Concentration

Charlotte was struck be a nasty bug in the middle of the night on Tuesday, so she got to spend the day at home on Wednesday. Art took the morning shift and I took the afternoon. After sleeping in until 9:30, she was all smiles and laughs the rest of the day. While I love spending time with the girls together, sometimes it is really nice to have some one-on-one time with each of them. We went on a walk, read books and played.
She took this toy off the shelf and starting taking the pieces off and putting them back on. She was so focused. I tried to help her a few times and she wanted nothing to do with me. She wanted to do it all by herself. Little Miss Independent. I love that she is becoming her own little person and is figuring things out on her own, but it makes me realize that she is not my little baby anymore. She moves to the toddler room at school in one week and she is just that...a toddler. I'm not sure I'm ready for this just yet.

Napa Valley

Art & I headed to Napa Valley last week for vacation. While it was extremely hard to leave the girls, it was amazing to get away for a few days. The weather was beautiful...blue skies and sunshine every day. We drank plenty of wine, ate some pretty incredible food and did a lot of relaxing. I think it is our new favorite vacation spot and I am certain that we will be back some time soon. A huge thanks to my parents for taking such great care of the girls while we were gone.

Family Photos

We had our annual photo session on Friday afternoon. It was hot. Over 80 degrees hot. Expecting more mild temperatures, we were all in long sleeves, sweaters, tights. The actual session was a bit of a disaster as the girls were super crabby and uncooperative. I can't say I blame them as I'm sure they were overheating under all the layers. Our photographer posted a 'sneak peek' on her blog last night and I was pleasantly surprised. Take a peek when you get a chance.

http://katiewelshphotography.com/blog/

Apple and Leaf Picking

We have been busy this fall. The weather has been incredible, the fall colors are peaking and we have been soaking all of it in before the weather turns cold. The girls' school had a play-date at Minnetonka Orchards last weekend. The weather started out a little rainy, but cleared up by the time we arrived. We enjoyed a hayride, a trip through the corn maze, and of course apple picking. The girls had a great time and I imagine that this may become an annual excursion. We have also been enjoying all of the colorful leaves. On Friday the girls and I went on a little nature walk to collect leaves. Claire loved finding different colors of leaves and putting them in her bag. And Charlotte loved following her around, copying her every move. They really are two peas in a pod.

Monkey Business

We met up with two other families from the girls' school at the zoo last weekend. Between the three families, there are six girls (no boys)!! The three older girls are all one month apart and have known each other since they were little babies. It is so fun to watch the three of them run around and interact with each other. There was lots of running, giggling, and conversing. Claire had an absolute blast! In another year, I'm sure things will be even more crazy as the younger three will be in on all the action!

The Girls

My two little girls. They continue to amaze me. They are both full of so much energy and excitement. While their personalities are so different from each other, they absolutely love to spend time together. They giggle and laugh and follow each other from one room to the next. Build-in friends and playmates.

Little Charlotte has developed quite a personality over the past few months. She is still pretty easy-going and laid back, but we have definitely seen a little bit of temper shine through lately. She wants to do everything that Claire is doing. If Claire is washing her hands, then Charlotte needs to as well. If Claire needs a band-aid, so does Charlotte. If Claire is putting shoes on, then Charlotte needs hers on as well. Seriously, no exaggeration. It is amusing most of the time, except when things like markers and small legos are involved. Like most kids, she loves being outside. She loves digging in the dirt and sand and collecting rocks. She loves giving kisses and hugs and is still a little snuggler. She is our little peanut and I am so loving this age. And Claire, sweet Claire. I can't believe she is only a few months away from 3. She is turning into a little girl before my eyes. And a little girl she definitely is. She loves dresses and purses and mommy's high heels. She loves twirling like a ballerina and wearing her hair like a princess. That being said, she doesn't mind getting a little dirty. A trip to the park usually ends with us bringing a whole bucket of rocks home and she often looks like she has bathed in dirt when we pick her up from school. She is Miss Independent. She wants to do everything herself and is actually pretty good at getting things done on her own. She loves school and all of her friends there. She is constantly making up stories that include her little friends. It is amazing to hear her mind at work. She has an extreme fear of dogs and pretty much any animal that gets too close to her. She is still a mommy's girl most of the time, but is becoming more of a daddy's girl every day. Our little preschooler - energetic, spunky, independent.

State Fair

We headed to the State Fair bright and early Saturday morning. Claire woke up with a huge smile on her face and was super excited to go to the fair. She loved it! We met my parents at the entrance and wasted now time exploring the grounds. We hit up the Little Farm Hands and went down the big slide. We saw pigs, sheep and cows. Claire rode on several rides and we all hit up the Space Needle and carousal. We shared caramel rolls, cheese curds and Sweet Martha cookies....and while the fair has never been my favorite excursion, it was definitly fun experiencing it through Claire's eyes.