Gotta Dance

Em and Roo love the Classical Baby series that Marmee bought them.
Especially the Dance dvd.

Em's favorite is the mambo. She cannot contain herself and has to get up and boogie.
Roo is a bit more refined. She just "hand dances" to this one.



They're not the only ones with mambo mania. Check out these kids.

Happy Fake Father's Day

We missed out on a real Father's Day for J this year. So, yesterday Em, Roo and I declared it Fake Father's Day and celebrated accordingly. (Not that J is a fake father. Just that the day is fake. Wait. It was a real Saturday. But not a true Father's Day. Never mind. I shouldn't really have to explain this.)

J's only real request was a morning to sleep late. So, the RG's and I spent the morning coloring and wrapping up the super top secret present we bought.

He liked it!

Chucks. Just like the girls'.

Since J slept until 11!, we headed out for lunch instead of brunch. Love us some Mexican food.

The RG's cheesed for a picture with Daddy and then snacked and colored until the food arrived.

Em colored everything. See that blue streak on her face? I did not know you could mark up skin with a crayon. Learned something new.
Roo was diggin' the chips and creamy jalepeno sauce. She had to arm wrestle her Daddy for the chip basket, though. She won. Just batted those big blue eyes and he caved.

J is just the most wonderful daddy. It's a privilege to parent with him. And the RG's really do think he's a rock star. They're right.

We Love You!!



*****
from the RG archives

1st Father's Day

2nd Father's Day (J was traveling in Europe)

Why, Hello 2! You're right on time.

Tomorrow is the RGs' due date. So, officially, Em and Roo are two years old.

Yesterday we had their yearly evaluation for the early childhood intervention program. (They qualified based on prematurity issues.)

Not so ironically, one of Roo's "goals" is (and I quote):
"What we want for Roo: to improve her communication so she has better social interactions. We will know this has been achieved when she uses words INSTEAD OF SHRIEKING."

and for her twin...
"... use words rather than SCREECHING."

Amen.

No Place Like Home

We are home.

It feels like we've been gone for months, not 2 weeks. The girls were really happy to see their beds. And their sweet teacher at Mom's Day Out. And oddly enough, their high chairs. But, Roo has also been asking for Nannie all day. And tonight during prayers, Em said Grandpa, Roo said "Narnee" (Marmee) and both said Nannie.

A few extra pictures from our time away from home.

Em. Worn out and falling asleep on the couch an hour before nap time.

Em finding the balloon bouquet to celebrate Father's Day and various anniversaries. She hogged the whole thing and stumbled around like a one-man-band with the balloons knocking together and the ribbons tangling between her knees. Roo had no chance at it.

Roo hopping into the sandbox 10 minutes after arriving home. Em had a 5 minute lead on her. They went out through the dog's door.

Home Sweet Home.

The End...

...and a new beginning.

Our darling Dubbie went home to be with the Lord today around noon. We are so blessed to be his. We are so relieved that his struggle is over. And we are so thankful that he is HOME.
But. Oh, how we miss him.

Roo and Em, your great-granddaddy Dubbie was just about the best man ever. You'll know him in a lot of ways, though I know your memories of him may be mine and your Daddy's. The pictures and stories will keep him alive for you. Most importantly, his legacy. Dubbie was a God-fearing, hard working, funny, talented, innovative, devoted, selfless man. And we are honored to have belonged to him. To have loved him and been loved by him.

Bath Time

Ok. Not really.
But the RGs wish this was how bath time went down every night.
With Maggie dog, and a giant water sprinkler beach ball, in the backyard and a wading pool nearby. It's a toddler's fantasy.

you are my sunshine

Em has been adding words daily. My favorite is "sunshine". We need some this week. The opening page of the Best Storybook Ever has a big smiley faced sunshine illustration. I sing "You Are My Sunshine" to her when we linger on that particular page. Now, Em's trying to repeat it. She also started saying "love you". It sounds more like "bu you". But, who cares!!!!

Roo has been a bright spot, too. I love watching the gears spin in her brain. This is what she decided to do with her fruit cup today.

And here she is taking a break after a fun box ride compliments of the Awesome Aunt Kaki.

My favorite thing that Roo is doing is her run/walk/wiggle down the hall o' portraits here at Marmee's. She goes all the way to the end where Nannie's and Dubbie's pictures hang. And she stands there and shouts "NINNIE! DUDDIE!" over and over with a gigantic grin on her face.
I'm taking that to mean that they are on her heart, as well.