The Kitty and the Doggy

Emily (L) Dog and Madeleine (R) Tiger

Emily
Madeleine

No! We do not have new pets as the title might indicate. We went to the church picnic last Sunday and they had face painting. Woo hoo! Madeleine wanted to be a kitty and handled it well when she became more of a tiger. Emily wanted to be a puppy and handled it well when she thought Madeleine's face looked better than her own.

In other news - I was recently informed I am not "cool" (jr. high flashback). I was fixing dinner and singing a song that had been on the radio in the car. When asked what I was doing I explained...and added that I was super-cool. Emily kindly informed me "Mom, you're not cool! Aunt Liz is cool!" Madeleine offered her support with "Yeah, Mom." - I think the "duh" was implied. I informed them that is fine. I also mentioned, on a pre-emptive note, that I am their mom, so don't expect me to be their friend....saw enough of that as a teacher - not always a good thing.

Madeleine came home from school yesterday with an "Incident Report". Needless to say I was not happy when I saw this in her folder. Then I read it - "Another child cut Madeleine's hair during writing center." Oh thank God - I'm the "victim's" mom! Much less embarrassing. The report continued "The other child apologized and we discussed using scissors only for paper." I can not even see where the trim occurred, so it isn't as if we are walking around with one pig-tail!

Today we met with our new pediatrician. At the old doctor every appointment involved long waits and inane forms. They had Till listed as only Madeleine's father for the first two years we went there - Emily did not have a father according to them, they sent a bill to a non-existent address and when we didn't get it Emily ended up in collections before we knew what was going on, they no longer visit their patients at the hospital (even newborns after delivery) and the straw to break the camel's back...at the girls' four year check-up they charged us for asking questions! I gave myself six months to cool down and was still irate, so we switched. Our new doctor is a young woman, very patient and let us ask as many questions as we wanted. (It is almost as if she sees us as concerned parents who have the responsibility to find out about our children's health and advocate for them!) She had been on call at the hospital last night and had quite a night as lots of babies arrived. When the office realized she'd be late getting in this morning they called and asked us to come 30 minutes later. Thank you....I thought it was great to get the appointment pushed back instead of being stuck in the waiting room an additional 30 minutes.

We are leaving for Germany soon and I am less than thrilled as the U.S. State Department has issued a "travel alert" about Al Qaeda threats in Germany. I sent a car key to a close friend from college who lives near DC and could get our car out of the airport garage if something happened. When I emailed my request - she said she would of course do whatever I wanted her to do, but is going to insist our college begin requiring English majors take a probability class. Hey lady, you don't talk about probability to the mother of naturally-conceived identical twins!! We don't have a whole lot of faith in statistics.

Anyhow, we are off. We are registered with the State Department and we changed our plans to avoid Frankfurt (except for flights) and its subway system. I'll go for a week without my white tennis shoes (dead give-away for an American) and we will do our best to stick to small towns!

Prima Ballerinas?

Ankles with rather baggy tights...and we bought the smallest pairs available.


Emily

Madeleine

Last Monday Madeleine and Emily started their ballet careers. I was informed before their class "I'm going to show the teacher my moves!" by Miss Emily. It was suggested, perhaps, we let the teacher show us moves.

Anyhow, being a cheapskate I refused to enroll four-year-olds in the private studio, so we are doing thirty minutes a week through the park and rec dept. When it looks like this activity has scholarship potential, we'll look into more expensive lessons. In the mean time, we basically wanted to wear the clothing and "twirl". The girls had a great time at their first lesson and have asked every day since "Do we have ballet today?"



MadeleineEmily

Saturday we went to the local Farmers' Market and finally caved into the heckling to buy small pumpkins. Each girl picked out one little pumpkin and then we all picked out a "family pumpkin" to reach the 3 for $1 limit.

Emily and Madeleine wanted to paint their pumpkins which are now "creative"?

We had tried to grow pumpkins of our own (we carved our names in them and everything)....However. The vines were everywhere and I went out to trim them and try and regain some of the lawn and managed to cut the "supply vine" to the "Madeleine" and "Emily" pumpkins right before we left for Spokane. We came back and the "Schreiber" pumpkin was going strong...thank goodness. Then, a few days later I went to check on it, and noticed a smaller pumpkin near it. It was just in the process of turning from green to orange....I went to pick it up and it was a turtle. Who, sadly, had been snacking on the base of the "Schreiber" pumpkin...so it rotted from the bottom up. We will try again next year!

Today, Madeleine had "alone time" with me while Emily went to school. Emily's turn is Monday. We went to the store so Madeleine could pick out our lunch (Scooby Doo mac and cheese and canned mixed veggies - blech!), went to a cafe for a snack, came home and vacuumed the family room, folded laundry and put baby clothing on hangers for an upcoming consignment sale. We had a really nice time together and it completely reaffirmed that I hate having twins and am not good at it. I don't hate the girls, or parenthood, I just wish I could have had some time with each of them without the other one around - it doesn't matter if it is a few months with the first before the second comes, or the ability to send older kids to school and drive the younger one alone to school...such is life.

He Might Need A Cab

Courtesy The Library of Congress

Today we had to put our cat Lincoln to sleep. He was diagnosed with diabetes about six weeks ago and there has been no progress....despite switching vets and about $1,400 in vet bills.

The vet (the second one is much better than the first and not ordering tests we don't need, etc.) was optimistic about prognosis...but we have two small children and enough is enough. Also, Lincoln HATED going to the vet - it took a sedative and 20 minutes this afternoon before he would so much as let me touch his ear. He had spent the day there having his glucose tested (which would have to happen about every two weeks had we continued) and was beside himself.

So...I brought his body home and, following advice on the internet, let the girls pet him -they wanted to, say good-bye, witness his burial, etc.

Needless to say, we have not used the term "put to sleep" with the girls...could lead to some serious sleep-related issues. So, we just told them "The vet gave Lincoln a very special shot that killed him". We told them people do not get this kind of shot.

Last week I mentioned Lincoln was sick and we were giving him medicine to make him better, but it might not work. I was informed "That is okay, I can play with him in Heaven."

Okay.

Tonight, there was what can only be described as devastation.

Following the "ceremony" the questions began. The point of most concern being Lincoln going to Heaven. We told the girls the angels would come and get him tonight.

"How?"

"They use magic."

"How?"

"Okay, you know how Santa gets down the chimney?"

" Yes."

" Well, the angels use magic like that to come get Lincoln."

"Will they use his sleigh and reindeer?"

It seems if Santa is going to make his rounds this year, he might want to have a cab reserved. Just in case the angels are using his sleigh to pick up a deceased pet.

"Sleep"over

Madeleine, Emily and Emerson with various sleeping "accessories"

Wednesday was not only the first day of preschool for the year, (Thank God!! Don't get me wrong, I love the girls and generally we had a lot of fun this summer. However, Labor Day was late and around here it is apparently some sort of catastrophic sin to start school before Labor Day....all three of us were ready to go to school.) it was also our first sleepover.

Emily and Madeleine's friend Emerson came over to our house after school on Wednesday. After playing while their gourmet lunch of grilled cheese sandwich and apple slices was prepared, the girls ate and then went upstairs for a nap. Not that I had any real hope of sleep actually occurring.

Everyone used the facilities and got into jammies without issue. It was then into bed with security blankets, etc. I knew if there was the slimmest chance of sleep actually happening, I'd have to be in the room too. So I did a little work while the girls went to "sleep". The results are as follows:

Madeleine - She clearly inherited her mother's lack of ability to stay awake during a sleepover. She tossed and turned a bit and then pulled her comforter over her head and crashed.

Emerson - She gave going to sleep the most valiant effort I have ever witnessed. She was very quiet and kept her eyes closed....at one point I thought she had dozed off, but am not sure.

Emily - She nearly found herself listed on Craigslist. She decided she was not tired and tossed, turned, got out of bed, tossed, got out of bed again and loudly announced she wasn't tired - repeatedly. She was immune to the glares, hissing and threatening hand motions from her mother.

The young ladies of our household deemed the "sleep"over a roaring success and I am now being pestered for a "night time one".

Hallelujah!!

Emily (L) and Madeleine (R)

Preschool started today - enough said.

Editors' Notes

Cindy, Madeleine (in front) and Emily

It seems my account of our trip to Spokane was not sufficient in the eyes of my editors/the blog's subjects. It was pointed out I did not include EVERYTHING we did. True. The main bones of contention appear to be that I did not mention playing with Cindy and the garden hose, going to the park and going to Cat Tales. So let me begin.

Cindy is my parents' dog. She is part Muppet and part unknown. She was rather hyper as a youngster, but appears to be settling into middle age nicely. She adores chasing water as it comes out of a hose and the girls had fun playing with her. The biggest issue was Emily and Madeleine tended to sort of chase Cindy with the hose, which confused issues a bit.

Last spring and early this summer we were getting some rather heavy campaigning for a dog. We pointed out that isn't really feasible because we travel for the holidays and in the summer. The girls were told the cats are okay for a couple of days before a petsitter comes, but a dog has to go out several times a day. Later, the dog issue came up again and Emily, from the backseat of the car, in her best Eeyore voice said "Yeah, we can't get a dog because we travel." Madeleine sighed heavily in agreement. The girls were told Cindy is their dog, she just happens to live in Spokane.
Emily (L) and Madeleine running from the fountain to the hill we like to roll down.

The formal gardens.

The last night we were in Spokane I took the girls to Manito Park. Sadly, I tend to take this park for granted as it has always just "been there". My daughters did not take it for granted. They loved the formal gardens around the fountain and wore their noses out in the Rose Garden - Madeleine literally told me "My nose is tired from all of this sniffing." Of course, we see the park when we go sledding in the winter, but strangely it is covered in snow then. Next summer, we will have to make more trips to the park.

And finally Cat Tales! For at least two years my dad has suggested going to Cat Tales, a wild cat sanctuary, every time we have visited. For some reason it never worked out. But this time we pulled it off. My parents and I enjoyed it, but my illustrious offspring were slightly put off by the smell (go figure, animals smell) and were more interested in the playground equipment at the front of the facility, than the animals in the facility. The only time they asked to have their pictures taken was when they were next to large fake (plastic?) roosters. I personally left rather fed up with humanity. The cats there are rescue cats from a variety of sources, not just from circuses, etc. One of the lions is there because some idiot "wanted their own Detroit Lion" and tried to keep this wild animal as a pet! Really? I have an idea about who should be put in a cage, preferably with the lion.

Recently, it has been VERY hot and humid in Williamsburg. Madeleine and Emily have handled this much better than their mother who whines and complains about the heat and dragging two kids around in it. Two weeks ago we went to Busch Gardens and were all literally dripping sweat by the time we left - and we were there when it opened...it wasn't afternoon heat - just God-awful humidity. This week is cooler and less humid (thank God!) so we have been able to go back outside. And...it appears the bugs that like to feast on my children have tapered off some too.

Yesterday was "Meet the Teacher Day" and there was a "vacuum for kids that really sucks stuff up!" in the classroom. We are thrilled!

Haste Makes Waste For My Minis

We told the girls they can each pick out an outfit when we go to Germany this fall. Last night I was looking at the website for the department store we will probably visit and they had the children's sizes split into "baby", "minis", "kids". Madeleine and Emily's sizes are in the "mini" range - the term just struck me as funny (and pretty accurate, not babies, but not quite big kids). The girls saw the site and want the Ariel t-shirt...great we drag them to Germany and they want to buy a Disney product.

Yesterday I bought each of the girls a pair of jeans at a store where I had not shopped before (the girls were home with their dad). I guessed on the size and, of course, the jeans were too long. I knew the store had three pairs in the next size down, but it was a Saturday and there were a lot of people there - we needed fast action. I called the store and they very nicely put two pairs behind the counter and the girls and I headed out. I threw the dresses they had worn to church over their heads, slapped on four sandals and headed out the door. I buckled Emily in and was just starting on Madeleine when she got a rather distressed look on her face. I asked her what was the matter and she wailed "I don't have on underwear!!" (I know I handed her her pair in their room.) So, I ran back upstairs, grabbed underwear, put them on her in the garage and we exchanged the jeans without further incident.

Five Raccoons, A Truck and Other Adventures

Madeleine in green and Emily in yellow.

Everyone knows when kids are quiet it is time to investigate what is going on. This is very true in our house. Whispering also warrants concern. However, earlier this summer I overheard a question that sent red flags flying up the pole faster than anything to date. Emily and Madeleine share a room and the window is fairly close to Emily's bed. In fact, one of the curtains can stretch over to the head of Emily's bed.

Recently, Madeleine and Emily were supposed to be napping. Our room has a common wall with their room and I was in our room doing something when I heard "You think I need I helmet?" (we have pronoun issues)...hitting the floor running I rounded their doorway to find Emily sitting on the edge of the curtain, which was in fact stretched across her mattress - she was facing the wall and her back was facing the room. Both girls had contributed their pillows to the large pile on the floor, strategically placed for Emily to land on I might add. Madeleine had her hands on the curtain and her feet braced, ready to pull. As I came around the corner, she got as far as "Ready, set" before I chimed in with a few questions. As near as I can surmise, the plan was to yank the curtain and pull Emily backward off the bed, where she would of course land on the pillows, but might also require her helmet. I give up.

Having had the curtain adventure snatched away from them, the girls embarked on a trip to the Pacific Northwest. Our flight got in early enough we went straight to the lake where we spent about 11 days of our two weeks.

We quickly fell into our routine of a morning boat ride in search of M&Ms. Usually, our destination was Harrison, where we could play on the playground in the park.

Emily and Grandpa. She put on her own sunglasses and shunned any assistance in "correcting" the position of them. So be it.

Captain Madeleine and Grandpa.

Madeleine, our bear friend and Emily on the Harrison playground.

We decided to make homemade ice cream this year and opted for strawberry. I can't remember if we had seen this on Curious George or read about it, but we knew salt was involved and we got to crank the handle.

Uncle Kyle cranking while Madeleine sits on the freezer.

Emily showing Uncle Paul and Uncle Kyle how to crank the ice cream.

Continuing on the sugar-based food theme, we also made s'mores. This was better in theory than practice. The girls did not want "any brown on the marshmallows", but wanted them "cooked", and thought their chocolate was utterly ruined when covered in marshmallow and put between graham crackers.

There was also some sincere concern regarding the fire component. When asked to get closer to Uncle Paul to watch the marshmallow cook, Emily responded "No! This is as close as I get." Apparently, the monthly fire drills at preschool have made an impression. (Recently one of the smoke detectors at home beeped because of a low battery. Both of the girls came unglued, insisted Till take them outside and would not come back in until I "searched" the house.)

Madeleine
Emily in pink - that was as close as she got, even then she has a rather sober expression - and Madeleine in green.

Not at all related to dessert, Madeleine and Emily got to ride in Grandpa's truck. The truck is something that has been a topic of interest for quite some time. They got to leave our driveway, drive down the private gravel road about three houses and come back to the house!

The girls also got to ride with Aunt Liz - but not in the truck. This brave soul voluntarily took the girls shopping and to lunch. They went to the mall and bought sticker earrings and princess necklaces and bracelets. The understanding was they would probably go to lunch at a fine dining establishment like McDonald's, but the peanut gallery suckered their aunt into IHOP instead. I was not permitted on this trip, so do not have pictures of the actual events - however, I truly appreciate the peace and quiet!

Liz leaves for Paraguay in a few days and will be there for a year. Upon realizing we will not see her at Christmas I was informed "that sucks" and the situation is "a bummer".

Madeleine and Aunt Liz
Emily and Aunt Liz (Em looks a bit downcast because she had suffered some sort of emotional trauma at the time of the picture - I think it involved taking turns in the hammock....)

One afternoon we were sitting on the deck when the dog got upset and tried to take off. Thankfully, she was tied to the railing, so she did not experience her desired interaction with a mother raccoon who was out and about with her five babies. The babies went up a tree and stayed put for some time, while mom stayed out of sight, but probably not too far away. As soon as we left them alone (as in not taking pictures), they went on their merry way.

There are two on the left side of the trunk and three on the right.

When we ventured back to Spokane, we went to a family picnic. My cousin Diane was there with her children, including 8 month old Tayler. Emily and Madeleine were smitten with this young lady and got to hold her (with heavy assistance) and played with her.


Madeleine in blue and Emily in pink offering toys to Tayler.

Yesterday we went to the last movie of the summer and it was a bust. However, the rest of the movies have been great and the girls did a good job making it through several in their entirety. The overwhelming favorite was Horton Hears A Who. We now own this particular bit of cinematic magic. Unfortunately, one character calls another a "boob" as an insult and the girls, especially, Madeleine think this is hysterically funny to repeat. I am not looking forward to this conversation with our preschool teachers and may try and pre-empt it by warning them in advance. This is a word we don't use and while there are others for which I should take responsibility, but will blame on Till as he won't be there to defend himself should it come up at preschool, this isn't one of them.

Big Girls and Summer

Madeleine, Sarah, Samantha, Emily, Kaitlin and Drea on the Elmo ride

The "big girls" reference is not to ourselves, but rather some 9th graders who came to visit. One of my good friends, Sarah, teaches junior high. This summer she bravely embarked on an east coast trip with three of her students. Their final stop was the "Historic Triangle" of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown before they flew out of Richmond. We got to spend time with them and Madeleine and Emily are in awe of the "big girls". My Little Ponies received braided manes and tails, the big girls came to our house for dinner and they even rode with Emily and Madeleine on some of the Busch Garden rides!!

In non-big girl news. It was with more than a bit of trepidation I was looking ahead to this summer. I have been completely spoiled by preschool and the luxury of being able to predictably and reliably run to the grocery store alone! However, it has been a great summer so far.

Madeleine and Emily participated in "Tuesday Turtles" through the county park and rec department. Each Tuesday, for four weeks, the girls would join other children at a park, make crafts, go on a nature hike and eat a snack. It seemed the program was a success as we would like to do it again next year.

Emily and Madeleine also did a week of "day camp" (Mo-Th 8:30-11:30) and will do another later in the summer. Again crafts seemed to be key, which is great as we love them.

The early part of the summer was spent with our friend Emerson at Busch Gardens, Water Country and her neighborhood pool. One day she and her mom Amy came to our house and taught us how to make strawberry mice!

Emily in pink and Madeleine in green making strawberry mice.

Madeleine, Emily, Emerson.

Madeleine, Emerson and Emily with Lincoln who decided to camp out in the bathroom sink - I have no idea why, but it amused the girls.

And...we managed to catch a movie. Regal is once again doing free kids movies and we managed to sit through an entire feature-length film. Our debut was with Horton Hears A Who. Honestly, it looked pretty touch-and-go at the beginning as the movie starts with a close-up, as in a bug's perspective, of water drops on a leaf and a rolling seed pod. This was enough to make Emily burst into tears and Madeleine whimper. I put Emily in my lap and tried to calm her down, when that did not work I began hissing loving maternal things like "Emily you are fine!", "Emily suck it up", "Emily it can't get you", "For crying out loud Emily it is a kids' movie!!"...we were not through the opening credits. However, we found the movie was about a friendly elephant and his "speck", so we survived. Madeleine burst into tears and shook at the point a character has to go the dentist and they show a close up of the numbing shot - granted it is Dr. Seuss and a bit dramatic, but the needle was not pointed at her! Anyhow, we went back and saw it again 24 hours later and managed to power through the "scary parts" - there was still whimpering.

On the Fourth we went to Busch Gardens in the morning and assumed it would be crowded. It wasn't at first! We got the characters all to ourselves!!

"Promoted"

Madeleine

Emily

Emily on the left and Madeleine on the right checking the twirling ability of their dresses (from Opa and Oma).

The three-year-olds at the girls' preschool are referred to as "Little Monkeys". As of last Friday the girls are no longer monkeys. They have been promoted to "Frogs". I took pictures of Emily and Madeleine on their first day of preschool and wanted to do the same on their last. On the first we took the pictures in front of the house, but it was too sunny to do so on their last, so we went to the parking lot Till uses at work and took pictures there (Must share this locale with local photographers!).

The "Promotion Ceremony" was nice, but the adults in our party were a bit thrown by the "Pledge of Allegiance to the Bible" (not kidding!).....We are doing some work on opening little minds to the concept that different people worship different gods and that is not only okay, but actually a good thing.

The Wednesday before "Promotion Day" was an end of the year party in the girls' classroom. The kids had fun and there was even a limbo contest - watching preschoolers "limbo" is rather amusing as no one had the proper form and eventually contestants resort to belly crawling.

Madeleine listening to directions before the beginning of the "limbo".

Emily getting under the bar in her own fashion.

Emily in orange and Madeleine in stripes

Leading up to the end of the year, we have been trying to partake in some spring time activities. I recently took the girls to College Run Farms to pick strawberries. This destination was very popular last fall, pumpkin picking, as it involves a 10 minute ferry ride to Surrey. We had a good time and, after much effort, found a row with lots of nice berries. The farm also sells homemade strawberry ice cream which was a hit. I asked if they sold green beans in the summer and on the way home Madeleine suggested they might have green bean ice cream (ugh) in the summer since they have strawberry ice cream in the spring.

Till survived another commencement weekend in which he attends three ceremonies, of some sort, over the course of two days. This year Madeleine and Emily decided they needed to partake on some level and tried on his "hat". We didn't let them near his robes, or in our house "big purple coat", as it would most certainly guarantee a trip the dry cleaners.

Emily, Ph.D.

Madeleine, Ph.D. - This particular professor was not too interested in holding still for a picture...

The day following commencement, Oma and Opa flew in for a two week visit. We went strawberry picking again, played on the playground, went to the folk art museum and played in the water at Yorktown.

Emily, Madeleine behind her, Till on sand and Oma and Opa in chairs.

Madeleine on the left (a little startled by the depth and temperature of the water) and Emily "swimming".

Emily
Madeleine

The day Oma and Opa left, Till took them to the airport and the girls and I headed to Emerson's house. Emerson is a friend of Emily and Madeleine's from school. Her family was taking care of the ducklings from Emerson's brother's kindergarten class and her mom graciously invited us over to see the ducklings.

I have to admit my favorite part was when the ducklings were put in the bathtub and literally zoomed around the water "chasing" each other. Apparently, they wear themselves out and then take a long nap - much like a couple of young ladies I know after they swim for a bit.

Madeleine

Emily

Today was the start of "Tuesday Turtles" through the park and rec department. It is a four week program wear kids learn about nature, go on a hike and make a craft each Tuesday morning. We will only attend three weeks as we have a conflict on the last Tuesday. The park where the program is located is 30 minutes from the house, so I didn't go home, but the girls had fun and I went to a nearby library branch and read in peace and quiet!

Adventures, A Party and Opinions

Honestly, we bought them beds. However, there are times when I go in to check on them before I go to bed and this is what I find. Everything on the floor and the girls sound asleep. Emily is on the left and Madeleine is on the right. The next morning when I brought up the topic, I was informed they had been "camping".

We did have a bit of a bedtime "adventure" this past week. Usually after we say good night to the girls, they play around in their room for about 30 minutes and then give up and go to sleep. However, Wednesday night I heard crying coming from their room and it was the type of crying little kids do when they are absolutely terrified. I went running in to find Madeleine with her head solidly stuck under Emily's bed and both girls screaming at the top of their lungs. Apparently, Madeleine had tossed their nightlight under the bed and then went after it. My guess is she put her head sideways to get it under there and then turned her head so her chin was against the floor. Apparently, Emily had tried to grab Madeleine's feet and pull her out, but did not meet with success.

Thursday night had some "hiccups" too. Friday was the end of the year picnic at school (mind you it is one of THREE end of the year events - this is preschool, not college!!) and we had signed up to go. However, there have been a few too many bedtime shenanigans of late and both girls were very tired and needed sleep on Thursday. They were told if they got out of bed and goofed off they would not be attending the picnic the next day. They got out of bed and goofed off. They were warned again. They got out of bed and goofed off. They did not go to the picnic. We were submitted to some of the most pathetic begging and pleading we have ever heard, but there is a point where one has to realize parents are for more than driving us places and providing the occasional grilled cheese sandwich.

You may notice in some of the pictures on this posting that two of us have very colorful fingernails. Miss Deena babysat for us last Sunday and brought her nail supplies. She painted our toenails too!

Yesterday Madeleine and Emily had a busy day. They attended Amanda's birthday party in the afternoon, and in an effort to avoid six hours of "Is it time for the party yet?" the girls and I went to Busch Gardens in the morning. We got there early and were consequently able to avoid the lines. We also tackled a couple of new rides and the girls rode alone on the Grover roller coaster (or rather they rode with each other and I was in the next car - not that I could have reached them if needed...)


Emily in her dragon boat.

Madeleine in her boat.

Dragon boat ride from last week, Emily in front and Madeleine in back.

Ready for roller coaster take-off. Madeleine on the left and Emily on the right. Madeleine had a great time and Emily said it was okay, but once was enough. I was also informed that Emily had been scared, but Madeleine held on to her.

So far, we have managed to catch the Sesame Street characters on each of our visits to Busch Gardens. I honestly can not imagine how hot it must be in those costumes - it was pushing 90 yesterday (at 10 AM) and fairly humid....

Madeleine, Zoe and Emily.

Madeleine, Abby Cadabby and Emily.

This week we got in on a new Busch Gardens adventure. We went and saw the Sesame Street 4D movie (about 15 minutes long). I have to be honest the "4D" part of it threw me a bit...to my knowledge there are 3 dimensions, but I don't spend a whole lot of time with the CNN.com science section, so maybe they discovered something new? Anyhow, we decided to give it a shot. I had never been to a 3 D movie before and thought it was great.

The movie starts and it is 3D and I'm laughing at the girls when they try to reach out and touch things, etc. Then the "4th dimension" kicks in. When Ernie tosses Rubber Duckie in the bath tub the chair in front of you squirts water at you. Or when Oscar calls his "trash vermin" from the back of the theater to the front, they puff air at your legs that is supposed to feel like critters running by. The girls, especially Emily, did not like the water being squirted at them - and in fairness, at their height it hits them in their faces. About the third squirt I had some royally ticked preschoolers on my hands. Then the "dogfish" came. Mind you this is a Sesame Street dogfish, so it is a fish that looks like a beagle and has long floppy ears, but we were convinced it would swim up and bite us. I tried telling them to take the glasses off when they got scared because then they saw everything was on the screen, but no luck. We left, in tears, 7 minutes into the movie. Maybe next year and with a raincoat.

In our glasses, ready for the movie to start. Emily's shirt (blue) is proof we had just visited a water fountain.

We skipped our nap, something which we are not ready to do, and went to Amanda's party at 2. If I had had to drive them one more exit on the highway they would have been asleep in their carseats. Amanda had her party at a place where you paint pottery and both girls painted gorgeous butterflies. Amanda also had a pinata (this is the "new" kind where children take turns pulling ribbons from the bottom and one ribbon opens it...while safer, it is less dramatic in that there is no wondering who will end up with a black eye from the stick!) which we thought was "pretty cool" and call it "the candy game".

Madeleine left and Emily right at the party. It was not my idea that they wear identical jumpers, especially when there are adults, who do not know them, trying to keep track of who is who. However, Amanda's mom is an identical twin and didn't seem phased at all.

In other news, for which there are no photos...

We are developing strong opinions about many things and not hesitating a whole lot in sharing them. The day of the preschool art show I came in to get the girls up from their naps and Madeleine looked me up and down and then asked if that was what I was going to wear to the art show. When I said yes and asked if that was okay I was informed "Your hair looks a little bit goofy." It did (bad haircut last time), but I really didn't need to hear it.

When Mom and Dad were here Liz sent the girls sticker earrings. We are apparently unable to leave the house without wearing them. The second time we were bowling Madeleine gasped and grabbed her ear. This was dramatic enough I looked over to see if her ear had fallen off and and when I asked what was wrong was informed she had forgotten to put on her earrings. "O-rings" in our house. I told her that was okay, I wasn't wearing any either.

We continue to have fun riding our bikes. And, at least for the moment, appear to have given up holding on to our sister's handlebar while she pedals....they were doing this on Easter morning when Dad and I took them out. The bikes are the hotwheels kind (3 wheels, low to the ground) and shockingly Emily got her feet tangled and fell. When she got up you could see the mental wheels turning and that she thought she'd be in trouble for continuing to do what she was told not to - holding her sister's moving bike. So, in an effort to recover, she announced, "See, that is why you wear helmets!" and then proceeded to bend over and thump her helmeted head on the pavement a time or two to illustrate her point.

Recently, while walking downstairs the girls and I were talking about the guest room. Emily informed me "It is called the guess room because I get to guess who is in there."