Doin what we can

With the frustrating early cold, we've been doing what we can to stay sane.  Getting out when possible, and taking advantage of the Children's Museum and Como Zoo have helped us run around.  Otherwise we've taken to [literally] crashing around the house.  

Both girls are still good for a laugh.  While coloring pictures the other day, Nina told Kara, "You can just knock and I'll talk to you. I'm working in my local color shop."  Vivian is as opinionated as ever and shouts little demands like, "Hey, I like that song!" when Ben changes the radio station off Taylor Swift, and "Nina, get me my white hat."  She also shouted back and pointed at Kara, "No, you settle down!" which was funny, but not funny.

Vivian continues her sugar and spice routine at Barb's and is very sweet to the babies but somewhat of a bully to her fellow two-year-olds.  When Nina senses frustration or sadness in Dylan or Ivan, she rushes to get them a toy or blanket.  When Vivian senses frustration or sadness in Dylan or Ivan, she exploits their weakness, takes their toys, or says something to set them off.  Her current favorite being patting Dylan on the head and asking, "What's wrong, little buddy?" when she knows he hates it.  

On the flip side, they are sweet to one another.  When Vivian was at the doctor today and they were separated, both girls asked how her sister was doing.  They were happy to reunite later and told each other, "I missed you!"  Also, Vivian chatted with the nurses.  She told them about her favorite drinks, how her sleeping routine went, and even asked about their wardrobe choice with "Why they both wearing blue?" 

patty-cake attempts

 

tackling       -------       snuggling

Farewell to Fall

We went from raking leaves with a shovel to shoveling snow in a hurry.  We got hit with a pile of snow and the girls are trying to make the most of it.  They've been playing outside at Barb's and they're still complaining about being too hot.

Nina likes show-and-tell day at preschool; last week she brought her Frozen purse for "f."  Sadly, our fish of over a year has passed, so it could not make an appearance.  Vivian tells some interesting stories from daycare, typically full of funny facial expressions.  Today's story went: "Dylan had doggie pillow. I threw it.  He said 'no Pippy.'  I kicked it.  I cried."

tickle fight           ------          Sweet whispers

Last snow-free time at the park?

Como fun

Happy Halloween 2014

The girls had a week of dressing up, parties, candy and fun.  We started with a "Trunk or Treat" event in White Bear.  We decorated our car in the style of the Disney Movie, Up, and we were glad for warm weather.  The girls then had a party at daycare, Nina had a party at school, and we stopped by a party with a connection to Ben's school.  We did trick-or-treat a bit in the neighborhood and Vivian tried to walk into the houses when people opened the door.  Luckily, most neighbors were happy to have Mickey Mouse trying to barge her way in.  Vivian also saw a boy in a scream mask and asked, "Why that ghost saying 'ohhhhh?'"  Nina chose to be a ballerina, then a princess, and lastly the tooth fairy.  How she knows about the tooth fairy we're not quite sure.

The girls are both fighting some colds and it's been tough to sleep.  One funny spot amongst the night time crying is when Ben went down and a stuffed-up Vivian said to him, "My nose not blowing out, dada!"

Pretty fall          ------          Catching rainbows

Going to a free ballet show   ------   Goofing around at the ballet