Summertime fun

In keeping with American tradition, this Memorial Day weekend we went to the pool, shopped, and made passing reference to the troops (because Louise wanted to know the reason for the holiday). We also enjoyed ice cream at Maple View Farm, where they were celebrating the occasion with a balloon artist and a book sale. Charlotte also got a haircut - being able to see is so trendy this summer!

C&C had their first day at Bright Horizons today. Claire did not immediately approve of her new surroundings, and spent a fair bit of time demanding that Daddy reappear and take her home. Charlotte enjoyed the water table and the bikes, but she will probably also need a few days to adjust. Both girls were very happy when they saw Big Sister on the playground, and Big Sister was very proud to hug and take care of "her babies."

Interesting quotes!

The week has continued to go well. Thanks to Ms Meg at daycare for taking the photos below. Louise has been on form this week with some memorable quotes:

Whilst riding her bike - "When you fall off (your bike) your head falls off if you don't wear a helmet."
Whilst swinging - "Daddy Stop! I need my butt here and there!"
"I have a cough because I speak German"

Ambitions

Louise has had a great week in her new Pre-School class (P-3) at daycare. Each week the children get a new job which is their responsibility for the week. Louise's was "door holder" and she took it very seriously, holding the door open for all the children to enter/exit their room. Next week Louise aspires to be "line leader" or "calendar helper"! Who says ambition is dead.

Charlotte was diagnosed with yet another ear infection making this the third in about 5 weeks. We will be seeing the Doctor again this coming week and will see what, if anything, can be done.

Claire is really progressing with her crawling and standing.

The video below has both Charlotte and Claire standing with Louise entertaining them. They continue to all get on well (for the most part!).

Baby on the move

This week Claire has made great progress and is now crawling around. We caught one occasion on video (see below). Charlotte is still content to roll around and crawl up on anything that is remotely stationary, but she isn't crawling yet. Louise continues to "help" her sisters as she sees fit!

Charlotte & Claire exchanged Valentine's Day cards with their classmates today. Louise helped Mommy last night by sealing all of the cards with heart-shaped stickers. She was delighted to receive cards from her sisters this morning. Daddy might despise the holiday for its crass commercialism and artificiality. But it has Louise's full approval. It combines mail (post) and candy: the perfect holiday!!!

Today we also went to Louise's daycare to meet her new teacher, Ms Meg, in the Preschool class that Louise will gradually join next week. She will be moving with her good friend Katie, which is great since they have been together since they were three months old.

Louise and Katie are having a joint 3 year birthday party next Friday at daycare, organised by Katie's mom. We will aim to get some photos. Elmo (Louise's favourite character) and Spiderman (Katie's favourite) cupcakes will make an appearance.

Daycare has started for Charlotte and Claire

Charlotte and Claire started daycare last week and seemed to enjoy their first 5 days. Alison continues to get back into the work routine, with it being better than expected. We now have an extensive morning routine including first dropping off the twins, then dropping off Alison, then Louise before Guy finally gets to work.
The grandparents have continued to be a great help and are enjoying their stay. We also had Alison's friend Kimberly come down from Maryland to see us.
Louise has continued to make great progress with potty training, she is now wearing big-girl panties whilst at daycare. She says she wants to "keep Dora dry". The lesson seems to be that it pays to buy panties with a children's TV character on the front!

Daycare picnic at Duke gardens

On Saturday Louise went to a Two's class picnic at Duke gardens in Durham. Most of her class were there including Louise's good friend Katie. They all had fun feeding the ducks and fish, looking at the different flowers before having the picnic on the grass.

Splash day

Today Louise had "splash day" at daycare. She got to wear her swimsuit for the first time this summer. She enjoyed posing for photos at home and then daycare took an action photo!!

Louise has also been working on her dancing and the video below shows she got her dancing gene from Daddy!

Winter Festival

Louise enjoys the "Winter Festival" at daycare (although it is hardly winter with temperatures due to reach 60F on Christmas day). She also enjoyed wearing an early Christmas gift meant for mummy.
Louise has been working on her jumping technique and can now get some air (at least an inch)!