I think it's English

Toddler slang has segued into preschool lingo. Some of my favorites are these...

From Em

"Finger tracks"

translation: finger prints when finger painting

"Cowboy knee"

translation: I want to play horsie and sit on your knee.

"hipcuts"

translation: hiccups

"sparkle teef"

translation: I just brushed my teeth and they sparkle.

"super taste"

translation: Super Target

From Roo

"I fuff an puff "

translation: I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow the house down.

"Pray me a secret"

translation: whispered prayers right before lights out at bedtime

"peanut butter spoon"

translation: Instead of a sandwich, I want a big glop of peanut butter on a spoon to eat.

"m'lady"

translation: a new nickname for Mama

"I surely do"

translation: Yes, I'll do that.

"talk to me"

translation: y'all be quiet because I've got something to say

pie happy hour

One of our local cafes is a bit famous for its pie. They have a deliciously large selection and it is an agonizing process to narrow it down to a single piece. To make it a little easier to come back and try more, they run a Pie Happy Hour from 3-5pm. A very generous slice of pie and a drink for a steal.

Em and Roo are big fans of the Pie Happy Hour and we aim to please.

Tonight we had an early dinner, then pie and wrapped it all up with a walk around our downtown.

The girls said it was super fun. It really was a nice little evening.

Pancakes, Trains and Candy

We're loving summer Saturdays. Last weekend we kicked it off with breakfast at a favorite place that makes incredible pancakes and, well, everything.

Pancakes make us happy.

Next up was a ride on the Zilker Zephyr, a first for our whole family. It was the perfect bright shiny day for a train ride.

For the grand finale, we introduced the girls to Big Top Candy Shop. And their heads nearly exploded. So.Many.Choices.

Roo with her loot. Lots of gummy sours and a few specifically chosen gummy alphabet letters.

her latest work

These represent a small sampling of Em's latest masterpieces. Below each is her description of the work. If possible, I used her own words in a direct quote.

I'm a little in love.

"space rocks"

"A sun, the water, a rainbow and all those amazing colors"

First she wrote her name (with an extra M). Then, she happied all the letters, turning the M's into eyebrows. Then a rainbow over it all. Which looked a bit like hair, so, she added an extra smile under all the faces which were the big rainbow face's eyes. Comprende?

"poop... the black part"

lucky me, lucky me, look at what I'm drippin' with...little girls

This summer, the hillside theater is performing Annie. We've been twice. So far.

The first time was a bit of a bust due to bad seating and no clear view of the stage. However, cupcakes saved the day!

The second outing was much more successful, but for a brief rain shower that delayed the show.

That part was actually very exciting for the girls, as we had a family huddle beneath a big blanket while the rain came down.

We also killed a little pre-show time at the playground where Roo crowned herself queen of the fire truck. Em was allowed to ride shotgun.

spacenuts

Em: Good Morning SpaceNuts!

Me:

Me: Do you mean 'astronauts'

Em: Yes.

Em: Good Morning AstroNuts!

"the lovers, the dreamers, and me"

Last summer we tried attending a theater movie on their kids-go-free day. We left after 15 minutes.

Once again, what a difference a year makes. This morning we hit our awesome local theater that lets you dine in while you watch. The free kid movie was The Muppet Movie!

My mommy friends and I were much more excited than the children. [ehem]

But, when the credits rolled, the girls gasped and whispered,

"Mama! It's Kermit. And a rainbow. Oooh...And a banjo!"

They were hooked.

Since it was a movie packed full of kids, the theater looked a whole lot like this.

Complete with the popcorn throwing, er, spilling.

Roo ate four pieces of pizza.

Em made a hefty dent in a bowl of popcorn. Then, she took a break and exchanged back rubs and "scratchies" with her friend, Porter. I'm pretty sure that was Em's idea.

Roo watched the movie wide eyed, absorbing every detail and had a tiny thrill when Big Bird's cameo came on screen.

All in all, it was a total win and I think we'll go back at try it again in a few weeks when Babe is playing.

Storytime by the light of an iPhone

The McGrands are in town and you've just never seen any two kids happier.

white flag

Me: Come here right now.

Her: [running over from backyard pool] Yes?

Me: When your sister says "No!" does that mean she wants you to pounce her?

Her: Sure!

Me: No! It means NO don't pounce her. Understand?

Her: Sure.

Me: Yes. Ma'am... Wait! Are you peeing? Right here on the porch?!

Her: [grinning] Yep.

Me: Oh My Word! No! Tinkle doesn't go on the porch!

Her: Yes, it's right there. On the floor.

Me: No! No! We don't pee on the porch!

Her: [grinning] I gonna go swim now.

Me: I give up.

Happy 4

Em and Roo had a great 4th of July. They wished everyone in their radius a "Happy 4 and July!"

We kicked it off with a family walk followed by brunch at our favorite place. Roo ate an incredible amount of migas and bacon. We actually left the restaurant with her teary eyed that she couldn't stay for one more helping.

After excellent naps, we capped off the day with a get-together at a friend's house.

Em wore her self out on the "jumpoline" with the big kids. Roo buddied up with the baby sister and played with everything that had wheels. She also made an impressive dent in the homemade cupcakes.

Then, fireworks. Last year, it was a terrible fail but what a difference a year makes. This year they were "spark-a-ly" and "like Tinkerbell" and "soooo beautiful!". Em watched the homemade shows blasting around the neighborhood with her hands covering her ears, eyes wide and mouth opened in awe.

As we drove home, the baseball stadium was putting on its own fireworks display. It was incredible and our timing was perfect. The girls were treated to an amazing, colorful and quiet show from the comfort of their car seats.

move to Australia averted

Yesterday was a terrible horrible no good very bad day.

J and I were contemplating a move to Australia.

Alone.

I can really sum up the entire day with one picture.

We rebooted the evening after a long nap and a major cool down time for the parentals.

Here's how we ended the day... crafting playdough food.

Em with her pizza full of avocado, grapes, strawberries, lemons and chocolate chips. Oh, and candles, because it was a birthday pizza.

Roo with her multilayer Seuss-looking birthday cake, loaded with 15 candles, sprinkles and polka dots.

why can't I touch the giant yellow thingy?

It was a rainy day. Perfect for a return visit to the museum storytime with our twin friends.

Afterwards, a new place to eat. A kitschy pharmacy with a well seasoned grill that turned out amazing cheeseburgers. And a soda fountain with yummy chocolate shakes.

We took up half of the dining space and were back to back with a lunch bunch club of golden girls. Blessedly, as we were leaving, they complimented the children on their behavior and asked sweetly curious questions about their twinships.

Thanks, Shannon, for the pictures!