Santa and his wife dropped by Sonshine School recently, and the girls were thrilled to finally get a chance to sit with them. 

Georgia let Santa know that she was wishing for a Kit Kittredge doll (American Girl), but little did she know that she was getting one a few days later for her birthday. When she received it, we had to assure her that Santa was in on the whole thing, and would be bringing her something equally fun.

Mrs. Clause helped Chloe to overcome her fear of Santa. Before this point, she was asking Georgia if she could go to Santa on her behalf. Her request: a Dora puzzle. I think he can handle that!

Fun with Legos

Tonight we picked up a couple of boxes of Legos for Chloe thanks to birthday money sent by Nanna and Jason and Jenifer. 

We spread them all out and let the girls stay up way past their regular bedtime, working on building houses and ponies and flowers - you know, typical Lego creations...

Thank you guys for your thoughtful gifts - Chloe loves her new present. 

She just didn't love being told that we had to put it all away and put pajamas on.

Dual use

School Girl

Today was Georgia's first day of school. She was very excited to finally use her new school supplies. I am so happy to have her home with me - she is such a smart girl!

Katelyn and The Girls

Kim and Katelyn came to town this past week and we all enjoyed their company, especially the girls. We happened to get a good photo of Chloe and Katelyn.

Matt and Kim have now joined the blogging world and now have their own blog. We are glad to have the chance to see how big Katelyn is getting.

Chloe Playing with her Dolls

Chloe has been playing more and more with her little dolls. The other day we caught her pretending it was their birthday. Her imagination is fantastic.

4th of July

Hey, this is Kevin. I have decided to pick up on the blogging that Kristin hasn't been able to. I don't know what she has been up to... maybe this!

So, we celebrated our 4th by getting up early and continuing our yearly tradition of watching the parade. We stopped by and picked up donuts and ate them as we waited for it to begin. In the past we have hurried to make it in time for the parade and had to stand in the worst spot and sweat to death. This year we went really early for good seats and it was still hot.

Look at that American pride.

Above and beyond all of the exciting clowns and firetrucks, Georgia's favorite part of the parade was picking up this pink feather.

We also kept the girls up late and went to watch the fireworks with our friends Zack and Elizabeth. Georgia and Chloe performed for us while we waited.

Chloe was scared at first but quickly warmed up to the fireworks. She likes the pretty colors and sparkles but not the "boom," she said.




the end.

A whole new meaning...

You know the song Step by Step:

Step by step you lead me, and I will follow you all of my days,

And I will follow you all of my days,

And I will follow you all of my da-a-ays,

Etc.

(not the New Kids on the Block song, in case you were confused)

Well, Georgia and Chloe love to play "bible study" and often sing this song. Except it goes a little differently:

"Step by step to leaving you....", they sing over and over again.

 

Sweet Girls

Autumn took a few (or a couple hundred, I should say) pictures of the girls while we were down visiting last weekend. They look so big!

And I thought I liked sour cream...

Chloe is always asking for more sour cream for her tacos.

So, we knew she liked it.

Just not this much.

Fun in the Sun

This Saturday we spent most of our time relaxing outside. The girls were excited to get out the chalk to create some sidewalk art. 

 

Georgia made her hopscotch game all by herself!

Then, Chloe decided to give us a demonstration on push-ups. Looks like quite a work out. 

Weekend With Cousins

The girls were so excited to be on the road heading to visit their cousins. On our way we stopped and got them new hats, and Chloe didn't want to take it off all weekend. 

I know that this is just a ladybug, but the fact that Georgia is holding it is monumental! 

We stopped by Ikea. Both girls love this store because of they get to eat hot dogs and play as we shop. 

Look at all those grandkids!

We ate dinner at an amazing Brazilian restaurant where they bring all sorts of steaks and other meats around to you on huge skewers. To say the least, meat was plentiful. Chloe dug right in!

Georgia was most excited to drink her water out of a fancy glass, and insisted that Blake "do cheers" over and over again. I cannot believe that we didn't have a spill!

Chloe wanted to climb with the big kids. 

Chloe and Briley were such good girls when we went shopping. They would hold hands every time that their strollers were pushed close enough to each other. 

Beau and Blake are the sweetest boys. One morning, Georgia got a paper cut, and was on the verge of tears. Blake ran to get her a band-aid, and then both boys encouraged her and told her how brave she was. They said they couldn't believe she wasn't crying. What good big brothers they make for Briley!

Georgia is a silly girl; she liked making the boys laugh. 

And this little one is such a pretty girl! We were so happy to finally meet Katelyn!

Can't you just feel the love?

Before church yesterday morning, I thought the girls looked so cute. So, I got out the camera. 

I guess they follow after me, and aren't really morning people. These were not staged...

Sing along with me now!

I love you, you love me, 

we're a happy fam-i-ly 

with a GREAT BIG HUG, 

and a kiss from me to you! 

Won't you say you love me too?

This is the best I could get with my little rays of sunshine. 

I guess all the pictures I take can't be frame worthy. But I bet these are the ones they will laugh at the most when they are older! 

In case you were unaware...

I love having girls!

My wedding dress is hanging in the back of Georgia's closet (we need more storage) and she came to me today, very excited. "Is that the dress I get to wear at MY wedding mom?!", she asked. Isn't that every moms dream? 

Now I have no illusions that in 25 years (yes, she is getting married at 30, no sooner) she will still want to wear my dress, but it is fun to play with her now. 

Stop and smell the flowers

Tonight after church, we decided to take a walk, and Georgia brought her bike. It is interesting to see a child's reaction to the world around her.



While Kevin and I are busy on our mission to walk off a few of our calories from dinner, Georgia pulls off the trail to literally, stop and smell the flowers (though they were tulips, not roses).


Chloe joins in.