One Thumb Down

We celebrated Audra's fourth birthday with our friends and their kids today during our weekly play group.   

Audra chose to have a Dora cake for her birthday (the bakery did not have her first choice which was the Little Einstein's - of course!)

(She asked me to post a picture of the cake because "everybody will want to see it, Mom)

Here is a picture of Audra's friends enjoying birthday pizza.

I'm impressed most of the three year olds were looking in the same direction.

Audra and her friend Noah "hamming it up" for the camera

Phoebe takes her partying very seriously!

* Oh Yes... one thumb down is how Audra's Grandma Debbie taught her how to show people how old she is so now instead of saying she is four years old Audra will tell people that she is "one thumb down"

A little quiet time

Sharing has been a bit of an issue in our house lately

In an attempt to avoid sharing her favorite toy (Rocket from the Little Einsteins).  Audra escaped to Greta's cage. 

Phoebe was happy to help out her older sister by locking the cage door

Perhaps this is payback for Audra hooking Phoebe up to Greta's leash this past summer.  Ah, Sisterly Love!

Marching Band

My friend Sarah's kids came over last week for a few hours and the kids decided to play marching band with some instruments Phoebe received for Christmas.

Audra was the conductor (and too fast for me to get her picture)

Phoebe played the symbols

Emma was the drummer and took her job very seriously

The kids had a great time and I was really pleased with their ability to come up with their own activity and share the toys without fighting or adult intervention.  

Just like my mom

Although I was not able to get a picture of Audra the conductor 

I did snap a few shots of her copying me...

When she saw how much fun the "little kids" were having she could not resist joining in

You can't see me

While the big girls were enjoying their lunch.  Phoebe and Cooper (who are about three weeks apart) entertained themselves by playing hide and seek in our kitchen curtains.  

Ice skating pix

Here are just a few random pictures from our skating adventures

Such a happy girl in her bike helmet, snow pants, and ice skates

The SUPER FANS!

Dynamic Duo

I can do it myself, thank you very much

As I have said before I am amazed at Audra's independence while ice skating and this evening was no exception.  She started out using the bar to help her skate but quickly decided that she could skate without it.  At first she wanted Ben near her but after a few minutes she told him she "needed her privacy".  She fell a few times but would always get back up, usually without assistance from Ben.  

In case you were wondering she WAS dancing on the ice ... 

that's our girl! 

Yeah, I can do that

Phoebe took her time deciding to walk but now that she has gotten over her fear of falling she has decided to start running.  This video does not capture just how fast she can actually go but it does demonstrate how much she has improved in only a few short weeks.

It is amazing to see what a big girl she is growing into!

Bath Time - Big Time

Audra has been begging to take a bubble bath in the "big time bath" in our master bathroom. So today I gave in and filled the tub with bubbles and two excited little girls.  

Needless to say they had a fantastic time!

Phoebe was particularly delighted when she discovered she could see herself...

These girls really know how to have a good time =)

Meet me in St. Louis

It's official, we are moving to St. Louis this May.

Although we have loved our seven years here in Wisconsin we feel that it is time to move closer to family.  St. Louis will provide better access to family in Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, and Virginia (we can actually drive to VA now - no more planes - YEAH).  Ben has a job with St. John's Mercy Hospital.  We have also found a Mennonite church, something we have dearly missed living here.  In addition, we are very fortunate to have friends who live in the STL area and have already been helpful in making us feel welcome.

Big changes are coming but we are really excited and look forward to what the future will bring.  If you are ever in the area or just driving through we would love to see you! 

Just like my daddy!

Audra was helping me with the laundry the other day when she made a "great discovery", Ben's holiday scrub hats.  Given her love of her daddy and hats she just had to wear one.  Of course she encouraged Phoebe to put one on too!

Wearing one of Ben's shirts and scrub hats she really does look like a little anesthetist

Now if only I could get her to take the scrub hat off (she insists on wearing it EVERYWHERE, even to the grocery!)

I am three and I enjoy acting my age

Apparently this is the best place to keep your napkin until you need it...

Such a big girl

So Phoebe has been hinting for some time that she wants to sit at the "big table".   Imagine a lot of pointing and some baby yelling that sounds quite demanding.  We finally gave in and moved her from the high chair to the booster seat. 

She could not be more pleased with herself!

funny thing...

The title of the previous post "cookies for everyone if you dare" was strangely prophetic.  Although not all of us ate the cookies many of the family ended up getting sick after our family get together on Saturday evening.   Ben's Aunt Karen, cousin Kate, and I all got sick on Sunday.  Grandpa Yoder and cousin Walter also got sick a few days later.  I was so sick in fact we decided not to go to Oklahoma to see my family and ended up coming home a day early.  Even though I was VERY disappointed to have to go home early, it ended up being the best decision as it took me four days to feel better and both girls have now gotten sick.  Plus, I would have hated to get my parents or pregnant sisters sick.  We hope to make up for it this spring!!!