Bike Parade!

Our neighborhood holds an annual Children's Bike Parade. It was a lot of fun for both girls!

Here is Avery decorating her stroller while Alexandra works on her bike.
Alexandra lining up for the parade.
One of the highlights - cookies at the end!
After the parade and treats many of the kids rode around in a huge empty parking lot. Alexandra had a GREAT time being with the other children and riding fast. She rode really hard for about 40 minutes and when we got home she said that she was all sweaty! She also fell asleep within about 2 minutes of going to bed - a new record!
Avery had fun running around with Papa (her grandpa) chasing the kids on their bikes. She was worn out too.

Homemade Ice Cream - Almost

Again inspired by our friend Stephanie who was inspired by another friend Julie....we tried to make homemade ice cream. I swear, I followed the directions to the letter but it didn't go quite as I thought it would. We did get some mashy looking ice melt stuff that tasted good but I never got it to the point of being ice cream consistency. I'll have to check back with my sources. I am including the recipe for others to try - it was fun and easy - but I need to do some follow-up!

1/2 cup half and half
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract or any other extract
Seal this in a small ziploc bag, tape the zip top for added security. You DON'T want salty ice cream folks!

1 gallon ziploc bag half filled with ice
1/4 cup rock salt (put this with the ice)

Put small ziploc inside large ziploc and zip it all up. Slowly shake or roll around on the floor (kids love this) for about 6 minutes. When it starts to seperate away from the bag and harden you are getting close, when it is pretty hard- it's ready! Open large bag, take out small bag. Rinse small bag of with water (going back to salty ice cream) open and serve.

Avery spins (well spits at) the shape sorter.

Avery impressed me tonight while working with her shape sorter. She actually was looking for the right spot to put each shape. While she was working on it I asked her to "spin" it but she thought I said "spit"....and you get the idea. Enjoy.

Avery and the Monkeys

Avery really likes monkeys and the sounds that they make. Last Sunday at the zoo she was so cute watching them with her daddy. This is my first time embedding a video so I hope it works!

Biker Chicks

I was getting ready to head out on my weekly bike ride and Alexandra wanted to join me. So she got her cycling jersey, her cycling shorts, helmet and camelback all ready to go. She loves to wear the right gear. We rode up the street a little ways and had about six drink breaks - every few houses we had to stop and rest. I could really get on board with her riding plan! She was so cute riding with me and would even encourage me and say "good job mom, you can do it!".

Corn Shuckin' Party

Our friend Stephanie, well her daughter Sophia, inspired us to have some corn on the cob. So, last Thursday, the girls and I sat down and peeled all the husks off. Avery loved picking at the hair and she did most of the corn detailing.


Both girls really liked the corn. Alexandra ate her whole cob and Avery took a few bites but was frustrated because I was holding it. I really need to get some of those corn cob shaped holding things (I am sure there is a better way to say this).

Afterwards, we got out a big tub and both girls rinsed off while enjoying popsicles. Another fun family night.

Hi Grandpa Steve!

Grandpa Steve stopped by last week for a quick visit on his way home from Montana to New Mexico. Alexandra was so excited to see him and asked him about fishing. Avery warmed up to him quickly and gave him a sweet kiss and hug before he left. See you soon Grandpa Steve!

Banana Poop....uh, I mean Soup.

The girls were enjoying some cheerios out on the front step before bed. Alexandra likes to have Avery repeat words or phrases because as she says "she is teaching her to talk". Alexandra said "Avery say banana soup". So, Avery tries her best but says "banana poop". Well of course Alexandra found this hilarious and therefore Avery thought it must be pretty funny too. So they both spent about five minutes laughing and yelling "BANANA POOP"!

Avery takes control.

Avery loves the garden hose. This started out all sweet and innocent. Avery watering Grandma Georgene's flowers and shrubs. What a nice little helper. But then...
She started to stray from the plants and point towards those of us standing around her...
The spray got closer and closer until...

She was joyfully aiming at anyone who came near her.
Alexandra made a mad dash to avoid being soaked.

Finally, a very brave Grandma had to step in and commandeer the hose.

But then, she turned on us too.

It was a wet night.

Can you help me decipher my grocery list.....

I sat down to write out my grocery list tonight and Alexandra said "Give me a pen mom, I'll write it for you." It was so sweet of her but now I have no idea what to buy?

Busy Sunday

First, Alexandra taught Avery how to drink out of a sippy cup without using her hands and, as a bonus, how to let the milk dribble out of her mouth onto her face. I guess that is what an older sibling is for right?

Then Alexandra and Avery chased each other around, hugging, laughing and falling all over the place...it was fun to watch and sweet too.

Then, unbeknownst to me, Alexandra announced that it was Baby Sophie's birthday (her favorite doll). "We just have to have a party with lots of decorations!" she exclaimed. So, we got out the streamers, balloons, made a paper chain and hung about 300 shape cutouts all over the house.

Here is a picture of the birthday girl with her presents.

Later in the evening Alexandra rode her bike. She always likes to put on her full riding gear - cycling shorts, yellow jersey, biking socks and of course the mandatory helmet. She is so enthusiastic about wearing all the right clothing - it is pretty funny.

Avery Watering the Wood Chips

I handed the hose over to Avery Wednesday night and she wouldn't give it back. She loved to walk around and water things. She didn't water the few plants, flowers or trees but rather the rocks, the wood chips and the weeds.