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.

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!

culture club

Thanks to an amazing review site for our area, we learned of a summer storytime being held at a local art museum.

So, we polished up our manners and reviewed the no-touching rule and struck off for some culture.

It was fabulous!

The docent read Katie and the Mona Lisa to the children while we sat among the paintings. Afterwards, she led a short discussion of the surrounding art while referencing the story. Just as everyone was getting the wiggles it was time to transition. We moved on to an instillation piece that the children were allowed to touch. Bonus!

The girls found it rather magical and were reluctant to leave.

However, the trip through the modern art wing really captured their imaginations. By the time we stopped for a reading of When the Cows Got Loose, both Em and Roo were paying more attention to the art on the walls than the story. In my opinion, that's not a bad thing.

At the conclusion of storytime we were afforded the opportunity to meander the museum on our own. How lovely to have access to this for the remaining weeks of the summer.

We'll definitely return.

The Culture Club

Thanks to (mostly) good behavior, Em and Roo had their outing extended. We picked up J from work and grabbed lunch at one of the awesome food stands around here.

Because nothing says culture like food out of a travel trailer.

Today it was fancy tacos and amazing cake balls.

Em and Roo were smitten with the idea of cake on a stick. Who can blame them?

Everything's better on a stick.

air fair

We always enjoy our trips to the children's museum. And each time we go, I always wonder why we don't go more often.

The girls have some favorites they're eager to return to each time...

the mock drum set in the hispanic heritage room is one of Roo's go-to places. As well as the child-sized grocery store and restaurant. She adores the pretend food selection.

Em totally digs the construction zone and the aquarium in the reading nook.

They both enjoy the model train loft and make several trips up and down the stairs to control the train and watch it pull in and out of the station house.

The traveling exhibits are always exciting, too. What new thing will there be to explore?

This time it was the Air Fair!

Roo at the Tube Tunes.

Em and Daddy checking out the Air Mail.

Em and Roo in the Wind Chamber.

A spin around the museum store resulted in gravity tubes and new umbrellas to take home.

just our size

Em and Roo are having lots of fun, of late, at our local children's museum. So far, we've roped, both, Aunt Joy and Aunt Kaki into going with us. Because I'm more than a little scared to go by myself with the girls. The place is 3 stories tall with many rooms to disappear into!

Em driving the train. Part of the public transit exhibit.

Aunt Joy and Roo in the Funstruction Zone. Roo can't pass up a hat.

A crowd pleaser every time. The aquarium. Em now 'fish kisses' the glass after viewing the occupants. Cute. And gross.

Roo's favorite spot. The cafe.

Roo driving the bus today. And talking on the phone. Whoops.

Aunt Kak and the girls checking out the model train. Em pretended that she was playing the piano when she wiggled her fingers over all the control buttons.

No pretend needed here. Roo climbed right up, grabbed the sticks and told me she was going ot play the snare drum! Then, she said, " 1. 2. 1.2.3.4!"

Em and Aunt Kak rocked out, too.

A fun day! And everything was just their size.