Indoor Camping

Because Nana and Popos were getting ready to go camping and we were getting ready to go to the mountains, Norah thought it might be the right time for a little indoor camping.  So, we set up the tent, sleeping bags and cooler in the kitchen.  Then, we decided that banana bread would be just right as a camping treat, so we made some of that.  Norah is turning into quite a good little baker.  Etta is a good taster.

Cuddling with Carter

Kimmie Days

When Nick returned to school, Kim started watching Etta on Thursdays, and she had a couple of weeks with Norah too while Norah's school was on break.  Being the literacy teacher she is, they have made a habit of going to the library for story time.  All in all, the girls love their "Kimmie days."

Summertime Ice Cream

I didn't know Norah knew the sound of an ice cream truck, but as she heard it this afternoon, her eyes brightened right up.  Nick was so taken with summertime nostalgia that he bought the girls ice cream - and he bought me one too!  It was so sweet to watch the girls sit on the steps and eat their treats.  

Full House

Since McKinley made her first trip out of the high country, all of the grandbabies were together for the first time (including a few extra babies Norah threw in the mix).  It was so much fun to have quality time with McKinley (and her parents) and to have everyone together at once.  

Viele Lake

Since tumbling was cancelled this week, Carter and the girls had a little extra park time.  

First Day of School

For Norah's first day of three-year-old preschool, she took a picture with what she wants to be when she grows up: a daddy and Elsa from Frozen.  

Pigtails!

Etta's hair is now long enough for her first pair of pigtails.  She was so proud of them and kept beaming at herself in the mirror.  

Hiking

During our Friday with Carter, we took a hike, and the girls gathered their favorite collectible: rocks.  

Tumbling Lunch

After tumbling classes today, everyone - including Ms. Amy - went to lunch at Noodles.  It was a great banquet.  

Babies, Babies Everywhere

The girls and I enjoyed a Friday full of babies - four-month-old Baby Carter and nine-week-old Baby Isabelle.  The girls were genuinely helpful, talking to the babies, putting their pacifiers back in, rocking their bouncy seats.  I was amazed by how little playing the girls did because they were so enamored of the babies. Since we had both Carter and Isabelle at our house, Norah amped up her pretending and started carrying two of her dolls around the house.

Daddy's Girls

As Nick was walking out the door this morning after dropping the girls off with Nana, Norah came running out.

          Norah: "Wait, Daddy!  Wait!  I have to get you something."

          Returning a minute later, with two blond-haired dolls, she said: "Here.  Take these             to school today.

          Nick: "No, Norah.  I want to leave them here, so you can play with them."

          Norah: "But, Daddy, they're me and Etta.  You can take them to school to

          remember me and Etta."

          Then having another thought, she told Daddy to wait again only to return with the               brunette doll.  "And here's Mommy, so you can remember her too."  

So, Daddy took his girls to school with him today.

Family Camp

Since Nick and I had to work, Nana and Popos took Norah and Etta to Family Camp at the ranch in Salida. They spent the drive coloring and the weekend ATVing, hiking, picking choke cherries, hanging out with the MANY other kids, and eating s'mores around the camp fire.  It was exactly what Family Camp is supposed to be like!

Watching Carter

Since yesterday was Kim's first day back at work, it was our first day hanging out with Baby Carter.  The girls LOVED spending the day with Carter and considered themselves very helpful.  Nana and Nick stopped by at lunch and were actually helpful.  We can't wait for many more Fridays together.