoors a majority of the winter because it was too cold to go out. School children were in their classrooms for weeks at a time. Emma and her friends had a rough transition to a new set of teachers (Miss Beckie stayed the constant and positive beacon) while also having to remain inside. The outdoor classroom is a magical place that allows for the release of excess energy that can lead to unusual behaviors inside.

Miss Beckie asked me to lead music every Tuesday from 12-12:30 in exchange for Emma staying late on Mondays without a fee. It has been really fun and I think Emma loves having me in the classroom regularly. It is that part of the week and day that I am guaranteed and enthusiastic hug!

On the days that were warm enough (we are talking even 20 degrees or less if the sun was shining) Emma and I longed to go outside and play in the snow. But it became apparent very early on that Annika had different ideas. After one trip outside where snow may have come into contact with her skin (in December) she cried as soon as she saw her boots or snow pants being moved from their semi-permanent location in the entry way. I am not exaggerating her crying.  If the boots ended up on her feet her cries turned into howls. It was amazing. I did try powering through the crying and pulling her in the inner tube sled one day when it was just us two. No amount of enthusiasm on my part could convince her of the fun she was having. That lasted 5 minutes and I am sure the neighbors thought I was torturing her. Maybe I was in her eyes, poor thing. So we limped along and only went out if there was someone to watch Annika inside.

Sue at the nature center reminded me that bringing snow inside could help increase the desire for outside trips. I can't believe that I did not think of that myself- even though I did it with the preschoolers at the nature center. Duh!  So one day while I was making dinner I laid a towel on the floor and brought in a tub of snow. I pulled some measuring cups out of the drawers and tried to get her excited. But as soon as she saw me carrying the snow, Annika started to whine cry and ran in the other room. She tentatively walked close to it after several minutes but cried when I touched it myself.  Emma discovered the tub not long after and was really excited. She had a great time playing with the snow, but not even that was enough to entice little A. That was the last time we tried that.

Once we got closer to spring according to the calendar I tried again to take Annika outside. I let her wear her Robeez and calmly explained when her feet got wet that that is why we wear boots when there are puddles and it is cold outside. So we calmly walked back inside and I grabbed her boots. She immediately started whining but I persevered and just kept calmly stating facts: your feet are going to be so toasty and warm in the boots; now you can splash in the puddles and your feet will stay dry; oh this will be so much fun.

Out we went and she actually stopped whining once we reached the sidewalk. Then she actually smiled a bit and after a couple minutes was confidently strutting up and down the sidewalk, tromping in the shallow puddles. It was magical!  When she tired and began to whine a bit we went right inside. Better to quit while we are ahead.

And that was the genesis of her desire to go outside. Of course winter had other more nefarious plans- there were many days when it was too cold still to venture out. But at lunch time one day Annika pointed out the sliding glass door and grunted happily. She was asking to go outside! so we did for a couple minutes.

Since then spring has still been losing its' battle against the cold convictions of winter.  But the sisters have enjoyed a few days outside together- the first two days of spring actually. Those were a couple of heartwarming, if not ground warming, days. Annika tries to do everything Emma does and finds her so funny.  I wish I could remember the statements and specific interactions. That should be reason enough to blog more regularly!  Emma did take a notebook outside and wrote (phonetically sounded out) some of the spring things she saw around her. I am saving it and adding the page to this beautiful stamped, bound nature book Grandma sent to us awhile ago. It is the start of the family special nature moments book. ahh. Spring get her already so we can explore!!

Happy Halloween

Nothing like snow falling outside to remind me of warmer times- like Halloween! Which actually wasn't that much warmer. It was rainy, windy and cold. Emma's witch hat kept blowing off so she finally gave up, and the witch shoes that she was so excited to wear were quickly replaced with cozy rain boots.
Emma really wanted to be a scary witch- dressed all in black with no face make up or fake warts. I made her dress and cape- she picked out the patterns at Jo-Ann Fabrics. We had to search at least 3 stores to find just the right broom. She wanted the broom that was just like the one at school with black stitching and a short handle.

Before Halloween Emma was coming up with ideas for what Mommy and Daddy should be for Halloween. "You should be a hot dog and Daddy should be a hamburger, " giggled Emma. That was probably the funniest idea.
Next she came up with this. "Ha ha, Mummy, " she laughed by accident one day. "Hee hee. I just said Mummy. You should be a mummy for Halloween Mommy. I could put a sign on you that says Here is my Mommy who is a mummy. or my mummy is who my mommy. hee hee." She thought that was quite clever. So I cut an old sheet into a very long strip. Steve helped wind me up and Emma completely approved.
Both girls looked great in their costumes. I made Annika's monster suit as well.  The four of us went to 3 houses all together, including Karen and Tom's across the street. Then Steve took Annika home and had fun watching Susan give out candy. (Apparently that is a whole another story!)

Emma and I headed out into the wind and filled up her sack. I actually scored some candy along the way from sympathetic adults who applauded my self-costuming efforts. I wasn't going to say no! Once we made it almost completely down the street and back up the other side, Emma started asking me to stay at the end of the driveway. She wanted to walk to the doors by herself. I don't know if that was motivated from the growing up part of her or the jealous part. She does like her candy. :)
We had a fun time and Emma enjoyed telling Aunt Susan and Daddy all about it when we got home. Trick-or-treating wasn't over for another 30 minutes or so; Emma loved opening the door and passing out candy. In fact, "no! I want to do it!" was heard until we finally took the hint and stopped opening the door first. :)

Of course sorting and eating the candy was a must!  She still hasn't eating it all yet and it's December! She was so sweet and shared some of her haul with us adults.

 I almost forgot that I surprised the family with a spooky dinner. Then knew that I was making a smitten kitchen dish but they didn't know that it was mummified until I pulled them out of the oven. Emma loved it! Actually we all really enjoyed the meal. (But I let my childish side out when I put them back in the oven under the broiler to crisp the dough strips and burned some of them- so I stomped upstairs and got all whiny. Not my best but I acknowledged that when I came back down. and we could all laugh at silly mommy.)

Visit this link for the awesome, delicious pot pies. I made it vegetarian and didn't miss the meat. I only wish that I had rolled the dough much thinner before cutting the strips so i could have avoided the super thick, somewhat doughy layers that led to my broiling, burning, tantrum episode.  pancetta-white-bean-and-swiss-chard-pot-pies

Up and Running

Well, Annika may not be running but she is finally walking!  She has been mastering the bipedal skills for about 3 weeks now. She loves to come into the kitchen while we are cooking/working and go through the cupboards. The honey stick is a favorite chew toy for those sore gums. She has gotten one molar (the bottom left) and is working on at least one more. And all the while her huge front teeth are still coming in; we assume that they aren't done growing yet because the left top-center tooth is still longer than the right! :)

Annika is loving to read these days and will pick out the books she wants read. She can be quite forceful if you start reading a book she is not interested in. Sometimes Emma will read to her and sometimes Annika will let her. Those moments are precious.
Annika is not really talking yet. We think she might actually mean Daddy when she says dadda, dadda.  Babba, Babba could mean Emma or Mama. But Chloe or doggie is definitely panting noises. Elephant sounds are popular- Annika makes them when she sees elephants or hears us say elephant and she loves to hear us trumpet, too.  She can roar like a lion or tiger and says the most adorable "ow" for cats/kitties. When I ask her to get something like a toy she can and I just about fell over the other day when I asked her to sit so I could put on her boots (that she "asked" me to put on) and she sat.  Her asking consists of holding something and grunting "ahh, ahh, ahh." 
She can do some hand signs like milk, more, please and bread and candy/sweet. Yeah, it isn't good that she will sign candy but not thank you! :0
So that's the update on little A.

Cat-tastic Celebration

Make a wish!

Happy 6th birthday, Emma K.!  What a whirlwind of a weekend. Such fun and sweet moments to treasure. Not that there was an absence of poor choices or behavior that was the direct result of being overwhelmed, over tired and disappointed. It's hard to be little!

Saturday the 19th we woke up and had chocolate chip pancakes, as requested by you the night before.  You were so excited about your birthday that the humdrum of a mostly regular Saturday was too much.  You wanted to open the three boxes that had come in the mail and waiting to open the gift bag from us was excruciating.  Once you got to open the bag you were very disappointed to find only a poncho. "That's not a present!"  Reading the card and the horse and pony experience promise for that afternoon wasn't enough to break the disappointment spell. But you did almost smile!
Waiting until after lunch seemed impossible.
 We carved pumpkins, which you loved.  "I'm going to draw the faces on all the pumpkins. Daddy you can cut both of ours out. Mine is going to be scary."  When I told you I was going to do a cat face you said, " that's not spooky for Halloween." You helped draw the cat face on my pumpkin using the image from the iPad as a guide.  I had to redraw it on the other side because your attention to small detail was too tiny for me to carve.  So you drew daddy's pumpkin face and your own.

Scooping out the insides was gross but you did it anyway. "Look at how much I got this time! Mommy can I please use that fork? The fork works good."
Lunch time came quickly and you could hardly focus on eating from all the anticipation. Then we were off to the stables!  La Fleur stables is about 30 minutes away and we got there with time to spare. There was a horse in a corral right by the van.  You got right out and walked to the fence and were fascinated watching it trot and harrumph long the fence opposite.  We went inside and were happy to be out of the blustery, cold.  You liked looking at the framed horse and rider pictures on the wall. After waiting a bit we were taken through the mysterious double doors that led...to...the indoor stables and arena!

Grooming and not quite at ease yet.

We walked down the long stable hallway to the tied up ponies.  Annika was interested in the horse faces pressed up to the bars on either side. You pointed out horses you liked and asked what their names were. The young girls explained how to groom the ponies with the different brushes. You were shy to begin with and asked me to go with you to choose a brush and get

Riding the pony was neat. Your feet almost touched the ground.

started.  You lost your shyness quickly and liked grooming the ponies.  After a bit the ponies were untied and we followed them down to the arena. There you asked for your bike helmet and waited your turn to ride a pony. The other pony was hooked up to a small cart.
You had no trouble getting on the pony by yourself!  And your feet almost could touch the ground.  You were reluctant to show even a smile but never said that you didn't want people to watch you.  You rode the pony two different times and liked it a lot.
At first you didn't want to ride in the cart even after the girls said you could sit on the seat and not on their laps like the younger girls in the group.  But at the very last possible opportunity you changed your mind and climbed in.  It went pretty quickly and you liked it. You said you liked riding the pony better.  And that was without a saddle!  The pony names were Mouse and Minnie.

Apple Jack, the quarter horse, with one happy Emma.

We went back and you helped groom the ponies before they brought out the big horses.  Apple Jack was the quarter horse and Sport was the thoroughbred.  We followed to the arena and you waited your turn to ride. You went on Sport first and insisted that daddy help you get on.  Sport cantered around the arena, which is pretty quick for a first ride.  You loved it and couldn't always keep your smiles hidden.  It was so much fun to watch you.  I could easily imagine you taking lessons and becoming a horse rider.

That was so fun and fast that you didn't want anyone to know how much you liked it.

After riding you did more horse grooming and you and the other girls were quite surprised by how large of a poop the horse dropped.  Then it was time to go home. In the car we asked you if you liked the experience and what your favorite part was. "It was good. I liked riding the big horses."  It all sort of came apart when Annika started crying and wouldn't stop. "Stop! You are ruining my whole birthday!"
Tom and Karen stopped by before dinner to give you their presents. You showed them the pictures from the horse and pony experience and were quite pleased to be able to share it with them.  Aunt Susan came for dinner and we enjoyed homemade macaroni and cheese with peas.  You also showed Aunt Susie the pictures of your day. Aunt Susan's cheesecake with fresh raspberries was phenomenal. You helped decorate the top of the cake with some fun supplies Aunt Susie brought with her.

Decorating that delicious cheesecake with Aunt Susie.

Then came the plethora of presents. Both sets of grandparents and great grandma's plus Aunt Susie and some other random boxes were filled with clothes, toys, and even money and makeup (lip gloss). You were right in your element. You said some pretty funny things that I am kicking myself for not writing down!
You went to sleep happy and woke up the next morning just bursting with excitement for your friends party. It was a long wait but we all survived. We arrived at the Dane County Humane Society and found the room to be much larger than we expected as well all decorated!  Frannie was the first to arrive and slowly your friends showed up. Frannie, Tesla, Violet, Rosie and Ellie, Meghan, Daryn and Soren, and James were all there. Plus Miss Beckie came with a lovely bouquet of flowers! The cat visitor names Max was first. He could sit on command! Everyone got to pet him once before his owner took him away.

Then the group was off to see  behind the scenes; you were always the line leader. You saw loads of cats; you wanted to take them home.  And so many cute dogs enjoyed tasty morsels that you and your friends dropped down the feeding tube into the kennels. There were also smaller pets like gerbils and feathered friends, too.  Back at the room we had some juice and you and your friends colored cats or dogs.

Not a cat but it will have to do.

The best part was coming up! The leader took us all into a small room where you got to hold a corn snake, guinea pig and rat.
Okay, maybe the best part was coming up- cake and presents! You decided that a cookies and cream custard cake from Culver's was a fine substitute for vanilla cat cupcakes with custard on the side. (I still feel guilty that I didn't make them!) The cakes were a huge hit with everyone and you blew out all 6 candles in two breaths I think. Your friends know you well and got you presents that fit your talents and hobbies- lots of art projects. Then it was time to clean up and go home. You were sad that it was over but also very happy.
Since it was late(r) in the day we let you pick a restaurant for the last birthday celebration meal. We went to Monty's and had yummy food but no dessert. Instead you had some cheesecake when we got home.

You are such a great big sister! Here you are helping your sister navigate the Earth and Sun set-up.

Was the birthday fun really over then? No! Annika and I came to school on Monday for your birthday celebration at Toad Hill. We kept the Emma-isms very brief but shared some pictures of you doing fun things through the years. You walked around the sun 6 times and Annika crawled on the sun!  Then I hung around for a little bit while you showed me some work, and I read a pumpkin story to your friends. Before I left I made sure that your teachers knew what to do with the special snack. I made individual parfaits for you and your friends with the berries and yogurt of your choice- vanilla yogurt with raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Plus there was a bag of granola for sprinkling on the top and some chocolate graham cat cookies. We brought three pieces of cheesecake for your teachers.
At the end of the day you were sad because the cat cookies were not served. But we took them back the next day and you got to share them with your friends.
Such a wonderful celebratory weekend for such a wonderfully sweet and beautiful girl! We are proud of you and love you so much. Happy 6th birthday, Emma K!

Kindergarten

All ready for the Meet and Greet on Tuesday.

Emma started Kindergarten last week. She is at Toad Hill- the same school she has been at for preschool for 2 years. So it shouldn't be that different and I shouldn't be all teary-eyed, right? Ha. I have been near tears for a couple weeks now. I just can't believe that she is old enough to be starting school!
Mommy or Daddy: So Emma, are you excited to be starting Kindergarten?
Emma: yeah, except for the teachers.
M/D: what do you mean? We thought you liked your teachers.
Emma: No, they are silly, mean teachers.
M/D: Why are they mean?
E: Because they tell me what to do.

It should come as no surprise that we also wear the mean hat from time to time- whenever we tell her what to do. Aye aye aye!

Emma told us that she had a good first couple of full days at school. She was playing with some new friends. Friday in the car she said, "They don't serve enough food for community lunch! I'm hungry!" 

Smiling for the first full day on Thursday.