Dylan and the letter "F"

While Dylan's speech has greatly improved (most strangers can even understand him), there are still a few sounds we are working on. Particularly the "F" sound. His "F's" sound like "P's" which makes for some "punny" little phrases.

Here are a few of our favorites:

While counting his cars: "One, two, three, pour, pie, six, sepen,..."

"Mama, mama, I hear the pire truck!" or "Let's play my pire station"

Commenting on storytime with Daddy: "Daddy so punny"

Standing in 30 degree weather while mommy finds her car keys: "Hurry, mama. I preezing!"

And my personal favorite....

Mealtime Blessing: "....Let us thank Him por our poo, Amen"

Little Ballerina

Eva's ballet class had a "watch day" the week before Christmas break. She was so excited that we would be there to watch all that she has learned. As you can see in the photos, she takes ballet very seriously. We weren't exactly sure as we watched-thought she might be nervous or not enjoying it...but she still loves every minute and looks forward to her Wednesday ballet class. I wish we had her expression on video when Ms. Jourdan asked her to be leader. She was so surprised and honored. (drama queen!)

I'll post video when Keith converts the HD files. I think he wanted a new camcorder so I wouldn't know how to use it. I'll have to hunt down that manual!

Christmas 2010

Halloween 2010

Eva decided months ago she wanted to dress as Princess Alexa from Barbie and the Diamond Castle (one of her favorite movies). She even picked out the purple sparkle fabric. My mom made both their costumes again-thanks Gamma!! Dylan didn't understand the whole Halloween concept until we were actually trick-or treating. Then he really got into it! Many families in our neighborhood go all out with the spooky, haunted decor complete with fog machines and music. Last year, Eva wouldn't go near those houses, but this year she was loving it. Wasn't sure how Dylan would react, but he had fun. A few times he just needed someone to hold his hand. Eva has decided we need to decorate our house "scary", which I'm excited about since my family did the same thing when we were kids. Our haunted houses were always a fun, family affair. One year my mom was the Clown from "It" and scared the daylights out of my high school friends!! I don't think we'll be doing anything too scary until they're a little older, but hopefully we can carry on the 'tradition'.

Dylan's First Day of "School"

Dylan loved his first day at Son Shine School! Whew! As you can see in the photos he was actually excited this morning! We visited his classroom yesterday to get acquainted and his lip started quivering when he thought I was leaving him. So the rest of the day we really talked up the 'big boy' aspect of it. Last night, he was excited to pack his lunch and get his giant backpack ready just like Sissy, but I was unsure how he would react when it was actually time for me to leave. I was prepared to pry him from my legs... but to my pleasant surprise he was fine. A little shy, but overall I felt pretty good when I drove off. I didn't get the same report from him as I do from Eva, but he did tell me he had fun except for naptime. He even wants to return tomorrow, but he'll have to spend the day with mommy instead. Hope he's not too disappointed.

Eva was so excited to have her brother at school with her. She was a little hyper when I dropped her off at class. Turns out she was 'energetic' all day and also got her first 'yellow' (warning) for screaming in class. She and her little girlfriends can get pretty loud. Eva vows to never get a 'yellow' again. We shall see.

In case you're wondering....mommy was fine. I of course missed my babies and at first didn't know what to do with all my time. Then I remembered all the unfinished projects I have laying around. It's amazing what can be accomplished without interruptions!. :) It's so bittersweet-watching my babies grow up into confident and independent individuals. Sniff-Sniff.

Trip to Branson

(catching up today)
About a month ago, we took a trip to Branson with my mom. We'd never been and I figured it would be fun to try something different. We all had a wonderful time-it was definitely a nice change of pace!!

Some highlights of our vacation:

• Silver Dollar City- Dylan rode his first roller coaster with mommy! They didn't allow loose items so I don't have video like Keith has of Eva. Just as well-I'm sure I would've dropped the camcorder. He didn't express any emotion or answer when asked if he liked it. We got our answer when he asked to ride again the second day. Keith and I rode 3 different roller coasters in a row and a GIANT swing. While we still enjoy thrill rides, our bodies reminded us that we're in our mid 30's, not 20's!
• The "Fire-Water Show/Eva's Variety Act" at Branson Landing. Eva faced the crowd and danced during the entire show. At the end, she bowed. At this point I don't even try to stop her.
  
• The quaint flea markets and antique shops on every corner.
  
• Acrobats of China "New Shanghai Circus"-INCREDIBLE TALENT! We were blown away. Held Dylan's attention for almost 2 hours!
• Andy's Frozen Custard-YUMMY!
• Table Rock Dam and Fish Hatchery (where Dylan nearly fell in). We all enjoyed feeding the trout.
• The scenery, clean mountain air and hospitality!