B & W

Today I introduced the girls to Lassie. They love it! Every time Lassie does a trick -- holding something in her mouth, pulling a wagon, or going for help (Doesn't that happen in every episode?) they laugh and laugh at how smart she is.

My favorite was when, a few minutes into it, Lauren asked me, "Mom, in olden times were things colorful?"

the big 3

Audrey turned 3 this week! It was a fun day, made so much better because Kim happened to be home for a few days from his extended trial work in Richmond. Hooray!

As always, we opened presents as soon as everyone was awake. Audrey got two books, two swimsuits she'll need for our upcoming beach trip, a cute and cuddly stuffed horse from Grandma and Grandpa Humble, a matching game, some play-doh, some dress up clothes, and her very own "compoota" -- a Leapfrog laptop that apparently makes her feel wonderfully older than three. Kim made some yummy pancakes before he headed into the office, and the girls and I picked up some balloons for the day's festivities.

Mid-morning, Kennedy Burt and Sophia Green came over for a Dora birthday party. Audrey dressed like Dora for the occasion, but quickly changed into her new princess dress ups, over and over and over again. The girls colored, played with play-doh, had lunch, decorated Dora cupcakes, played "Dora Says" and (of course) watched an episode of Dora. My favorite moment was during lunch when Audrey surveyed her friends and sisters sitting around the table and said, with complete sincerity, "You are all really awesome girls."

Kim called later in the afternoon and said he'd finished up his work and could join us at the pool. So, we had an early dinner and spent the evening swimming. The girls had so much fun showing off their swimming skills and jumping off the diving board for Dad. When everyone was tuckered out, we headed home to sing happy birthday and have cupcakes -- a nice end to a very fun day.

After we put the girls to bed, I thought about that night three years ago when we met our Audrey for the first time, and all of the fun we've had with her since. She's such a sweet, spunky, funny little person. We're so blessed that she came to our family. We love you, Audrey!

xoxox

bugged out

After a recent trip to the pool I opted to shower the girls in the somewhat rustic locker room. Lauren stepped into a stall and immediately spotted a giant daddy long legs. I had just returned from disposing of it when Lauren pointed out a small, brown beetle. Eager to get on with her shower, I tried to comfort her by saying, "Oh, that's just a baby beetle looking for his mom." She looked at me horrified, "That means his MOM is IN THERE."