Toddler observations

Today, out of the blue, Anna points out this gem as she walks through the living room,"

"Ben has a yong (long), yong, yong bottom."

This is stated very matter-of-factly and includes appropriate hand gestures to illustrate Ben's type of "bottom".

What do you say as a mom but, "Ummmm. Yep."

What made my day...

After a very long day and while sorting through a week and a half of unread email, I cam across THIS beauty waiting for me....

THANKS SARAH AND MIKE (bet you didn't know Curt could dance like this)!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Anna at the Theater

OK - really at a Parents as Teachers Theater Night but she enjoyed herself and watched each of the 6 "plays" with rapt attention while mommy had beautiful images of future trips to the Fox, the Muny, and the Miller Center with her little lady.

Molly and Ben's Visit for the Weekend!

We were so lucky to have Molly and Ben come for the WHOLE weekend.
They got here early on Friday and we had tons of fun while the weather was nice pretending to camp, playing on Anna's new swing set, and generally running amok. We also tasted the delights of the famous Central Dairy (for ice cream) and spent some time at Riverside Park.

On Saturday, the weather was nasty as promised. We spent quality time at home having dance parties and book reading marathons. We also enjoyed RiRi's borrowed "mom car" (a 2008 Ford Freestyle/Tarus....ahem....because you were all wondering...) and it took all 6 of us easily out to Leap Frog to do some bouncing and in Anna's case some moments of feared drowning in the ball pit: "AHHHHHHHH" (screaming as she disappears beneath the balls and later yelling, "Ders too many people in here! Ders too many people in heeeeerrreee!" as Molly and Ben attempted to climb in with her in the otherwise empty ball pit). Then we ate some yummy El Jimador with Stacy Turpin and visited late into the evening!

Today was filled with more general running amok. During the ladies (and Curt's) nap Riri and Ben got some special time together at Binder Lake (throwing rocks in the water. Throwing every stick we saw into the water. Throwing rocks AT the sticks. Throwing leaves - pretend boats - in the water. Throwing rocks at the leaves.) Then, he and I headed to the library to thaw out.

We are so sad to lose our favorite company but hope you enjoy the collection of pictures:

Molly and Ben Visit

"Fosty"

Happy Second Day of Spring!

Here's a reminder of what you probably aren't missing:
(Photos from Feb 5th, 2010)

Pretend it is December 1st, 2009

And that I actually posted this right after her birthday...

FIRST BIRTHDAY:




SECOND BIRTHDAY:







What a difference one year and another candle on that fantastic hat make?!?
What a cutie!

Conversations on the living room floor..

Anna is lying on the floor with her purple PJ's and pink snow boots having a conversation with her animals and her finger pets.
Here are the things that run through her mind:


"No no, dis is youw home.'

"And dis is youw frwend?"

"Hallo Daddy yion (lion)"

"What you deam (dream) about daddy yion'

"He wiw go in time out!"

"Let's go see Anna's wowk (work), yion!" - she just ran into her room to "work"
----------------------------
What a nut!