Livi Signing Time

Most of you know we do sign language with our babies, and lately Livi has really taken a shine to the Signing Time videos. I love the manic nature of her signs. "Dad" consists of slapping her head, "All done" is arms waving in every direction, and here is "baby" for your enjoyment

Come on Guys, Wait Up

If We Only Had A Pool

For Julia- Ella was playing downstairs today while Livi took her morning nap. I told her that when she had finished setting up the playmobil that I would love to see what she was working on. When I was summoned I found that she had created a cute home, full of decorations, a grocery store that the mom of the family could shop for, and a little pond out in the backyard. When I asked about the girl she put by the pond she explained that it was the big sister and she was standing by the water with her music, singing. It reminded me so much of Julia walking around the pool at home singing to herself. I KNOW if Ella had a pool, she would be doing the same thing, and it was so cute to see her position her playmobil girl in that exact pose. In my head I see a little Julia and Ella walking like princesses around my parent's pool singing to themselves. Classic.

Just For Fun, or Livi Trying to Blow Raspberries

Ethan's Best Day Ever

I love these days, where one of your kids just has a bunch of great things happen for them, and they are ecstatic. Ethan had one of those days on Monday. When we showed up at school there were a group of boys by the fence where Ethan comes in. When he walked through they surounded him, gave him hugs and said "Yeah, Ethan is here." His friends had waited for him to arrive, and when he did they all ran off to play together. For those of you who don't know we have had a few issues with some of these boys being the type of hot/cold friends, but it seems that things have been really good lately. He was so happy the smile on his face almost made me cry. (I took the pictures the next day when it happened again!)
While I was in the shower I got a phone call from Ethan's teacher. I was so worried it was about him throwing up at school, or getting hurt (it never crossed my mind he was in trouble, though, he's not that type) so imagine my surprise when the call was to get permission to put Ethan up into second grade for all English and reading. He is the only first grader they are doing this for, and it seems as though he will spend about 3 hours a day, four days a week up in second grade. His teacher explained how excited Ethan was, which made me happy, since he can be so shy at school.
When Ethan got home he wanted to tell me all about it, then he wanted to make sure his Grandmas and Grandpas knew about it. Since it was such a big accomplishment I told him he could pick whatever he wanted for dinner as a celebration. He picked pizza, but not just any pizza, Pizza Hut (it's his favorite type, but since it is so expensive we don't get it very often). He was just so happy and proud of himself, as well he should be.
I'm so glad Ethan had a great day. I'm so glad he feels proud of his accomplishments, and I'm so glad he was blessed with such a great mind.

Livi's Purse

Livi has taken to carrying a makeup bag all over the place. It is her little purse. I find binkies, toys, the phone, and even toothpaste in there. She loves to take it outside with her, and holds it on her lap in the car. (yes, that is a crust of bread she is chewing on. I tried to take it away, but she won that battle)

View From My Window

The view from my window in the morning. I love the seasons here.

Eyeballs Rolling

With the after Halloween sales of candy I let the kids pick out the candy of their choice. Ella picked out tootsie rolls (of course) but Ethan picked out these weird gummy eyeballs. They turned out to be so gross (shocker) that no one would eat one, and they individual eyeballs ended up all over the house. Livi found that she loved chewing (shocker) on the plastic cover on the candy, which was a little disconcerting to see my one year old running around with an eye in her mouth.

Singing Sensation Ella, and Her Back Up Dancer Livi

Livi finally got to turn her car seat around, and thought it was stupid the first time she tried it. She has since found out life is a lot more fun when you can see where you are going. Ella is still addicted to the Twilight soundtrack, and more specifically Muse. Here are my girls enjoying listening to "Super Massive Black Hole" ( a rare treat, because I am a little sick of it after having to listen to it over and over and over and over).