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.