Dance Party

It has been HOT HOT HOT!!!  This past weekend it was a high of 117 with the heat index!  Whew!  Despite the heat, we managed to keep cool.  In fact, the girls loved being bundled up in a blanket despite the heat.  Thankfully our friends the McGuires had us to their pool to beat the heat.  Isabella & Sophia had so much fun playing with the McGuire girls.

Last week Isabella attended her 1st ballet class.  I think she enjoyed checking herself out in the dance studio mirrors more than watching the teacher.  Isabella enjoyed dressing up like a ballerina too, thus we had a little dance party at home (see the video below).   

Lastly, little Miss Sophia has been trying to sit on the potty like her big sister.  She loves to imitate Bella. Normally we leave her diaper on but this past weekend Sophia pointed to her diaper and said " Poop" then walked to the little potty seat. I took the diaper off, put her down and 5 minutes later she did it!!!!!!!  She was soooooo proud of herself and we made a big deal out of her accomplishment.  We are not trying to potty train Sophia yet but its great if she wants to use it on her own terms.  Way to go Sophia!!!

Sumo Wrestlers



Sophia and Bella-rina on her 1st day of class



The big pooper!

Sophia & Ellie

Isabella & Madelyn



Vacation!!!

This past weekend we enjoyed a FABULOUS mini vacation.  Thanks to a very generous friend, we were able to enjoy 3 days at the beach.  It was a dream to be able to get away and enjoy the sun and sand.  It was also the longest vacation we have been on in 5 years thus it was well enjoyed. 

The girls both loved playing in the sand.  Sophia was scared of the ocean and preferred to be in our arms when we were near the water. The girls ran around the beach like it was the ultimate playground. 

DAY ONE

We arrived at the beach around 4 and enjoyed a few hours at the beach with perfect weather in the mid 80's.  The water felt great, the kids had fun exploring and we enjoyed lots of quality family time.  We stayed in for dinner and ate on the balcony overlooking the ocean.   It was a great day!

Beach Baby Bella

Beach Baby Sophie

Daddy's Girls

Mommy's Girls

A rare tranquil moment



Goldilocks did not like that chair!



DAY TWO

On day two the girls woke up eager to get out to the beach.  Again, the weather was absolutely perfect.  That evening we walked down to the pier and enjoyed a pretty sunset.

One cool strawberry in the shade

I love the beach!

A little someone thought the sand made a good snack

My family

Chillin' at the shore

The newest lifeguards

Taking a break on the pier

Snuggle time

Where is Fifi going?

DAY THREE

The last day was pretty low key.  We played at the pool before reluctantly heading home.  We decided to bring a little of the beach home with us by collecting a bit of sand in a bag.  Isabella hugged her bag of sand. Isabella & Sophia played hard and slept hard.  They were exhausted and passed out at soon at we got in the car.

Turtle time x2

Isabella: Why is there soap in there (the ocean)?

Me: Its not soap, its the waves making the bubbles.

Isabella:  Are the people taking a bath in there?

Me: No honey, they are swimming in the ocean.

Isabella:  I LOVE the ocean!

We made lots of great memories and I cherished our time away.

FiFi is 20 months old!

Fifi is 20 months old!  Sophie is adventurous, happy and sweet.  She loves to laugh, snuggle and spend time with her family.  She is reserved with strangers and takes a while to warm up.  Fifi loves her "Bebe" dolls and carries them around the house.  Her "BeBe" also sleeps with her at nap and bedtime.  A few of her new words are monkey, again, and cookie!  She also has a strung a few words together such as "tank you MaMa" which means thank you mommy.  So sweet. 

Our little Fifi is not so little anymore.

We had a weight check today and here are her stats:

Weight:  24.8 lbs

Height:  34.2"

She is on track and doing well.  Physically her newest feat is going down the stairs alone.  Sometimes she scoots down the stairs on her bottom or holds on the rail and walks.  Sophia did not want to learn to go down the stairs backwards.  Clearly, she has her own way of getting things done.

Sophia Austin is a joy in our lives.  She fills our lives with love and we are so lucky to be her parents.  We love you baby girl!!

Cheese!

 

Looking out at Daddy doing yard work

Keeping Cool

Dress Up

Here are a few photos of the girls enjoying being home and playing dress up.

The Sister Squeeze

Isabella - the 3 year old, princess, butterfly extraordinaire

'Cause this is how they roll!

Sophia-in-the-box

Maryland

We spent last weekend in Maryland visiting family.  Its always nice to catch up with our family.  Saturday we enjoyed a lovely dinner hosted by my mother in law and enjoyed keeping cool in the pool.  Sunday we made it to my nephew Chase's 1st birthday party.  It was cute watching him destroy his cake!!  Of coarse, there was a mess to clean up but it made for great photos!

They will be commin' around the corner, yes they will....

Will & Sophia hot tubbin'

Now this is the way to keep cool!

Sophia is my little frog, resting on her lily pad

Snuggle time - Sister time

Grandmere & Fifi

Happy 1st Birthday Chase!

Melissa cleaning up the cake!! 

Isabella, Samantha & Sophia

VBS

Isabella went to vacation bible school this week and had a blast. On our way to the first day of VBS we had the following conversation:

Isabella: Mommy, are you going to leave me at school?

Me: Yes, but Mommy always comes back.

Isabella: But there might not be enough chairs for me and teacher might send me home

 I was amazed at Isabella's concept of school and anxiety over the new situation.  She has been home with me since she was 20 months old so neither of us were sure how the 1st day would go.  On that day Isabella was very hesitant to leave me but was fine after one day in VBS.  In fact, on the 2nd day of class she ran into her room and did not want to leave when I came to pick her up.  She made lots of cute crafts and really enjoyed being in a school setting. 

First Day of VBS

Last day of VBS

 Sophia enjoyed being the one and only child this week!  She "talked" more and her personality blossomed.  Here are a few photos of a play date with her friend Olivia.

Sophia having fun with Olivia

Olivia & Sophia hand in hand

Vacation Bible School was great for everyone!!