warm and cold

It's been weird March weather so far, and it also seems like 2016 is already going by quickly.  Gymnastics season is coming to a close and swimming lessons are on deck. Nina really likes "brain breaks" at school, which often include dance time.  She likes to come home and show us her new moves.  Other current interests include Shopkins, drawing and playing with them. Nina is also starting to read and write a few words.  Pip has really enjoyed the chance to ride her strider bike again and we're a bit shocked to see that she is already at its tallest setting. 

These last photos are in chronological order.

  

The girls are going for haircuts this week and they also might get McDonald's for dinner; it must be parent-teacher conference time.

Fun, fun, fun

A birthday party, gymnastics, an obstacle course, and a new exhibit at the children's museum, the girls have been overwhelmed with fun.  Today, they got to go to a pool party for their friend from daycare.  Afterwards, Pip remarked, "That was so fun.  I love swimming, and I love eating, so I really don't want to leave."  We're enjoying that the days are getting longer, and lately they've been warmer.

There's not this much snow anymore!

President's Day snowshoeing date.

Fun at a district play-day.  

Getting to use the big trampoline at gymnastics

Minne-snow-ta

The Naks are in the winter grind, working, eating, playing, shoveling.  Pip continues to bring the sass and Nina is now figuring out ways to push her buttons.  The teenage years will be so fun.  They do play nicely most of the time, but the unkind times can be intense.  The girls are starting to tire of the snow, cold weather, and darkness, and we agree.  

 

Winter Carnival Fun

Ice sculptures not ready   -----    Ice sculptures melted and missed

 

The girls continue their time in gymnastics and are already getting excited for next school year.  Pip is looking forward to starting pre-school and Nina is ready for Kindergarten every day.  

Nature Center Fun

Super Bowl (costume) Party!

Stuck Indoors

We've hit that lovely time in Minnesota when you have to hunker down inside.  The girls have found new interests and thank goodness they have been playing together fairly nicely.  While they still fight over toys, they mostly laugh, work together, and play strange games where Pip is the 4-year old mom and Nina is her baby kitty.

 

The lioness eyes her prey   ----    Princess Pip refusing to do yoga at daycare

Randomly, we watched an episode of MasterChef Junior and it has become the new family favorite.  It's funny to hear their reactions and we've caught Pip yelling "Yes, Chef" on a few occasions.  Nina's new educational interest is learning American Sign Language.  She likes watching youtube videos and practicing new words.  Nina's other interest is Calvin and Hobbes.  While she mostly likes the panels involving slapstick, she gets the general idea of Calvin's silliness and trouble-making.  This giant snow octopus reminded us of a Calvin creation.

The girls have started taking gymnastics and are excited to be in the same class.  They listened pretty well and are really looking forward to going back next week.  Other indoor activities include going to the zoo, the library, and meeting their newest pseudo-cousin, Clara, last weekend.  She's adorable!