Watch Me Grow

Along with her regular preschool and gym classes, Lucy has been taking a class that's all about plants and gardens.  She has planted all kinds of flowers and vegetables and has learned about seeds and what makes plants grow. 

Her latest project was making a trellis for the garden!  She helped with the sawing, hammered the nails, and painted it all by herself.  We are so happy to have such a pretty and useful decoration in our garden.

In today's class, Lucy planted the ingredients to make a pizza!  She brought home onions, peppers, tomatoes, oregano, and "flour" (it was a flower) all in a pizza box...so cute.

Carousel Zoo Class

Ella and Greg attended a Zoo class today all about the Zoo Carousel!  

Here is Ella riding the carousel tiger she made.  She had a blast painting, singing, doing felt boards and play-doh, and eating animal fruit snacks during story time!

The class, of course, ended with a ride on the Zoo Carousel.  I am pretty sure we have met our quota for rides on a merry-go-round this year...what do you think?  When Ella got home, she informed that while they got to take a ride, they DID NOT see the Washington Monument.  Hilarious.

Happy Anniversary!

Yesterday was Mom and Dad's 31st Wedding Anniversary!  Their life together is an amazing example of what a marriage should be...full of love, laughter, trust, and honesty.  I am grateful for being raised in the happy home that they created and for the lessons they have taught me about love.  Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad!  I love you!

Monday Monday

Monday morning was warm and sunny...perfect for the sprinkler!  Lucy and Ella helped water the garden and had fun getting wet and running around.  As we were getting ready for lunch, the weather took a crazy turn and all of a sudden it was cold and windy!  That evening, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner and lots and lots of playing.  Both girls love taking care of their babies that live at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and they have everything they need to do so...a cradle, pack n play, play gym, highchair, stroller, car seat, baby carrier, clothes, bottles, and blankets galore.  I am hoping all this practice means they will be big helpers with their baby sister!

All About Ella

Ella has cracked us up with quite a few things lately...she refers to Lightning McQueen, the main character in Cars, as "Lightning the Queen."  We have a movie called Veggie Tales:  Lord of the Beans.  After watching the first half one night, Ella asked if we could watch more "Lima the Beans" the next night.  "Veggie Tales" somehow morphed into "Jelly Beans," too.

Dropping Lucy off at school has always been kind of tough for Ella.  She gets a little sad and always gives Lucy a huge hug and kiss.  Last week, Ella took it to a whole new level...she put on quite the display of love for her sister.  She screamed the entire way out, not wanting to leave without Lucy.  We went to Pick N Save, and Ella sat in a regular cart.  She scooted her butt over to "make room for Lucy."  I told Ella we had to pay for our groceries, see what time it was, and then we would probably go get Lucy.  She was silent the whole time we were at the checkout.  Immediately after finishing, Ella asked me, "Can I see what time it is on your phone?  Can we go get Lucy?"  Once we got back to school, Ella ran in and literally knocked Lucy over with her hug.  She held Lucy's hand until we got in the car, and kept telling her, "I'm so glad you're here, Lucy!"

We started working on potty training this past weekend!  Ella picked out Pull-Ups (she chose Cars over Princesses), and has gone potty almost every single time we have put her on the toilet.  We got out the Puff Ball Jar that we used with Lucy...right now, Ella gets to put in a puff ball (one of those little pom-pom things) every time she goes potty.  As she gets better, we up the requirements to things like keeping her Pull-Up dry.  Once she gets enough puff balls, we take a trip to Toys R Us for a new toy.  She seems pretty excited about everything, and Lucy has been encouraging her like a good big sister.  Wish us luck!

Saturday Fun

Saturday morning we went to the zoo with Oma, Opa, and Auntie Julie.  It was a beautiful day to be outside, and we had a great time!

A ride on the carousel was mandatory!

When we got home, Uncle Bill and his friend Lindsey came over with Betsy and Lindsey's new puppy, Juno.

Juno is a lab-pit bull mix, and she has gorgeous blue eyes!  The girls thought Juno's puppy behavior was hilarious and had a blast chasing her around the yard.

Lucy and Ella ended the day with snow cones made on the new snow cone maker Oma and Opa brought them!

The Bavarian Inn

Mark and Ellen came into town on Friday evening, and we met up with Julie and Patrick at The Bavarian Inn.  Lucy and Ella were thrilled when we walked into the dining room and found Gunter's Good Times, a polka band, playing.  "This must be a fancy place!" Lucy told us.  They applauded enthusiastically after each song...so cute.  After enjoying a huge German dinner, it was time to dance!

The girls had SO much fun on the "dancing stage."  They pulled out some impressive moves!  The flavor of the day at Kopp's (right next door) was Mint Chip, Lucy and Ella's favorite, so we ended the night with a cone...perfect!