Real-Looking Fake Kitten Meets Daisy

Bennett's real-looking fake kitten tagged along to Grandpa and Grandma's for an evening around the campfire over the weekend. She (Bennett tells me that calico cats are almost always female) had the good fortune of meeting the neighbor's horse, Daisy, while there. Daisy did not seem to be very impressed with the kitten. She looks as though she's about to eat the cat, but rest assured...Daisy and the kitty are on opposite sides of the electric fence. Bennett would never truly jeopardize the the life of Real-Looking Fake Kitten. I'm pretty sure that this kitten was the best $5.99 we've spent on our child, as far as toys go.

Intro to Gelato

We took the girls out for gelato the other evening while on a roadtrip. It was their first experience with this treat. Bennett enjoyed hers but was slightly disappointed with the flavor she chose. Ainsley was not the least bit disappointed. I do wonder if she got more gelato in her mouth or on her face and shirt. I think we may have to kiss the shirt goodbye. I don't know if any amount of stain remover can salvage it. Oh well, every now and then it is great to see a tiny kid all trashed out in exchange for a great, fun experience.

An Artist Is Born

This morning, Ainsley took me by the hand and told me to come to the dining room to see what she had drawn in her "journal." Usually her sketches consist of a smiley face and the letter "A" but I was pleasantly surprised to see the above sketch. Of course, I had no idea what is was at first. But, she pointed to each item and explained that she had drawn the window, couch and pillows in our living room. Of course! I was so pleased to see this picture, and I am very excited to watch her begin this stage of "drawing" rather than just scribbling!

Close Call

I took Bennett, Ainsley and a cousin to a pond to feed some ducks this afternoon. When we arrived, we were greeted by one duck, one swan and at least 50 geese. My gut said "stay in the car" but like a fool, I unloaded the children and we began what soon became a bird feed to remember. Within 30 seconds of exiting the car we were surrounded by hungry geese. Mr. Swan was making his way across the pond toward us. We continued feeding until one feisty goose started coming right at me. He did not show any interest in my bread, rather he just kept coming at me. I started freaking out, which in turn caused small children to start freaking out. I quietly told them, "Get back in the car." They were frozen in fear as the geese were swallowing them up. Each command to "get in the car" became louder until finally I yelled, "GET IN THE CAR!" They all three piled over top of each other through Bennett's door and booster seat. I climbed in the passenger side over Ainsley's seat in the front because the feisty goose wouldn't let me in on my side. It was a moment of panic. We then proceded to feed the rest of our bread to Mr. Swan through slightly cracked windows, as he had finally made it across the pond to where we were. You can see him in the picture below. We will not soon return to feed the "ducks" unless there are only ducks present in a quantity less than five.

Love Notes

School has gotten off to a tearful start this year, as many of you know. Things are definitely improving, but I am certainly on Bennett's mind while she's away. Every day she brings home a note that she has written to me while she's had free time at school. Sometimes it features a drawing of her looking sad with a thought bubble above her head that contains a picture of me and a heart. Sometimes it is just text as seen in the examples above. Either way, the message is the same...she always loves me and misses me. That's good for a mom to hear, and I'm glad that she's getting better at expressing this with little to no tears!

Camel Rides

Grandpa was giving free camel rides the other night. The next day I saw him putting his knee brace on. Sorry, Mr. Camel!

Mary, Mary

Ainsley loves the nativity story. She constantly wants to read books and watch movies about Baby Jesus being born. Whenever we read or watch the nativity story, she requires that she must be wearing a blanket over her head. She also requires a baby doll in her arms. She is Mary. On the particular day pictured above, Grandma was babysitting while Bennett was at a doctor appointment. Upon returning to get Ainsley, I found not one, but two Mary's...Ainsley's new requirement is that ALL persons present during the reading and viewing of the nativity story should act as Mary. Grandma was a good sport.

Real-Looking Fake Cat Meets Real-Looking Real Cat

This is our friendly neighborhood cat, known to us as Black and White Kitty, as we do not know who owns him or what his real name is. Black and White Kitty had an amazing opportunity recently. The Girls introduced him to their real-looking fake kitten while he was over hanging out one evening. Black and White Kitty remained calm but didn't really know what to think of the imposter. He let the little critter rest on his back for a while before heading down the street for the night. We were pleased that he responded so well to Real-Looking Fake Kitty. When Bennett introduced her to some other cats in our extended family, she was nearly eaten alive!

Here Comes the Bride...Again

Ever since Ainsley participated in her uncle's wedding, she has been fascinated by the idea of getting married. It's a good thing we own a miniature wedding dress because she has been pretending to get married all week, and it has come in handy. Ainsley's enjoys playing wedding, but her only frustration is that she doesn't have a little kid around to act as the groom. She is not the least bit interested in having her mother serve as groom. She's kind of okay with having her dad fill in, but she's told me many times "I have to dance with a little kid groom." She's referring to the reception. One young man's name has been mentioned as a suitable "kid groom." Marty and Jenny, if you're reading this, dust off the tiny tuxedo and shine the loafers...your boy is needed for a dollar dance!

Wedding Weekend

Bennett and Ainsley had the honor of being in a wonderful uncle's wedding. Ainsley was a flower girl and Bennett got to ring a bell as she walked down the aisle to announce that the bride was coming. They were well-behaved and had an excellent time. Here are the girls with one of the other flower girls, a cousin of the bride.
Bennett and Ainsley enjoyed the company of this usher, in particular. They could be found visiting with him quite frequently, which was kind of funny because they really didn't know him before the wedding day.
The Girls had a great time with a fun cousin who served as Junior Groomsman.
Ainsley and another sweet cousin did a spectacular job walking down the aisle!