Day 1

We drove away from our apartment at 4:04 AM and since our clock is 6 minutes fast (don't ask me how it got that far ahead!) we technically left at 3:58.  That is way too early.  It's supposed to be a 12 and a half hour drive, but we had a couple of extra pit stops with the little ones in the back seat.  We ended up getting there are 6:30 pm with an hour time change, so I'd say we did pretty good!

After we arrived and had dinner Hannah was VERY eager to help Grandpa get the banana splits ready for desert!  I'd say she's a fan!

Helping Hands

This is what a typical Sunday evening looks like in our home.  After naps and a walk we often make some granola for the upcoming week.  Baking in the kitchen has become more difficult now that there are 4 helping hands instead of 2, but I think we're figuring it out.

Hannah has her designated spot on the counter so she can help me measure and pour the ingredients in.  Sofia has her spot on the step ladder strategically placed so she is just out of reach of the bowl.  Her reach is extending and we have had several messes on the floor as a result...but if I'm careful that doesn't happen.

Sofia enjoying her roll from dinner.  And yes...that is the ugliest green jacket ever, but it's really comfy so I'm always wearing it.

This is how she feels about food.  I wonder where she got that from?

Wild Thing

We just took our wild ones to the zoo.  I've been contemplating getting a membership there, and we finally did it.  This was our first time and the girls seemed to have fun.  Here are a few pictures:

 I don't even remember if there were any animals in this exhibit, but they were fascinated with the waterfall.

 Once again, she's looking longingly at a big pool of water.

So disobedient so early in life...what are we to do?

You can't see it very well, but they are playing in water.

Messmakers

The other day I needed to do some baking.  Hannah usually loves to be in the kitchen and is an active participant.  This day, however, she wasn't too interested.  She was playing nicely alone so I wasn't about to push the issue.  Sofia and I headed into the kitchen to get to work.  I supplied Sofia with some spices and some pots and plans to play with.  She had lots of fun stacking and knocking over.

She was pretty proud of herself for stacking all 3 by herself...then she got distracted with the dough we were making.

Hannah was playing a little to quietly, so I went to check on her and this is what I found:

She was having a great time in the bathroom.  She pulled everything out and was having lots of fun.  I was just glad she was being entertained so I honestly didn't care one bit.  I did remind her that she would have to put everything away when she was done playing.

By the time I was done with the dough she had everything 'put away'.  Let's just say I did a little re-arranging when she was done!

Playmates?

Yes, it's true.  Hannah and Sofia are beginning to play together...for a few minutes...without hurting each other.  They seem to really enjoy each other...

until someone pulls of the others glasses

or

 bites the other

or

hits the other

or

takes a toy from the other

or

sits in the wrong chair....

Of course the list is endless, but it's fun to see them playing together and having fun.

Grandma and Grandpa

My parents returned from their mission in Kyiv, Ukraine in March.  Hannah hadn't seen them since she was 11 months old and Sofia had never met them. They came to visit us last month and I'm finally just getting around to posting some pictures.  I was awful at remembering the camera, so we don't have to many pictures.  But, here are some we do have:

Warming up to Grandpa right after their arrival:  

  

They brought books and European chocolate.  The books won her over instantly.  The chocolate...well, I think she got one little piece (only because Grandma and Grandpa were around.  Then, I horded the rest, sharing minimally with James!

LA nightlife:

These are 2 of the cop cars that showed up after an 8 car crash in front of our apartment building. My parents' car was hit.  Luckily it was the least damaged and just a rental.  But, James and my Dad still spent about 2 hours outside from about 12 - 2 AM!  Welcome to L.A.!!

Hollywood Sign:

 Luckily we have Grandma around for the dirty work!

Saying Goodbye:

We did do other things, but thanks to my forgetfulness there are no pictures!!  It was good to see them!

Biker Girls

Every morning Daddy has 2 eager helpers when it's time to leave for school.  They both love it when he takes them for a spin around our apartment building.  This morning Hannah thought it would be a lot more fun to ride the bike than to have Daddy leave for school:

Recently Sofia has shown an interest as well: