Are you so strong?

We watched a show today called Imagination Movers and the twins loved it.  The whole show has lots of music and the subject matter was about how to get stronger.  There was a weight lifter on the show that would say, "Ohhhhhhh" while he flexed his muscles.  George was so entertained by this he started to imitate him so we showed Daddy after dinner our newly acquired skills.  Sometimes George's head looks like it might explode he is "flexing" so hard.  Hilarious!!!

Jesse Jones Park

We had a family fun day today at Jesse Jones Park.  It is such a beautiful place showcasing all of Northeast Texas' plants and trees.  It has a great playground, winding nature trails, and pretty lookouts over Spring Creek.  We had a great time exploring this awesome park and will definitely return again soon!

Swings!

Riding the grasshopper.

Over the bridge.

 Down the big kid slide.

 He loved it!

Clara went down three times but was always unsure about it.

Nature trails

 Teepee!

 Checking it out.

Hi Mom!

Time for a ride and a sippy cup.

Boardwalk over the swamp area

Swamp area.

Spring Creek

So peaceful here!

Heading home...See ya soon Jesse Jones Park!

Happy Birthday Grammy Quinn!

We celebrated my Mom's birthday at our house this past weekend.  It is wonderful to live so close now.  Coming over for dinner is literally a 90 second drive.  Clara decided she didn't want to nap that day so she got lucky and was able to help me with Grammy's cupcakes.

Helping Mommy make the frosting.

Mommy and Clara shared a kiss and the beaters.

 

Pretty clean until she got a taste of the sugar...

...then she couldn't eat it fast enough!  Ha!

 I think she got more on those lips then actually in her mouth.

Then she used my t-shirt as a napkin.  Thanks Clarabear!

When Grammy and Grandpa came over. Grandpa and Clara shared a dance.

Melts my heart!!!

The twins watched Grammy open her presents...

...then they stole her cards to look at.  Sweet monkeys!

Happy Birthday Grammy!!!

Saturday Adventures

We took George and Clara to their first donut shop on Saturday.  Of course they loved it.  Who doesn't like a fresh donut?  They also liked drinking milk with a straw like big kids.  Since we only bought one, of course they fought over it.  We love watching their reactions as they are introduced to new things.  Fun morning!

 Clara picked out the pink donut

George picked out the blue one!  Cutie!

George enjoying the milk

Hey George!  Stop hogging the milk!

After donuts we went to the plant store so Daddy could buy some flowers for our front yard.  When we got home the twins wanted to check out our neighbors gorgeous Azaleas.  They are stunning!

Georgie smelling the flowers.

Don't they look thrilled?

Then we watched Daddy work in the yard.  The twins really wanted to be outside with him but they are not old enough to help out yet.  John is counting down the days until George can mow the lawn.  I think you have a few years honey!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Rainy Day Art

Today is such a dreary day so I decided to finally break out the crayons for George and Clara.  Clara loved coloring and asked for more paper. George was more interested in eating the crayons.  Right now it seems like George may be a lefty like his Dad and Clara is a righty like her Mom.  Both did pretty well for newbies!

Pensacola Visit

This past weekend I flew to Pensacola, FL to visit my best friend Brandi.  I loved every minute of my time with her!  She was an amazing hostess and spoiled me all weekend long.  We enjoyed great dinners, fun mimosa brunches, manicures, pedicures, and shopping.  Not to mention all the wonderful conversations and laughter!  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful friend in my life!  Love you Brandi!

16 Months!

 The twins are 16 months today!  Time just keeps flying by with these two blessings in our lives.  They are an absolute hoot and keep me laughing these days.  Being a Mom just gets better as the days tick by.  I love being a stay at home Mom so I can watch them grow.  Here are our 16 month stats:

GEORGE

Communication:  This month George's communication skills have really taken off.  He now answers most yes/no questions by shaking his head.  He also uses the sign for more when he wants more to eat.  He added the words hot, no, and Daddy to his vocabulary.  He understands so much more and will follow lots of directions.  If you ask George what sound a train makes he will say, "Choochoo."  It is so cute.

Books, books, and more books:  George still loves to read and asks Mommy to read to him at least 20 times a day.  His favorite book right now is Where The Wild Things Are.  When I read it to him I make sure to use fun voices and low growls.  He cracks me up by imitating all the silly sounds I make.

On the go!: George is still scaling furniture.  He can also walk up the stairs by holding onto the spindles on the railing.  He even alternates feet sometimes!  

Mealtime: At meal time George is very interested in using utensils and bowls.  He is eager to scoop up his food and get it into his mouth.  He actually makes it into his mouth now without Mommy's help. 

The Inspector: We call George the inspector.  This little man notices all the details.  If something is changed, new, or out of place he makes sure we know about it.  He will point to it and say, "That."  He is so goofy!
Mommy can I?: George asks permission to do things in his own little way.  If he wants to go somewhere or play with something, he will turn around look at me and point at it.  He usually also says, "Da?"  If I tell him it's ok or you can play with that, then he smiles big and hurries along to whatever he wants to do.  I really hope that this behavior continues well into his teens!
Georgie's Favs:  books, clocks. airplanes, trucks, playing outside, Grammy Sammies, bubble lawn mower

CLARA

Communication:  She understands so much!  It floors me everyday.  I will ask her to do something thinking she won't know what I am talking about and sure enough she gets it right.  She still tries to repeat words back to me.  She answers yes/no questions by shaking her head.  She also uses the sign for "more" during mealtimes.  Clara is adding animal sounds to her repetoire too.  She can repeat the sounds for cows, monkeys, and ducks so far.  It's adorable!

Miss Independent:  If George loves Mommy to read books and help him with his spoon at dinner, Clara is the EXACT opposite.  This little girl wants to do everything by herself.  She flips through books, plays with toys, and tries to feed herself.  If I try to help she gets mad mad mad!  I think Mommy and Daddy are in trouble with this little princess.

On the go and stop!:  She definitely likes to play and run around especially outside.  She can climb up on furniture and is getting quick when she runs. On the flip side she has more quiet moments of play and down time then her brother.

Mealtime:  We have been blessed with such a good eater!  She tries anything you put in front of her and really the only thing she hasn't liked so far is blue cheese.  She is now into raw veggies like tomato and cucumber. 

The Helper:   Clara doesn't want Mommy to help her but she sure does want to help Mommy!  She wants to throw things away for me, wipe up spills, and even helps pick up a little bit.  She can also be so sweet in helping out her brother.  If he is crying or pitching a typical toddler fit, she finds his lovey and brings it to him.  It is so sweet!  She also helps Mommy by bringing things to Daddy or Georgie when asked.
One Tough Cookie:  Clara definitely has the dominant personality in this little twosome.  It is amazing how quickly she puts George in his place if she doesn't like what he is doing.  Clara certainly lets everyone know exactly how she feels.  Like I said...we are in trouble.
Clara's Favs:  riding car, books, drum, airplanes, bread, music, dancing

Gigglefest

The best thing about twins is double the laughter.  I love the sound of their giggles!

Enjoying the Warm Weather

The weather has been absolutely beautiful this past week so we got out all of the outside toys for the twins.  Grammy Quinn also gave them some cool bubble lawnmowers and a small sandbox.  The twins have had a blast playing outside and most days it is a challenge for me to get them back inside.  It is so fun to watch them explore new things!  I can't wait until it is warm enough for our pool.

Cool car!

Is it my turn yet? 

(Notice George has her arm in between his teeth! I guess not Miss Clara.)

Sand!!!

Having fun getting dirty

Mom built me this sand castle

So I crushed it!

This is her excited face.  It just kills me!

Left the sandy clothes outside.  Naked baby time!

Love that smile sweet girl!