Owie!

For the last few weeks, Erin has cried "owie" every time we try to come her hair. It is so cute and makes us laugh. Since there isn't much to comb, let alone tangle, we started to suspect she was just copying Ella, who has a LOT of snarls and a lot of troubles with her hair in the morning. Ella is constantly saying "owie!!" when we are trying to get through it so it would make sense!

Last night, I had them in the tub and their hair was lathered up. Erin gently grabbed Ella's hair and started feeling it and petting it. "Owie. Owie!" she said as she played with it. The light bulb came on... she thinks "owie" means hair!!

Happy Halloween!

We had our first celebration of Halloween tonight in Readlyn. It was a blast going on our traditional route. With us, we had two minnie mouses, a cheerleader, a hot dog, and a prisoner (Hank). We then warmed up to soup and watched the kids and dogs play together.

At about 7, Ella grabbed her candy bucket and said: "Mom, my belly really feels like it needs candy. Can I have some?"

She was so sweet and quite persuasive!!

Soldier Down

Fortunately, when Mommy is sick, I can rely on Ella to shape things up around here. Tonight, she can be heard chasing after Erin trying to get markers and other "no-no's" away from her.

"NO1 That is NOT appropriate, Erin!!!"

Bear Hugs

My morning routine is pretty consistent. We wake up at 6, and the girls wake up at 6:30. Erin is usually ready to romp but Ella is more like an 18 year old on her last semester of school. We are all ready to leave the house at 7:20.  I drop Ella off first, since it is not far from home. When we get to the school, Ella and Erin chase each other down the long hallway to her classroom, with me running behind shouting "Slow down! Be careful! Shh!" We make it to her room, where we hang up her book bag and folder and coat and assign hot or cold lunch. We then walk to a different classroom to get Ella settled with her friends and teacher aides and check her in. Erin runs up and gives Ella the biggest bear hug ever, and they sway back and forth smiling and holding on to each other.  I get my goodbye hug and kiss and scoop Erin up and head out. I drop Erin off around 7:35 and she gives me my sloppy goodbyes. She runs off to greet and hug her own little pals and I'm on my way to work!

These are a few of my favorite things

Ella: She asks who the author and illustrator is whenever I read a book.

Erin: I've been trying to get her to say "buck" lately, and anytime she hears that word, she replies "Moo."

All morning long, Ella has been in the recliner with her doll under a blanket. Erin has been climbing up and down and up and down and up and down in that chair. She struggles and grunts and groans getting up every time, and Ella keeps saying "Get your chubby little thighs up here!!"

Photos recreated!

I love recreating photos, and these are from our fall roadtrip last weekend!

Bathroom update

Derek is working hard at insulating our bathroom....getting closer!!

Happy 35th to Everett's Service!!

Peak Season

Our family has made it a tradition to take one last "vacation" day together in the fall to go enjoy the autumn highlights in Iowa! This year was extra special. In addition to the apple orchard and hike at pikes peak, we also made an extended stay in Elkader to visit family and celebrate the 35th open house of Derek's Grandma's shop!

One for the Memory Box

Ella's first real written exam. :) She is LOVING school, it is so crazy seeing how fast they learn. 

Show-and-tell starts this week, and Ella went first. She chose to bring her favorite book, Pinkalicious.

Happy Halloween!

We are getting in to the fall spirit this weekend. We visited several stops out in Amish country. The girls loved seeing the farm kitties and puppies, and we found some pumpkins! They had a blast!

"My sister is really loud in the car!"

 Erin and one of her many "pup pups!"

 Kitties!

 Ella and I set out and painted our pumpkins after our nap!

Fall is in the air

We are ready for fall! Although the shorter nights are making Ella a little stir crazy at night.