Meet the Grandparents

While we jetted off to Boston for the Kenealy/Fahey wedding the Hendricksons graciously offered to watch our little angels for the five day trip. This was mostly Papa's idea. He was excited to get up early, change diapers, and escape the horrors of a peaceful retirement. From the pictures I can see the girls have been working on their funny faces, overcoming fears (see Riley in the sand), animal wrangling (see Sanna and the orange cat), and boating.

cookout/movie night

The Iannuccis and Lielands came over for a Friday night cookout. Since the Lielands kids dont go to sleep until 1130, they showed up at 7. So, our girls experienced a wild Friday night, staying up until 930! They made it without any major meltdowns, although Riley almost melted off her hand by touching the Weber grill (many tears ensued).

Towards the end of the night we settled in to watch G-Force (some movie about genetically-engineered Guinea Pigs fighting terrorism) and read books.

Apple Adventure

As a parting treat before leaving our children for 5 days, we took them to the apple orchard. This place was small, which turned out to be very nice. It wasnt a carnival atomosphere like most apple orchards these days. We took the Iannuccis with us. The first two pics arent from apple picking, but they were cute enough to be included. We will be in Boston for the rest of the week, so please enjoy this weekend's posts. Hopefully Grandma Nancy will take some good pics we can put up.

Park Fun

The girls went to the park twice today. Once with their babysitter while Laurin and I biked, and a second time with Erin, Ryan, Laurin and I. The flowers Ryan and I helped to plant in the park have held strong all Summer. Recently, they have attracted tons of butterflies. I am happier to get great butterfly pictures in the real world like this. Taking them in the butterfly house at the zoo felt like cheating. The spider picture was from our front porch. Despite the best efforts of our well-paid Orkin man, our house is overrun with spiders, inside and out. For those of you that know Laurin well, this is a problem. That pic was taken at night and actually turned out better than expected. You cant see anything in the background, which helps. I was finally able to take a video of the girls singing their two favorite songs today: the wonder pets theme song and the ABCs. They didnt give their best performance on either, but it is a start. They belt it out all day long when no cameras are on, but seem to clam up when the spotlight is on them. I am sure that is what all parents tell their friends after disappointing performances, but it is true in this case. I need to find a way to tape them without them knowing. In the car is normally the best. Sanna usually wakes up from naps singing 'Pony Boy' (thanks grandma) or anything she can think of to wake up her sleeping sister.

Dress Up Morning

Granny Smith sent the girls some sassy new dress-up clothes this week. Riley puts them on first thing every morning. Today, she convinced Sanna to do the same. I didnt have my camera, so I used the one built into the computer. Quality is poor, but the subjects are cute.

Watch out China!

So, i know they are a little old to get their start in gymnastics, and they may end up being twice as tall as most gymnasts, but our girls had their first real lesson today. I wasnt able to attend, but I heard they were no other kids in class. Laurin took one and 'Miss Heather' took the good one. I got the girls (with Laurins help) to reenact what they learned in class. Why Sanna decided to lay on the hardwood floor and tuck herself in under the rug I will never know. I think they hit all the highlights in the video. Walking up the wall is still my favorite. On a fun note, Sanna has taken over as our biter. Riley hasnt bitten in months, but Sanna is full steam ahead. Diva!!!

Pretty Pretty Princesses

State Fair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, its official. Our girls can call themselves Hoosiers. They have been to the Indiana State Fair. We got there bright and early, which means we got a prime parking spot and avoided the crowds. It also meant that I couldnt get a fried turkey leg right when I walked in. Apparently the food doesnt really open until 10am despite the fair opening at 8. We also gambled by not taking a stroller, which may seem idiotic knowing that the fair is a mile or so in length. We got to pet pigs, goats, llamas, ponies, and cows. We also got to wash our hands multiple times. The girls were true to form. Riley stayed right with us and was upbeat all day. Sanna dragged her feet and layed down a few times. Nobody had a meltdown, which was good. The best was the little farming station they had. The girls followed a path where they participated in multiple farm activities (getting eggs from chickens, picking vegetables, feeding animals, etc.). The kids were supposed to take one thing from each station to put in their basket. Sanna tried to fill her basket at the first station. She also didnt understand the concept of brining her products to the market for sale at the end. She reached into the buckets of fake vegetables and tried to fill up some more. They did give the girls fake money at the end which allowed them to 'buy' a juice box. Also, the girls each got their own orders of fried butter (this years special treat). Sanna ate hers in about 30 seconds, while Riley was a little unsure about the wad of caloric gold.

Lazy Sunday

A trip to the Iannucci's backyard results in an impromptu photo shoot. As Laurin was getting 21 bug bites I went through almost a whole roll of film. Even Max got some love.



When Riley saw this picture this morning she said 'Erin has the coolest shoes ever'. She forget that those were her shoes before the became Erin's. We bought them in her rapid foot growth phase and she only got to wear them a couple times. This is my favorite Erin photo yet.

This video is Riley's directorial debut. She has a very unique eye. I think she got it from me.

Goats are fun.

This isnt their wildest potty-jumping session but it was a pretty good time. No injuries yet.