these sisters

While Caroline's crib escape has been a large dose of reality in how big she is really getting,
there is one thing that I love seeing as these girls grow...
their love for one another.

They genuinely love each other,
they love playing together,
celebrating together,
and spending time together.

Of course not every moment looks like this.
but when I see one reach for the others hand,
hear them playing and singing together upstairs,
or catch them reading together...
my heart swells to borderline bursting.

It's so sweet.

glimpses of life lately

So, I'm a bit behind on my whole daily blog.
Is anyone surprised?
Life has been busy,
with school starting, birthday party planning, gearing up for a family vacay,
I put the memory card in my computer and there were no photos.

But that's okay.
I read an article recently about keeping a family blog with some tips.
And I may be adjusting my goal of posting daily,
it seemed a little easier in the summer breeze,
but that doesn't mean the blog will go dark again.
2-3 times a week,
and who knows... maybe daily?!?

Back to lately.

Lauren started soccer.
And Matt became her coach.
It was all a bit last minute and we spent our Friday evening googling ideas for U4 soccer practice,
but they made it through a HOT first practice
and everyone had fun!



Caroline has taken her climbing skills to another level and escaped from her crib.
Matt and I were so shocked we couldn't stop laughing,
but after the third time,
it wasn't really funny.

We haven't really decided what our plan of action is,
but we're taking it day by day,
or night by night.

Dress up is still a daily activity at our house.
It's so FUN!



School.
Both girls are loving it.

Lauren can't get enough of it and celebrates every morning that is a 'school day'.


Caroline had one morning that was a little rough,
but I was told she was just fine about 3 seconds after I left.
It's also been reported that she is quite the leader.
As evidenced by her flag holding role.

And they send me photos like this throughout the day.

I cannot HANDLE it.

sisters & summer nights

Because in Texas,
it is definitely still summer.

these two girls

❤️

tea for two

Saturday Night Dance Party

fancy

When Grandma arrives with fancy dresses...


we wear them.

sisters

Neither of my girls took very good naps this afternoon.
Caroline's was short lived.
{those eye teeth}
and Lauren's was pretty typical as of late,
a 'rest' time, no actual nap.

So I invited them into my room,
while I finished folding laundry
for a little snack and some books.



Lauren offered to read to Caroline and let her pick the story.
Then Lauren told a story while Caroline snacked and listened intently.

These are the moments.
These sisters have my heart.

sisters

Good Morning from Tennessee

sixteen

At sixteen, this little miss...

... is so busy. I know I write this every month, but she's not slowing down. See how she is posing with 13 months. She switched the blocks before I could take the 4 steps to take the picture. And we had to take sister to school, so she wins.

... has more teeth. We've got our bottom molars and are working on our top, for a grand total of 10 {this top ones haven't cut yet, so they don't count} Just for reference, sister had 7 at this age.

... loves books, Daniel Tiger, baby dolls, running, playing outside, her bunny, dancing, goldfish, her dogs, and sister.

... the girls are starting to play more together, which gives me all the feels, until it takes a sharp turn and the crying starts. The fighting is starting. Lauren, our leader, likes Caroline to do exactly what she wants, when she wants. Caroline has a mind of her own. And doesn't have words to share that.
So, she bites.
Yep.
Twice. Both times have been in a form of self-defense... Lauren wouldn't leave her alone. She gave a couple warning shrieks and then went for it.
Kinda freaking out...
I don't want a biter.


... is really getting into puzzles, which makes my teacher mama heart happy. She knows her eyes, nose, mouth and toes, babbles with the best of them, and seems to be learning something new everyday.

... is still a bit timid when meeting new people or in new surroundings, but once she is comfortable, watch out! She runs into her sisters school to pick her up each day, is a busy little birdie at Little Gym, tries to break into the room Lauren practices in at the dance studio, and just started swim lessons last week. While I had to hold her back from jumping in the pool during her sisters lesson, she went right in the pool to Miss Paige, practiced her scoops, loved to jump in, and even went under.

... is still my snuggly sweet baby, despite the impending toddlerhood that awaits us. Based on those little fits, my days are numbered.

Tea for Two

Tea parties are a daily occasion at our house.
The location, flavored tea, dress code, and accompanying delicacies vary,
but there is always a little girl or two,
with a grin and some imagination.






A few weeks ago, Lauren and I attended a real tea party.
A local tea room hosted a tea an 'Adorable Doll Party',
so we helped Lauren's doll of choice, Payton, get ready and headed out to a little mama/daughter date.

When we arrived, Payton had a special seat with her own tea cup & doll sized appetizers.
Lauren had her very own tea pot, filled with pink lemonade.
We enjoyed our tea followed by soup, sandwiches, and even some dessert.
Lauren helped Payton,
poured a lot of pink lemonade
and wore the sweetest smile all night long.




I'm adoring this sweet little phase we're in.
What do I love most?
More than the sweetness of the tea party,
the gloves,
the hats,
the little sandwiches & cakes,
I love the moments.
The interaction.
The sweet giggles and memories made.

When sister joins us my heart melts a little more
and I think two things.

1. These are the moments I never want to forget.

2. Little sister can drink some tea.

41 weeks & 3 years

This picture doesn't do much to describe our 41 week old girl.
But every other picture I snapped was blurry, because she can't sit still.
She tries standing,
she tries jumping off face first,
she plays blocks,
and shows off that top front tooth she just sprouted.

In the middle of Caroline's little shoot, I realized I never took a 3 year picture of Lauren.



I seized the moment,
one where she was willing and cooperative,
and snapped a picture.

I love it.
It captures my little Laurno at this very moment.
Her red runny nose, while she works on building up her immune system now that she's a big school girl.
Her shoes on the wrong feet as her independent streak leaves her doing more and more by herself.
Her unkept hair from a day full of play, movement, and an afternoon nap that we all took together today.

And if  you look closely, you'll see the hand of a 41 week little sister who can't get enough of this three year old.

I have a feeling this simple little photo will be a favorite of mine.
Not due to it's composition or beauty,
but its simple little reminders of a three year old girl.

37 & 38 weeks

It's football time, ya'll.

The Iowa v Iowa State game is the biggest college football game of the year in our house.
I'm not sure if my husband would completely agree with this statement,
but let's just go with it.
We started a tradition with Lauren and let her choose her game day gear,
Iowa or Iowa State.
For the first time in her life, she chose Hawkeye colors.

And her sister did the same.



At least they know how to pick a winner...

Summer of Sisters

You guys*...
This blog.

This blog is a little sad.
She's become a baby book/weekly baby scrapbook spot,
not the the family memory keeper that I aim for.

But I have intentions.
And a to-do list that will change that.

While I wasn't great at posting this summer,
I promise it was for good reason.












These girls.
These sweet, busy, curious, strong, and loving girls kept my hands full this summer.
And my heart...
well, it runneth over.
We made a lot of memories this summer and will share some highlight soon.

Big sister started school today.

She is going to a Mother's Day Out {MDO} program twice a week.
So this busy mama, finally found some time to take care of some of those items that never get crossed off her to-do list.
Like this blog.
As soon as I get over how quiet my house is on Tuesday & Thursday mornings,
this blog should be back in action.



* Or guy.
Dad?
You may be the only one still checking on us.
Thanks Dad. xoxo