My favorite thing these days is to watch the girls play together. They are at this really sweet spot where they are discovering how to play with one another. Sloane is generous with her things and eager to help Lola do simple things and make her laugh. Lola wants to do most everything Sloane does and is so happy to be included and tries to make Sloane laugh too. They still have moments, especially when they are cranky, when they will argue over toys or poke each other, but for the vast majority they are developing this really amazing friendship and it is such a joy to watch them really enjoy each other.
Sunday night was one of those moments where, after a few nights of rough bedtimes, it was the sweetest of evenings. This evening felt especially special because I was in the moment and was in absolutely no rush (this is key!) but afterwards immediately wrote it down:
The girls played with bubbles in the bath tub for a good 45 minutes, just delighting in the bubbles and each other and occasionally tickling my toes that were hanging over the tub, and asking me to pet them when they turned into a cat (Lola) and a cheetah (Sloane). After their baths I had promised them cucumbers, so they got into their pajamas (Lola "all by myself") and then clambered up onto the dining table. Sloane was working on some thank you cards and Lola wanted to join in so they sat there, side by side, munching on cucumbers and peeking over at each other's work and giggling. They also got some carrots and milk (because they asked so nicely) and then as they finished up, Sloane went and got her bear mask. It usually scares Lola, but this time Sloane brought it out and kept saying, "it's just me lola it's just me! Don't be scared I'm a nice bear." And Lola relaxed and petted the bear and she even let Sloane put the bear mask on her ("Lola, don't worry, it will only be dark for a quick moment") and then Lola was crawling around as a bear, meowing, and Sloane was squealing with glee ("mom she's not afraid anymore!" ) As they were playing, Sloane would burst into a fit of giggles and roll around on the floor squealing, "She's just so cute! Why is she so cute?!" Talking about Lola of course. Yes, my five year old was overwhelmed by the cuteness of her two year old sister. After they brushed their teeth, and I read them a book, Lola climbed into bed with Sloane so that Sloane could read her some more books in bed together. We recently took the bars off Lola's crib and pushed Sloane's bed right up against Lola's, so that their beds are next to each other. The first few nights Lola kept getting out of bed - she was gleeful about her freedom - but after a few days, she is getting used to the idea and it helps that her older sister reads to her, soothes her, hands her water when she needs and shows her how to go to bed. It's a new era!
The first photo and a few of these photos here are from a Sunday afternoon when we drove over to a vineyard about an hour away near Charlottesville to have a picnic. There was plenty of wine and there was plenty of space for the kids to roam free. It was such a beautiful day; one of those days that makes me pledge allegiance to summer all over again.
My parents sent me this photo from the airport on the way back to their airport. I miss them.
I love smoothie bowls with all my heart, and I keep wanting to back to North End Juice Company to get some more. They also have coffee, green juice, tasty empanadas, and avocado toast! This past time I went they even had free basil to give away.
I love exploring with these girls and taking them with me everywhere. It's harder at times, but so much more fun.
Our friends stopped by on their way through Richmond and that meant Sloane and Lola got to play with their friend, Faye! These three are so cute together.
We went to go see the Potterfield Memorial Bridge. It was a warm and breezy day. It felt good to be near the water.
There was a King of Pops cart on the way to the bridge, so the girls all got a peach popsicle...which was SO good. There was none left, and none of it got dropped!
Sloane even shared the last of her popsicle with Lola.
There is this very sweet 3 year old we know who had a birthday this past weekend. Isaac is passionate about John Denver, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and singing and playing on stage. All he wanted was for all his friends to wear overalls and attend a performance by Isaac and the Sippy's. You guys. This was the cutest thing ever. I loved seeing that little boy in his element!
And here we all are, in our overalls. Well, technically, Ken and I are in Mignon's overalls. That is one of the benefits of living with an overall aficionado!
More evidence of Yesterday Sloane fed Lola every last bite of her salad, and Lola let her. The night before Sloane helped Lola brush her teeth and Lola was so happy about it.
They are the best.
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