What kind of parent lets their kids get away with this?

I think the answer is me.  I just get out the camera and take pictures.

But really, how long do you get to jump on couches before you just get too big?  Not long.  I don't do it.  Bryn and Ella don't do it.  I figure O gets a few good years and he can just enjoy it....until we go to someone's house.  Okay at home; not okay elsewhere.  I don't think it's sinking in.

Pigtails and Peanut Butter

Today is Claire's first day having full pigtails without having to resort to extra clippies and such to keep them in. It's pretty exciting stuff for me, though her take on it was, "Quit squeezing on my hair, Mom.  I'm all done!"

She also got herself dressed today.  That's not so unusual, but today she put on tights (I still have to convince Ella to do it herself!), bloomers, a skirt, a shirt and her shoes.  She was done from head to toe and pretty much correctly.  The bloomers were backwards, but no one sees those, and I'm the mom so I say that doesn't count.  And she got lots of compliments on her outfit at church.  Go Claire!

The peanut butter gets a mention just because she ate a  PBJ and had the best little goofy mess face smile.  Cutest kid ever seems like a reasonable assessment to me.

Abuela Takes the Stage

The Spanish Club at Bryn's school did a play in Spanish.  Bryn played the grandmother.  After the play some other parents were talking to her (one who was Hispanic) and they were all shocked her parents were total gringos and hadn't been any help to her since her accent is so good.  We're very proud parents though we obviously can't take any credit.  It's all Bryn :-)

Owen was particularly impressed with both the grey hair (baby powder) and the Spanish.  He spent the first few minutes of the play enthralled, then looked at me and said, "I totally don't get this.  I have no idea what's going on?  Can we go now?"  You can see he played games on the phone the rest of the play.

Claire currently has a big love for Dora and Diego and has picked up some Spanish phrases from the shows.  She tells us "gracias" and asks for help in Spanish, too.  "Ayuda me!"  I thought she'd get a kick out of the play and was a little worried she'd shout out some of her own phrases in the middle.  She spent the whole time snuggled on Daddy's lap instead.  Probably a good thing, even if it is less entertaining.

Multitasking Claire

This girl is so impressive. She's having a joyride, reading a book and grocery shopping all at once.  I wish I could manage so much.

Cookie Monster

Or maybe that should be Dough Monster.  Claire likes them better unbaked than baked.  I pretty much agree.

Dr Suess' Birthday

Our local grocery store held a Cat in the Hat party.  The kids absolutely loved it--cookie decorating, balloons, bookmarks, story time, cake walk and on and on.  I love free events that are well done, fun, and even have some educational value.

Diving Board

This is the exciting culmination of swimming lessons and O's absolute favorite part.  Yet again, someone needs to tell his mom to bring a real camera. I promise that really is Owen.