Ander's One True Love

Yes, yes, yes -- of course Anders loves the people and pets in his life, but the one thing that he loves, unconditionally, day in and day out, come rain or shine, is The School Bus. Fortunately, 1) we live across the street from an elementary school with handfuls of little students who ride The School Bus, 2) The School Bus usually makes it's appearance after Anders is up from his afternoon nap, 3) our house includes large, picture windows that look directly out at The School Bus, and 4) The School Bus not only passes by our windows, but comes to a complete stop, turns on it's red flashing lights, extends it's caution bar, and releases children from it's depths. How's that for entertainment?

If we happen to be outside when The School Bus appears, Anders heads straight for the front gate yelping "Dat! Dat! Dat!".



This is followed by a solid minute or two "chit-chatting" about The School Bus.

Calling All Ladies

Friends, family, womyn, womin, womon, and women -- any advice on raising a girl who likes, well, girly things? Like this headband (Thanks Cousin Alli!) that Jorja insists on wearing nearly EVERYDAY.



Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy make-up, shoes with a bit of a heel, purses that have the potential to pass as mini-messenger bags, and sparkly jewelry now and then, but when it comes to 19 month old girls insisting on sporting pink, floral headbands on a regular basis I start to wonder what's in store for the future.

Wednesday

The kiddos' newest discovery -- climbing into and hurling sliding out of their beloved jogger. This task provided a solid 45 minutes of unabated amusement for them and 45 minutes of unabated relief for me. Finally, a reason to celebrate our jogger being parked in the living room -- instant playground material.

A moment of stillness, just sitting, in the jogger.



Jorja enjoying the camera. Anders initiating his exit.



Jorja checking out the handlebar console (and all the goodies I stash in there). Anders looking (go ahead and select from the options provided) guilty? terrified? cunning? adorable? other?



Check out my lunch date this afternoon. Ain't she just the cutest little 3 month old thang?

Rock Collectors

Anders and Jorja have taken an interest in collecting and storing rocks. This past week they commandeered one of the kitty litter pails that I tote around the yard to collect pruned clippings and converted it into their own rock collection bin. I cannot begin to describe the pure joy in sitting back and watching 19 month old twins totally amuse themselves, without adult intervention, for lengthy periods of time. Ahhh...


Inspecting and determining the suitability of a rock for potential collection.



Heading for the collection bin with a handful of parking pad gravel bits.



Bound and determined to make a rock deposit in the collection bin.



Another successful deposit.



The results of Day 1 of The Rock Collection.


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