tastes like chicken

I'd run the bases if that big puppy would get out of the way

The RGs finally got to attend a baseball game! They've been asking all summer long to play baseball, see baseball, go baseball, have baseball...

On Labor Day weekend, we headed to the ballpark for a 6pm game. Not knowing exactly what to expect from Em and Roo, we opted to spread out a blanket on the berm.

It turned out to be perfect.

Roo inhaled popcorn and hot dogs and read the program.

Em stayed glued to the action and wanted to know each player's name and how he was feeling.

When the game ended, the after-show began with an outstanding fireworks display.

Total icing on the cake.

We figured that would be that and we'd head home. But, the field was opened up for kids to run the bases and Em was determined to participate. She patiently waited the 20 minutes in line, focused on the field the entire time. Finally, she, Roo and Daddy set off.

It was all going really well until Em got to 3rd.

Between 3rd base and home plate was the giant mascot. A dude in a bulldog suit.

He was high fiving the runners and Em couldn't figure out how to avoid him. She'd smoked J and Roo and couldn't see me waiting for her at home plate. My brave little girl decided to cut across the grass and hook it home. But, she was stopped by some of the field maintenance guys. Finally, they saw me and she heard me and we all got back together again. Em held it together until she was in my arms and then the tears came.

I got the whole run on video, but the last half is pretty much audio only. I didn't realize I left the camera running the whole time I was trying to get Em back.

J and I made such a big deal about her awesome run and bravery. By the time I tucked her in that night she told me that she wasn't scared of the big puppy anymore. Just to be sure, though, she's asked at least once a day since then where Spike (the big puppy) is and what he's doing. Just checking to make sure he's not around the next corner, I think.

Magenta and Sunshine

The girls had their first day back at preschool today.

It was a super dreary day with non-stop rain. So the cute outfits were covered with cute raincoats. And the picture was taken inside instead of on the porch.

Em couldn't wait to get started. She was a beaming ray of sunshine on this gloomy gray day. It was all the better for the rain because that meant she got to wear her rain boots and her backpack!

Roo had a great time at welcome week but was feeling some trepidation about going without me this week. A little sad. A bit scared and a touch envious because of how easy Em made it look. I've heard that feeling described as magenta. A mix of colors... not quite blue, not so scared you're yellow and not exactly green with envy... magenta.

When we got to school, Em couldn't get started fast enough. Roo clung and cried. I handed her over to Ms. Laura and kissed them both goodbye. Not my favorite part of the day by any stretch.

Afterwards, I stood in the hallway for a good half hour.

And asked the art teacher to go in with my camera. Here's what I saw.

My brave little bit getting started on her big adventure.

And my intrepid explorer blazing a trail.

I am so proud of them.

Em-isms

The latest and greatest -isms from Miss Em:

"my faydrid"

translation: my favorite

"gorngous"

translation: nice looking oranges, i.e. gorgeous

"rainbow seeds"

translation: prism fragments

"I'm talling" or "I'm highing"

translation: growing taller

"balloon kite"

translation: helium filled balloon

"chicken dinner winner!"

translation: winner winner chicken dinner (to be said after a victorious experience)

"zoocandy"

translation: zucchini

"wonderfall"

translation: waterfall, but a really cool one

"take a hide"

translation: I'm going to hide now

"open your eyebrows"

translation: raise your eyebrows

Roo's New 'Do

Roo's hair is whisper fine and tangles if you look at it sideways. It was time for a back-to-school trim and I made a last minute decision to do something more extreme.

Words like layers and bob and stack came out of my mouth. The next thing I knew, the hair was piling up on the floor.

Wow. That is really really short.

And did Roo's eyes get 5x bigger?

I think she likes it and it sure is adorable on her. Roo in blue with her new 'do.

it's better that she knows now

The girls had 'meet the teacher' day at preschool. Ms. Laura requested that the school supplies be delivered at this time.

On the list, along with the rest mat, change of clothes and assorted paperwork, was a family photo. We haven't taken one since Easter.

So, we did a family photo booth session.

The girls chose Photo 3 as the 'take to school' picture.

I think we made an impression today at the meet and greet.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

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.