Nannie's house

Nannie's house is a favorite outing when we visit the McGrands.

She's got the coolest vintage toys and serves up homemade mac'n'cheese by request. Then, she lets you eat it while you sit in Dubbie's barber chair.

She doesn't fuss if you climb up on her bed and make yourself a little reading nook. In fact, she tells you that you can move right in.

All her Christmas decorations are right where you can reach them and she doesn't mind if you do.

And the best part about Nannie's house?

NANNIE!

August 2010

This month has concluded the summer of 4. Em and Roo have matured and grown so much and there isn't much they can't do or won't try now.

For Roo, it has been the summer of the jump. She finally, at long last, got both of her feet off the ground and is catching air! It's been the summer of the princess for Em. She can't get enough of dressing like them and pretending to be in their stories. The best part is that she likes to play the prince or the dragon just as often.

August has flown by in a blur of summer activities. We've been so busy that the blog has had a lonely month. So, what have the Rowdy Girls been up to?

We've stayed up late for lots of special events or just because the music rocked and we were having a family dance party. The girls have lived in their bathing suits. We've been to movies and had more pizza and ice cream than anyone really deserves. There have been road trips and adventures; museums and playgrounds; birthday parties and parks.

And lots of irreplaceable time with family and friends.

Each night before bed they ask "What are we doing tomorrow?" Because it's always a new adventure and something to look forward to. In the mornings they chase the rainbows dancing about our living space in the slants of sunlight.

These long hot days of August have been some of the best I've ever had.

I hope Em and Roo remember them with delight.

Birthday Bounce-back

This blog was born after the RG's first birthday. So, travel back in time with me to document their first birthday party.

It was a Ladybug Picnic Party at the McGrandparents' house. All the great-grandparents were able to attend, as well as Mammaw, Aunt Gail, cousins Charlie and Clint, and great aunt and uncle, Tracie and Ross with their children.


Our family really got into the theme of the party and gifted the girls with loads of adorable ladybug books, tents and toys. Plus, our friend, Miss Blythe, saved the day, and found these adorable ladybug halter dresses for the RGs to wear.


They looked like little Marilyn Monroes in them! (except for the nose picking).

Em and Roo were all about the birthday song singing, the candles and the cupcakes.
With perfect hindsight, perhaps red and black frosting was not the way to go.

Oh. Yeah.

Instead of party hats, I painted up the little bopper headbands.
The girls were hilarious wearing them.

So, were the great grandparents.


The party was everything J and I hoped for.

Family gathered together to celebrate surviving and thriving during the first 12 months of Em's and Roo's life. The prayers our family prayed, the food they made, the many miles driven, the bedside NICU vigils, the many hours of sleep sacrificed, the bottles held, the songs sung, the unconditonal love and support... They were in it with us. All the way.

It was a perfect celebration of the miracle of Em and Roo.

McChristmas

Em and Roo had a marvelous Christmas. The first part was spent with the McGrandparents, Aunt Kaki and Nannie. The girls were in love with Marmee's violin ornaments and holly sprigs on the Christmas tree. Em was convinced the holly berries were apples. No changing her mind.



Roo had her toy du jour, as usual. The stacking cups made the world go round on Christmas eve. She had no idea what all awaited her under the tree.

The service that evening was lovely. And we had a first. First year we haven't had to leave early. Em and Roo were boisterous through the entire recitation of the Christmas story, but cutely so. Except for that moment when Roo chunked a cracker into a pew two rows behind us. Sorry, folks.

The girls stayed up a little late and had dinner with us after the service. Yummy tamales!


And they were up bright and early for Christmas morning.
Roo got side tracked by the alphabet in her stocking. The whole family had breakfast while she played happily.

Em found sparkly "ne-sa-ses" in her stocking and then looted Roo's for some more.
Roo also got a Grover doll in her stocking and was freaking out at his addition to her "Sesame Street friends".


Both girls had a blast playing with all the new toys, clothes, bows and gadgets as each item was unwrapped. The McGrands, Nannie and the aunts were generous. Incredibly so. Overwhelmingly so.

By the time we finished opening everything, it was time to eat again!
Em said it best on the way to the table, "Mmm-mm-m."


Aunt Kaki entertained the RGs while the car was packed and loaded for the part two of our travels.



So, with warm hearts, full bellies and a ridiculously stuffed car, it was time to drive on to Christmas with Mammaw and Pappaw...