Pictures of the girls, and family happenings

We've been pretty busy this summer :)  The last month has been craaazy between registration at my job, and both sports starting, including two-a-day practices, in service, first day of school and a home cross-country meet this month for Ben. 

 

The girls started back to daycare full time this month.  They both were promoted to the next class, Ella is already in the two year old class, and Betsy is in with the 3-2 class, her next class will be Pre-K.

 

Ella is a chatty little thing, she has lots to say and she mimics everything her sister does.  She's also our affectionate child, she loves to hug (and say "Awwww") and kiss ("Mwah!") and snuggle with us.  She likes to find teeny little spots to sit her short little body on, and she is so dainty, she puts her hands on her lap and watches all things going on around her.  Little Ella is LOTS of hair, sweet cheeks and lips.

 

 Betsy is our independent girl, and tomboy.  She likes to do everything for herself- pick her clothes, dress herself, wash herself, pour her drink, make her own sandwich, put her own shoes in the closet, feed the dog, pick her shows, put her sister to bed (and tell her 'Sweet dreams!').  She climbs on the counter to brush her own teeth.  We just go with it!  99% of the time she wears exactly what she picks out and while it might not be the most adorable outfit in her closet, she is taking ownership for taking care of herself and we want to embrace that.  Her manners have finally stuck with her.  Both the girls say please and thank you, but Betsy says "Please may I......" and speaks in full sentences rather than giving 'yeah' or 'no' answers.

Betsy is friends with everyone!  She tells us about her classmates and she makes jokes all the time.  Last week she told Ben "Daddy, I need to potty, please come turn on the light and the magic thunder." Magic thunder referencing the sound of the bathroom fan. 

She is also a nurturer.  She loves taking care of Ella, and calls her 'sweetie'.  "You OK sweetie? You want a snack sweetie?" 

Work is settled down for ME now, and for Ben it's just going.  But we have lots of happy times when he can be home with us.  We've seen lots of our wonderful family lately.  Bets and I made a trip to Atlanta a month ago, and Betsy experienced the Atlanta Aquarium.  We've seen our Dallas cousins a couple times last month to make some memories.

Now we're reaching some of my favorite moments of the year: FOOTBALL SEASON, the church pumpkin patch, the holidays, so much fun stuff ahead!