Fall Break

I am truly savoring these years of homemade Halloween decorations taped haphazardly around my house and the absolute little girl hysteria that comes with choosing our pumpkins. Last week was Fall Break and we visited not one, but two local pumpkin patches. We also went to the Rec Center, the Denver Science and Nature Museum, we took a day trip up into the mountains to explore and wade in the icy stream, and we ended the week with a whirlwind visit from Nana Jane, Dude, Madi and Nicky. We had such a great time together, and I just love that my girls are getting old enough to be good company. And what a relief to finally be at a stage of life where I'm not constantly wishing to hit the fast forward button. Here are a few examples of how each girl brings her own brand of silly to our little family:

MADELEINE

At six years old, Madeleine is starting to say funny things, which I love. We were encouraging her to share something with her younger sister and she was being stubborn about not sharing, and finally said, "Hey, why are you guys looking at me with Weiner Dog eyes?"

This morning Madeleine lost yet another tooth. "Hey mom, did you know my teeth are all falling out in your bathroom or in dad's closet?"

On Monday night we talked about blessings during family home evening and we were listing some of our family's blessings. "Elisabeth!" Madeleine piped up. "My baby sister is a wonderful blessing. Oh, and Minnie Mouse. Minnie blesses our family too." If you know Madeleine then you know that anyone who makes the same cut as Minnie Mouse must be pretty darn special.

KATHERINE

Okay, so this feels slightly disloyal, but I have to say that watching Katherine during her hour long gymnastics class each Wednesday is one of the most painful and hilarious things I have been forced to witness as a parent. She loves, loves, loves gymnastics, but let's just say it ain't pretty. I take turns trying not to crack up and trying to avert my eyes.

Katherine also loves watching "Chopped" with me on the Food Network, and lately has requested that she be in charge of fixing snacks or lunch. I just love these little glimpses at her budding creativity.

ELISABETH

This child only listens to Rock n'Roll. She cries whenever I play soft music in the car, and she howls and thrashes when my one and only Joni Mitchell song comes on. Jeremy thinks this proves her good instincts.

We bought hot pink boots to get us through winter this year, and Elisabeth loves them. She is excited to put them on first thing in the morning, and again when she wakes up from her nap. I do believe you will be seeing some pictures of a little girl in pink boots in the months to come. I love pink, I love little girls, and I love that this child of mine isn't yet two years old and already knows which shoes she wants to wear. Truly, a girl after my own heart!