A Song Makes Everything Better

Anna is a believer in the power of song. When Madeline is here, if she gets upset you can bet Anna will start singing to her (and often Grace will too). Yesterday Grace hurt her foot and after inspecting it and reassuring her that she was fine, she sat in the chair on the deck for a few minutes. Anna came up and said "You ok, Gaycie? Can I sing you a song? Tinkle Li-lull Sar..." After the song, she said "You feel better now, Gaycie? and then they hugged and went back to playing. They have such a wonderful relationship (99% of the time) and I hope it always stays that way.

Mama

Anna has recently started calling me "Mama" and it is quite possibly the cutest thing ever. She has never called me that, even when she first started talking. She only ever heard me called "Mommy" by her big sister, so I'm sure that's why she skipped "Mama" and started calling me "Mommy" right from the start. She's been talking so well for so long, that it sounds so sweet to hear her say "Hi Mama!" or "C'you hold my hand, Mama?" or my latest favorite, when she wakes up from a nap too soon and is still tired "I wanna dance with you, Mama" and insists we put on No One by Alicia Keys (still her favorite song) and slow dance in the living room with her blankie. Seriously, sometimes these kids are so cute I feel like my heart might explode.

Hats and Mittens

It's not quite cold enough yet that we actually need them, but the girls love these new hats and mittens so much they've been asking to wear them every day since Aunt MaryAnne brought them! MaryAnne's friend Anne made them for the girls and they are super cute and I love the colors. I also love how Grace insists on pushing her hat up on her head so that her ears stick out!

September

We had such a great summer! We didn't have any major plans but certainly stayed busy. I just couldn't seem to find the time to update the blog. 

September has brought changes and new routines that we're all getting used to. Grace started school and I'm taking care of Madeline two days a week. We're all adjusting to earlier mornings, new nap schedules for the little kids, and packing the kids into the van twice a day to drop Grace off and pick her up at school. 

We are now in my favorite season! I love everything that comes along with Fall, especially jeans-and-hoodie weather. Here's a few photos from our weekend: 

Swinging with Aunt Theresa!

Anna is always flapping her "wings" lately when she's on the swing!

Reading Anna's favorite book

Snuggling with Aunt MaryAnne

Having a breakfast picnic!

Trail walk

Throwing sticks into the river

Watching Daddy's ball game with Wease!