Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back.

Will and I spent a much needed weekend away by ourselves, while my mother graciously kept our babies (Thanks, Mom!). I took zero pictures of our trip. I did have the camera at the ready for our monumental greeting home.

Laurie turned, said "hey" and turned back to finish watching Peter Pan. Nice. Her present went in the garbage















Anna Fair on the other hand, just happened to be coming down the hall as we came in. She sprinted towards us, squealing, as if we had bags of candy. Ahhh, sweet justification. You can have Laurie's gift.

Anna Fair's First Day

Anna Fair started Mother's Morning Out this week. I wanted to get a sweet picture before we left home, but she's more interested in the neighbor kids playing next door.






















Both our girls are notoriously independent. Every child in her room is crying, but Anna Fair sidled up to the toys and got down to business. The only way I know she is a little nervous, she sucks her thumb like life depends on it.

Stylish

Anna Fair's hair has been looking a little scraggly lately, I have procrastinated cutting it, as that is such a big girl thing to do. But the other night during bath time, I gave her a little trim. The back was especially knotted where she rubs it on her mattress, and looks really short now. When she was born, Anna Fair was all dark curls, but it's grown in lighter and lighter, now that I've trimmed off all those, she looks so blonde!

Heber Springs

A few weeks ago, we headed to Heber Springs with Will's family.

We hiked to Collins Creek. Daddy is a trooper, he and Laurie splashed in the water.















Explored.















And climbed the rocks.















While Anna Fair and I snuggled on the bank.















We enjoyed a lot of boating on the lake with frequent stops to swim and cool off. (Can I brag that I was the only momma to jump in?)
















Daddy was tired from swimming with both girls, so Uncle Charles was sweet and offered to take Laurie and Meg. My girl loves the water.














Daddy was pretty pumped about fishing, he got up early and fished every morning.















There is an elephant sanctuary nearby, it was fun to see so many elephants up close.















Thanks for a great trip, Pop and Sherrie!

Thanks.

Daddy, thanks for coming home at lunch and giving the girls ice cream. And then going back to work. To leave Mommy with the fallout.

First Day

Today, Laurie started PK-3. She's been asking for weeks when she is going to school, but now that the day is here, she didn't want to go. Serious as ever. And very insistent that she take a picture for Mrs. Yelverton.















Ever pragmatic, when the time came, she was out the door in a flash.















She had a great first day! Despite telling me that she played with no friends and Mrs. Yelverton wouldn't let her play with the toys because she had to sit on the mat. Why do I feel like I am only getting part of the story?

Riding the Tube

A few weeks ago we spent the weekend at Lake St John. I wasn't sure if Laurie would be willing to ride Big Bertha. And if she would, if she would like it. I don't know why I ever questioned it. There was enough fun to go around to everyone. Even Anna Fair took a spin.