Darby 22/52 v2

17 months! The biggest change in Darby's life this month was her new school. This is a tough age for flexibility so we were a little worried about her ability to go with the flow (she really had not given us any reason to worry), but after a few days she was ruling the room. She also took to the routine very well, quickly getting in to the family style eating that allows her to put her own dishes in the bin, and the outside playtime that allows her to run wild in the fun new yard. Darby's teachers are skeptical that she has a mischievous bone in her body, but we know the truth and surely they will soon too!

Darby Moira - 17 Months

52 : 29 (part 4)

This week Ewan began his soccer career. He took to the sport pretty immediately and his favorite skill to practice is definitely his "power kicks!"

52 : 28 (part 4)

This week Ewan started at a new school. We have known this change was coming for about a month so we have talked a lot about it. We also took him on a tour and had him stay at the new school in backup care for a few days to prepare. By the time his first day rolled around Ewan was so excited he did not even seem to care when we left, or came back to get him! The teachers have been excited to see how quickly Ewan has adjusted to the new classroom's rules and routines, and everyone keeps saying it seems like he has been there forever... and his old school emailed me to tell me how much they miss him!

Darby 21/52 v2

This week Darby started at a new school. After a couple tough drop-offs she was fitting right in. In just 3 days she seemed fully adjusted, and appeared to be running the class. The teachers love to tell us how sweet and smart she is... they have not seen her hangry yet!

Darby 20/52 v2

This weekend Darby was helping Mama bake brother's 3.5 year birthday cake and she tried batter for the first time... chocolate cake batter! We may have created another McDonald chocoholic over here.

52 : 27 (part 4)

Ewan -

You are 3.5 now, that seems very old to me today!

Some people say the twos are terrible, but we are definitely finding you more challenging at three. Do not get me wrong, you are still a very very sweet boy, but you sure are contrary some (most) days. You can be a little rough with your sister, and sometimes with your friends, which we are working on, but you are still so sensitive. Your dad and I often discuss how you pick up on the emotions of everyone around you and you often ask, with tears in your eyes, why the people/animals are sad on television. You are always willing to give hugs and kisses, and have snuck in to bed with mama at night a few times in the last couple of weeks, and when I wake up and ask why you say, "I need a cuddle." Your imagination is running wild, which has also brought on the idea of fear, which you do not have much of, but you definitely talk about it more than ever before. You love to hear stories and tell stories, and you never turn down a sing-a-long. Now that I jot this all down, maybe there is nothing terrible at all about you, you are an awesome kid.

For your half birthday we had a small celebration... you got a 1/2 birthday card at school (it was mail day), a 1/2 cake at home, and two floor puzzles. The first puzzle is a world map because you love to name all of the continents and are working on learning your oceans, and the second is of dinosaurs (another current addiction). We do not want you to be the kid that needs something every-time you go in to a store, which is becoming more of a challenge, but we really love celebrating with you and are always looking for an excuse for cake.. chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, and red sprinkles and writing of course --- red continues to be your favorite color.

We have some fun plans coming up, a trip to disneyland and then the caribbean, but first you are starting at a new school, which you can't stop talking about... we really hope the excitement for the change continues. Stay cool kid, and know no matter how much we debate things you will ALWAYS be our favorite boy!

Cuddles,
Mama

EP @ 3 Years 6 Months

Darby 19/52 v2

The kids have spent weeks preparing their summer home - there was a lot of coloring needed and then some strategic folding. Since it has been done they have loved bringing every toy they have in to the house and sitting in it singing. Darby gets so excited when ever anyone pops in the door to say hi and her favorite feature is definitely the window.

52 : 26 (part 4)

Ewan has an increasing interest in video games. He names toys and drawings after the characters and begs his Daddy to race (Mario Kart 8) or fight (Super Smash Brothers Wii U). He is a bit of a button masher, but he loves to play, and this last weekend his sister wanted to join the fun and he was a great mentor.