Santa

The developmental changes that happen between 1-3 years old are numerous. Take, for example, our visit with Santa. Last year there were tears-lots and lots of them. Lauren screamed and fought me with every breath as big, fat tears rolled down Kate's cheeks.

Last year:

This year:

Both girls were all smiles the entire time. As it came to be our turn, Lauren walks right up to Santa and says "Hi Santa, I want a puppy". Ho Ho Ho!

Thanksgiving Performance

For us, the songs began about a week before the performance. Lauren calling out to me "put your turkey wings on mom" and proceeding to sing about Tom Turkey(in typical Lauren fashion, whenever I would try to join in the song she would either scream"no don't sing" or put her hand over my mouth).

Despite the early singing, we had no idea what to expect from the girls on the day of the show. Last year, Kate did not sing one word and we were hopeful a year later she would.

Sadly, she does not like crowd scenes.

But her sister is ready to go on tour.........

Meeting her adoring fans

Windows and Roof

Do they seem to be moving REALLY quickly or is it just me?

Happy Halloween!!

Finally a year when the girls aren't sick for Halloween!! They made it to the school party(a first) and then trick or treating last night. Here are pics of the costumes. (and yes Kate really did want to be Dale Earnhardt Junior).

Kate before school with some friends...she is a BIT taller than the rest

Ready to go Trick or Treating with Dad and Grandad!

Inspecting the candy(Junior is already in her post-race uniform)

Her Grandad and chocolate-Lauren's two favorite things

House Update

Not Tired

Today Miss Priss told me over and over that she was "not tired". She fought me getting into bed and insisted "no naps". Maybe it was the getting into bed that was the real problem...

They love their dad

Every night, Dad reads books to the girls. If he is gone, they get mom(but protest loudly because mom refuses to read dictionary or UT 101-go figure). I think it is their favorite time of day(and mom's too!).

Off to read!

Genetics

I know we have not figured out who she looks like, but she seems to have at least one female Dobbs trait...

Day two of framing...

our house-first floor

We are being framed!!

Day with Dinosaurs

The Botanical Gardens has an exhibit with life sized dinosaurs. Last thursday we met the McDaniels for a cool walk into the past.

I worried that the big dinosaurs might scare the girls-no worries-they loved looking at their teeth.

Never misses a chance to climb...

the small ones looking at the really small ones

posing

good friends

The whole gang

TX-OU Weekend

I have to mention the game on Saturday...totally turned this town burnt orange and made Dan's day. We were lucky to watch it with some good friends and the girls had SO MUCH FUN. They were so distracted by each other that we were able to watch the game undisturbed! Fair food was on tap including corn dogs, frito pie, and candy apples...

The fun table

LOVED the candy apples!

Paris and Nikki-sorry the pic isn't closer (always hard for the paparazzi to get close)


We also have another BIG development at our house...a new big girl bed!

I think she likes it!!

Pumpkin Patch

Today we made it to a local pumpkin patch with friends. It was a gorgeous day and the girls had a ball. Went to Phil's after for burgers and more play....

Pumpkin Patch 2008

Zoo

Our membership to the Zoo today saved us...We had told the girls that we would take them to the pumpkin patch(in Marble Falls) today not realizing it did not open until 1. Plan B was the zoo and the girls never missed a beat-had a ball and were home by 1. Some pics...

Love this zoo for how close you can get to the animals-the three tigers are just gorgeous to look at up close!

Waiting for the train

Miss Priss ready to ride the train
btw-Took Lauren to the doctor on Friday. Good thing-she had double ear infections and swimmer's ear. Poor thing is now back to 110% and going strong..BOTH girls will be in school tomorrow.

Fall

I don't think we can get through Sept without being sick. Lauren was up all night coughing and Kate was sent home yesterday for a runny nose. Allergies in Austin are partially to blame and school gets the other part. SO the girls and I have spent a good amount of "quality" time together these past few days...

Making Muffins(like in the book "If you give a moose a muffin" according to Kate)

The chefs

Adding their secret ingredient(pink sprinkles)


Coloring with markers(a special treat at our house)

Kate LOVED practicing her letters and her teacher suggested getting her more "tracing" sheets(another HUGE hit today)

We also have news on the house front:

Boards are going up!!!