Pumpkin Patch

Alternate title: pissed off pumpkin patch. Rosie was such a little stinker last weekend at the "pumpkin sack" (her words). Probably because I made her take of her sister's way-to-big dress and put on one of her own before we left. She sassed all over the place, grimaced and growled through picture taking and got mad at pumpkins that were too heavy for her to lift.

Her sister on the other hand was the opposite. She was recovering from a high fever but I thought a small outing in the sunshine may help perk her up. She smiled for pictures and was very sweet, if not a bit sluggish.

We brought home some little pumpkins (and one greenish gray one!) to paint the next day. Which was an adventure in itself.

I love this season and sharing it with my girls.

Bud goes to preschool

This year my sweet baby bud started preschool.

She is attending her big sister's alma matter. She tried several times last year to blend into the surroundings, either settling in a chair or getting in line to wash her hands, so that I would let her stay and play with big sissy. Needless to say, she was over the moon when I told her it was her big day.

She picked out her 'parkly shoes (just like sissy's), got to take "first day front step" pictures and insisted on wearing her backpack at every available moment. No bud, you can't wear your backpack in your carseat. And marched into the school like she owned the place.

She wasn't sad in the slightest when I left and had, what I can assume, was the best first day ever UNTIL she found out that nap time happens at school too. The next few school days were a challenge because she didn't want to nap. No nigh nigh at coo, mama! but she is adjusting well. She was the last one up on the past two school days and I got the pleasure of waking her. I sure do love some sleepy/cuddly bud.

Buddy is so big and brave. I sure am proud of my girls.

Kindergarten Bill

So Lilly started kindergarten this year. Which is crazy. It has been a big adjustment for all of us. The tardy bell rings at 7:50am and there isn't a whole lot of leniency surrounding tardiness. We learned that the third day of school... after we were 2 minutes late.

Bill was not particularly thrilled with the change in our morning routine. So I can't watch TV at all anymore?!? Just get up and get dressed and go to school?!?!?!?! The struggle is real.

Other then that she has really enjoyed it. She enjoys homework, especially when she receives praise for a job well done.  She has friends (and a 'boyfriend' named Michael who she is going to marry because he gave her money... yeah).

She bravely asked to bring lunch money one day and I obliged giving her as much direction as I could. I felt anxious all day wondering if she remembered to tell her teacher, if the lunch ladies were helpful and kind, if she liked what they served. She got into the car that afternoon and stated: I didn't give them the money. I learned that she had felt unsure/shy so she didn't speak up or give anyone the money. But she did get lunch (not sure how that works) AND she came home with an extra dollar (see above about Michael).

All in all she is learning all about the important things in life: TV withdraw, money laundering, and boys. Amiright?

Peter Pan Birthday Party

Wendy's best princess post // Daddy Pan // Being shy during the HBTY song // Wendy & Tink snuggles

Bill turned 5 this month. We decided to have a Peter Pan themed birthday party because she is obsessed. We had a few friends over, ordered pizza and even had a screening of Disney's 1953 classic. Lilly was Wendy (obvs), Rosie wore her Tink gown and I did my best Smee impersonation.

We had donuts for dessert (because Lilly still isn't sold on cake/cupcakes/cookies) so we had them glazed with Wendy's colors. I made the kids Peter Pan hats out of felt and filled tiny treasure boxes with candy.

I decorated with various Peter Pan quotes around the house including the above pictured "Think Happy Thoughts". It was inspired by this print found on Etsy.

Lilly had "the best time ever" which is really what it's all about. Love my sweet shy girl.

Beach Getaway

A few weeks ago we got to stay on the Gulf Coast with a few friends. Three moms, five kids and way too much fun. Probably a little too many post-bed time drinks too. I am so so thankful for my friends and that my kids can be friends with their kids. So thankful. 

Also, blurry-on-purpose pictures? Kinda love them. There is a non-blurry gif below if you don't. ;)

ps- remind me to take the tag off of the toy before taking dreamy sunset beach pictures next time. (face palm)

Baby Talk V.12

Let's not talk about how big Bill is. Ok, we will. She will turn five in August and will start kindergarten soon after. There are so few things she mispronounces these days. It makes me kinda sad and also so proud. She was the cutest little girl but is the smartest big girl I know. 

Here are a few things she says these days that crack my heart up:
- crack my heart up -  break my heart. She uses this expression when she is either very happy or very sad. 
- constructions: meaning 'instructions'.
- aminals: animals. I will cry when she corrects this one. 
- poodle: Pluto. Mickey's pet dog.
- callapitter: caterpiller (not going to lie- I had to google what the real word was.)
- message: a letter. Oh, technology. 

Bud has a few of her own special words these days too.

- "dee dee dee" This one took me a while to figure out but I did. It is in reference to princesses and dancing like a princess. Then one day earlier this week my sister was dancing with Rosie and actually sang "dee dee dee". We both laughed so hard when we realized Rosie learned it from her.

- crackie: a graham cracker.

- dadoo: a donut 

- shake-a shake-a: yogurt (realizing a lot of these are food related)

- pee pee pee: as in "please please please" aka begging. Thanks for teaching her that one big sister.

This has to be one of my favorite stages. I love figuring out their own special languages. 

makeup

The girls got some Barbie makeup from a friend. The pictures really speak for themselves and I get teary eyed every time I go through them. Lilly is becoming such a good big sister and Rosie looks up to her so much. Watching them love each other makes my heart ache in the most beautiful way. 

Lilly + Cheetah

This picture is from Nolan's last birthday party. Lilly asked the face painter to make her a cheetah even though it wasn't an option on the board. Cheetah's are her favorite she says. Carolina kindly obliged and she was so happy.

Last month we were standing in line at Animal Kingdom to go on the Kilimanjaro Safari. The girls were playing around on and I was watching the animal info video that runs on loop. When a cheetah came on the screen I got Lilly's attention so she could see her favorite animal. Soon after she laid eyes on the sprinting cheetah it took down and killed a baby antelope. Yeah. Her commentary went as follows: A cheetah! Where? (gasp of excitement) Oh! (concern) OH NO! (baby antelope down) NO! Mommy! Why did the cheetah do that?! Insert a life lesson on the food chain and circle of life that she listened to about a third of and we were happily on the safari. Cheetahs are still her favorite for now. But her reaction to the reality of cheetahs was priceless.

Meet and Make with Sarah Hearts

Last Thursday night Amy and I attended the Valentine's Day Meet and Make hosted by Sarah of Sarah Hearts. It was so much fun to catch up with Sarah and makes some new friends too. Sarah had a mixed media project set up for us and we created some cute Florida and Valentine's inspired art. 

Amy and I arrived at the same time, which was late, because of kids. We were 'fashionably late'. I didn't get any before pictures of Sarah's set up or delicious treats but as you can see in the aftermath photos above everything was great. AND I finally got to hug Jordan who I met via Instagram. I'm pretty sure we are kindred spirits. 

It was such a great time. I am more and more impressed with Sarah every time I hang out with her. Girl is going places. Mark my words.

playing in the sink

I have wanted one of these vintage step stool chairs for such a long time. I finally bought one from a local antiques market and the girls immediately claimed ownership of it.

While Lilly was at school I let Rosie climb up the stool and play in the sink. Later I noticed the similarity to some pictures I took of Rosie having a sink bath almost exactly a year ago. Her little hand against the sink in both sets melts my heart. It's amazing how time flies.

winter at the beach

january is my absolute favorite time of the year to visit the beach. it is just a bit more calm and cool. And peaceful. We have family staying at the beach which makes it even better. apologies to those of you living in really cold places right now. ;)