Picnic and Swimming

Last Saturday, we attended the annual picnic for my HOM (higher order multiples) group.  We all had a great time.  The girls will enjoy the picnic more and more each year.

Here are some shots from last year's picnic:

This year, we didn't get too many photos, but here are some.  After lunch, there was an entertainer for the kids.  The girls watched her, but didn't really seem to into it.  Plus, it was well into their nap time, and they were starting to break down.

 In the afternoon, we had more swim time.

It was a very hot day, but it started to cool down.  The water was pretty cold and the girls seemed to be getting cold, so we put on their new towel dresses, as I like to call them.  I think they look like ET or little Ewoks.  Cracks me up.

After swim time, we took the choo choo wagon to get some frozen yogurt.  We got rained on while walking home - a lot of rain.  Luckily the girls were still in their swim suits and towel dresses.

I'll leave you with this funny video.  Izzie-B fell in the pool and apparently inhaled a bunch of water.

Isabella's Turn

Izzie-B had her turn at the dentist this morning.  Everything looks great.  The dentist even said it looks like she won't need braces.  How can she tell that when a toddler only has 8 teeth?  I'm not holding my breath on that promise, but I like it!  She did say that it doesn't even look like Izzie-B sucks a pacifier, which she does A LOT. So, that's good!  Here's our picture at the dentist's office.  I think the hygienist could have stood a bit farther back.  Where's the rest of my head?

I think I found a freckle on Izzie-B's lower cheek today.  So cute!

Watch Out Picasso

My budding Picassos made their first mark on the art world.
Date: Saturday, July 9, 2011
Medium: Crayon
Canvas: White computer paper
(Excuse the loud background noise, the microwave was running.)

Katie's masterpiece (the dark black lines I did to show her what to do):

Maggie's Masterpiece (the dark brown lines are mine):

Izzie-B's Masterpiece (the dark green lines are mine).  She colored on both sides of her paper:  Side B is 100% her original work.

A New Playroom

The finished part of the basement has finally been transformed into a playroom for the girls - well half of it anyway.  There are built in shelves with a desk down there, and that is where our computer is located.  The other half of the room is now a playroom.  The girls have a play kitchen, some shopping carts, a small zebra ride-on toy and a bed to play on.  The bed takes up too much room, and I can't wait to get rid of it.  We need it for my in-laws' visit.

Maggie struggles with certain things, but she is so motivated.  She managed to climb into one of the shopping carts all by herself.  She managed to get out by herself too, but I think she fell.  Honestly, I can't remember.  Unfortunately, the only camera nearby was my iPhone.  

Later, she decided she wanted to climb on the play kitchen.  They girls are pretty much as tall as the kitchen, and they can't see into the sink.  Maggie was using the shopping cart as leverage to climb onto the kitchen.  Luckily, it didn't work.  This girl is going to be trouble.  The other day, she was standing in her crib, which is on the lowest setting, and she managed to raise her foot up over the side rail, which is even higher than the main rail.  Her foot was as high as her head - just propped up on the side rail.  Trouble.

Not to be outdone by Maggie, Katie climbed into the shopping cart all by herself too.  She also managed to get out safely all by herself.  

I managed to find the real camera....

We actually have three shopping carts.  My mom saved my kiddie shopping cart (manufactured circa 1980) - so we have one for each girl.  It's funny how unsafe it is (see comparison pictures below).  Katie and Izzie-B are good enough walkers now that they can push it around, but it's not proportioned well (small wheel base and the handle is too long).  It easily tips over when an unsteady child is pushing it (as in the handle falls to the floor and the child falls smack on her face).  The holes are so big, a foot could easily get stuck, and there is no way they could safely climb into it.  But it has a child seat for dolls, which is an essential feature missing from the new overly safe models.  How did we ever survive as children?  We were playing with death traps.  I just love that they get to play with my old toys, so I'm not taking it away.