Paging Lilly's Parents...

Amy and I used to run away from our Mom at the mall when we were little. We'd hide in the clothing racks at Dillard's and get lost- which was cause for an overhead announcement being made across the entire department store. Well this weekend it was Rob's turn. While I was at my gardening class, Rob took the girls to the Chandler Library. Before I left the house, Lilly was playing dress-up. She was wearing a pink leotard and outrageously huge hot pink tutu, almost a giant petticoat, Nana had given her; Lilly was planning on wearing this to the library. Imagine the site when they walked through the library doors. Of course, the girls wanted to be in two different places, so Claire ran off. Rob chased her. Lilly sauntered down the stairs in her pink petticoat to the front exit where she was stopped by a nice lady at the front desk. The next thing Rob heard was... "Would the parents of Lilly Katherine please come to the Resource desk." I imagine the lady asked Lilly what her last name was, but no one understands that even when spoken clearly by an adult, let alone a 3 year old!? When Rob arrived to claim Lilly, she was coloring. Later that afternoon when I arrived home, Lilly casually told me, "I don't like going to the library with Dad. He got mad at me for coloring at the desk." That's an interesting point of view, don't you think?

BFF

What's a day at the Z house without dressing up in some fashion: Barbie, Belle, Cinderella, Ariel... Fancy Nancy? Hannah's Aunt Jo was in town this past weekend and brought Lilly and Hannah matching surprises... Fancy Nancy dresses. Thank you, Jo! For those of you who don't know Fancy Nancy, she's a character in a children's book. Shelly and I thought it would be fun to take the Best Friends for a photo shoot in their dresses...

They cracked us up the entire time by showing off for each other and the camera...  

  

Either Hannah's feet are backwards or her legs disappeared...

The photographer thought the two were related. We said, "No, just neighbors."

 Everyone needs a best friend, don't you think?

Please pray for Hannah. She will have her fourth brain surgery this Thursday for brain tumor removal. She's wearing the super cute hat due to her lack of hair from chemotherapy. You would never know by the way she behaves- happy, energetic, sassy, goofy and full of smiles, that she is facing another battle in the OR this week. We love Hannah dearly and pray for a successful surgery and quick recovery. Today, it was perfect for the girls to act as they should- young, silly and full of energy. We look forward to many more dress-up days as Fancy Nancy!

 Prayers for Hannah please!

Twice the fun

The best part of having a sister is always having a friend. The girls are blessed to have each other, and Rob and I are blessed they get along so well. In the evenings and weekends at our home, the girls play together most of the time. Lilly is quite fond of her little sister; she tries to teach her an expanded vocabulary and teaches her bad habits such as jumping on the bed. Most of the time they get along. Here's the duo at the park- Lilly was helping Claire back to the playground... explaining something along the way.

 Claire attempts to beef up her arm muscles by swinging above the slide. Look Mom, no feet!

Why suck on one when you can have two? She learned this trick this week. She will put two in her mouth, search the house for Rob or me, show us what she's done, and expect a laugh in response. Of course we laugh on command. That's our Claire!

Jenny Jenkins

Here's Claire's favorite video online. When I'm at my laptop she will climb on my lap and ask for "Elmo" which means "Youtube" which eventually leads to this favorite from Nick Jr. Enjoy.

Howdy Doody!

Howdy! We visited a western town in Mesa today as part of a field trip for Lilly's preschool. To kick the morning off, a cowgirl and cowboy sang songs, played instruments, and hammed it up with the kiddos. Having never seen a singing cowboy adorned in leather chaps, black hat, guitar and boots (pants and shirt too, of course) Lilly and Claire stared...

Claire was a bit skeptical of their authenticity...

What's a western town without the opportunity to stick your face in a silly cut out?

  Lilly bellied up to the bar on this nifty saddle. She thought it was pretty cool but was sad the saddle wasn't attached to a horse.

And better yet, what's a western town without the opportunity to pan for gold?

We didn't find any, unfortunately. Drat!

Sending a big YEEEEHAAAAW from the Southwest!

Sheriff Lilly

When I picked Lilly up from preschool today, I almost couldn't identify her. Each of the children were dressed as cowboys- even down to the mustache. I didn't have my camera at school but quickly took these pictures of Sheriff Lilly when we got home. She was quite proud of her mustache; she didn't take it off for several hours and even napped with it. Now that's dedication!

I think she even wrote her name on her badge- pretty good for a 3 1/2 year old.

Gotta love the smile!

Here she is with her stick horse and boots. When we got home from preschool, she ripped off her Crocs (shoes) and raced to find her boots. She yelled from her room, "Cowboy's have to wear boots." When Grammy called tonight, it was funny to hear Lilly explain her mustache. She told Grammy that she had dressed as Woody today - Woody the cowboy from Toy Story. It's funny, but I think that's the only cowboy she knows. Looks like we're going to need to take a trip to Cow Town in Wichita one of these days!

Here's Claire this afternoon also... all smiles after lunch

 The girls took time out to go to the park and chalk the driveway. Here's Claire making herself comfortable on the sidewalk. Needless to say I didn't let her play near the street for very long. She was supervised, I promise.

 It's just another February day in the desert. We almost needed shorts!

Claire time

While Lilly is at preschool, Claire and I enjoy time together. Sometimes we visit story time at the library, but today we just couldn't resist the beautiful Arizona weather and fun at our neighborhood park.

February in the desert brings 70 degree days, sun, blue skies, flowers- the best Phoenix has to offer. So while the rest of the country is blanketed in snow, and while Rob is literally digging his way out of Boston, Claire and I played in the sunshine. Here's a few photos of little Claire. She's getting bigger by the day.

 Did someone say shadow?

Claire has the fairest skin, bluest eyes and most beautiful hair. A doll!  

She's usually in a smiley, happy mood too.

Of course, she's very curious to know what lives under this man hole.

And she's brave too... ready to go down the big slide without any assistance. OK, maybe not. She chickened out this time, but the picture was neat anyway.

Though she's 98%tile for height, she still has a bit more to grow...

Here's to a beautiful Arizona winter day.

Feel free to book your flight for a visit. We'd love to have you!

Valentine's Party

I have fond memories of making valentines for school. Today was Lilly's first Valentine's party at preschool. She wore a pretty red dress, white tights, silver shoes and a sparkly red head band. With her sticker Disney valentines in hand, she waltzed into class. She had a big hug ready for her teacher- 

And oh boy what fun it was to put a special valentine in each bag...

Here's that forced smile again...

 What Valentine's party isn't complete without a fire drill? Here's Lilly's class patiently waiting for the "all clear" to go back inside.

Lilly was so proud of her Valentine's treats. She was even more proud of her blood stained tights- this added another splash of red to her already festive outfit. She opted out of the offer for a band-aid, probably fearing it wouldn't match her outfit.

Happy early Valentine's day!

My girls

I was feeling a little guilty for not taking many photos over the past few weeks, so here are a few I just took.

Enjoy.

Claire, age 22 months. I think she gets her blond hair from her aunt Colleen.

Lilly's fake on-demand smile. I don't think she looks a thing like me. :)

When the cat's away...

When the cat's away, the mice will play! While Rob has been in Boston on business the past few days, three little mice named Lori, Lilly and Claire have been home alone. I would love to report that we've been running all over town doing everything fun, but Claire's been a bit under the weather. 

We've had a good time... nail painting, playing dress-up, watching our favorite shows, making things to eat, stuffing the toilet.... Take a look at the antics these girls have been up to.

The girls like to wedge themselves in between the foot board and mattress of our bed. I guess it makes falling backwards super fun. They will wedge themselves like this and watch their favorite shows in our room. I always know what they're up to when the belly roll giggling echoes down the hall.

 

 

Lilly came to me and said, "Mom, Claire put paper in the potty." I said, "Well then flush it down." Lilly said, "No mom, Claire put LOTS of paper in the potty."  An entire roll- nice Claire. That's coming out of your allowance.

 And on we go with the fun until Dad comes home.