Irene the Magnificent

Irene has conquered yet another part of Evangeline's life.

Family Portrait

We took the opportunity for a family portrait when I was holding Evangeline and Irene and Katie decided to make it official.

Bliss!

I'm like the only person who has has not taken the girls to the Children's Museum. So, today we walked downtown, ate some lunch in the park, and went over to the museum. It was so fun I only took a couple of photos.

Evangeline got two bananas for Irene. Irene loves bananas.

I was surprised Irene put up with this.

Later at home Evangeline wanted to take a bath with Irene, but
definitely did not want me to take a picture of their beards.

You vant picture? Ok..

Dancing Party

I'm not sure why...

...but i just can't stop laughing at this photo.

...and Scene!

Today, Evangeline, in carseat, looking out of window. Counting on fingers:

Aunt Jessie, Aunt Beth, Uncle Jim, Grandma, Baba, Popop, Uncle Mike, Aunt Carol, Me, Daddy.
If you feel bad you weren't mentioned, don't-- because neither I nor Irene made the cut. I think she ran out of fingers. (Also, I think "grandma" only gets one finger, for one name).

Picnic

We've had some camera and computer problems, so we apologize for not being too diligent with this for a few days. We're back up now, and hope you enjoy these stunning photos of your favorite children under 3 years.

Visit dad in his office day!

 I took the kids to the arboretum today for a picnic. Evangeline got a new costume, and decided to wear it. I'm not sure how often you have to wear something for it to not really be a costume anymore. But, she really does look like a flower eh?

Unashamed lover of food.

"Yeah, I'm going to eat one more bite and give this to Irene."

GOT IT.
Notice the lurker.

The windchimes didn't really provide any steady rhythm, but it was still worth dancing to their sounds.

It's too high, so you can always use it for other things.

And the coup de gras... Irene went down a slide by herself for the first time today.

Playing and Sleeping

Evangeline and Irene are starting to be able to play a bit together now. Still it's mostly Irene pestering Evangeline, but I think she is starting to see the potential benefits of having a little sister. It must be noted that Evangeline is mostly quite sweet to Irene, and Irene basically wants to stare at and be right beside Evangeline all the day long. Also, the big news is that IRENE IS SLEEPING! After 10 or so really, really, tiresome months, Irene--upon moving to her new room--is sleeping for about 12 hours. Of course I still have to check on her about 5 times a night, but it is very encouraging. I think Evangeline is teaching her some good sleep habits.
 Irene goes to bed at about 7.30, and Evangeline around 8.30, and even if Evangeline is talking and singing and whatever else when she goes to bed, it doesn't disturb Irene. When Irene was in our room, I could accidentally turn the page of a book too loudly, and she'd wake up and cry. So, this is good. Really good. I almost feel like a citizen of the world again.

New Evangeline activities:
-talking really loudly
-loud repeating of constant questions:
    "What's that guy doing?"
    "What's that"
    "What are you doing?"
    "Where are you going?"
    "Are you happy?"
etc etc.
-reading us stories
-spelling things. Like "subaru" on the car
-singing lots, and wanting us to take her through
singing exercises.
-"helping"

Irene is:
-crawling like mad
-balancing in lots of dangerous places
-still eating lots (breakfast = whole banana, slice of bread with
peanut butter, one egg, 10 or so blueberries, maybe some yogurt)
-testing the boundaries
-bugging Katie
-laughing a lot and seemingly joking with us

We made cupcakes for the Bible class.

Playing at the park with dad.

Finally she learns the twister.

Commerce

Nothing like a free lunch!

That'll be 6 wood chips.

Let's see, will you take 4 wood chips?

I like the way you do business.

At feed store with dad.

This is what's happening in the Castle/Fort