Big Release

The girls both love the small frog pond in Grandpa Johnny & Zee Zee's backyard.  Only we all started to notice that there were less and less frogs.  So we decided to work on this animal habitat.  After cleaning it out, the girls went on a hunt for water life from the nearby creek to add to the pond.

Just Cora being Cora

No words could describe this look.  This is all Cora.  

Cora on Skates

First time on actual skates.  Didn't go all that well, to be honest.  Mom and Dad had to take turns bending over to hold her up because standing was just not going to happen on its own.  Oh well.  Maybe next year.  Back to boot skating for now :)

There are just those moments...

Sometimes, there are those moments that are so amazing, wonderful and significant...but only because it's your kid.  Only because you know exactly what this moment means in the context of your child.  I just had one of those with Addy.  Addy has always been on the shy side.  And particularly when it comes to men.  And particularly when it means that, even though she may be good at something, if she knows it will make her the center of attention.  She's never the kid to volunteer for something in a group setting.  Until our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at church.  

Flower the Clown was there.  And not only did he make amazing balloon creations, he put on a magic show.  And Addy LOVES magic shows.  In a way that took us by surprise, actually.  She captivated.  And laughs so loud at the corny jokes that people actually turn around to look to see who's making that racket.  Well, when Flower asked for a volunteer and Addy tentatively put her arm up, I could feel the tears welling in my eyes.  I was so proud.  I know just how much courage that took for Addy.  For most of the other kids who were there, who were tripping over each other to volunteers, this was any other night, any other magic show.  But not for Addy.  And then when Flower picked her.  And she walked up there.  I saw in that moment Addy growing up and taking on a challenge.  

Here she is, picking her card.

And then showing the rest of the group.

(I had to include a picture of the amazing balloon creations - Addy had a t-rex, Cora a cow.  Their choices!)

Winter at Nature Center

Daddy takes the girls on great adventures.  Here's the pictures they took to tell me about their winter hike at the Nature Center.

Sisters

Just some sister shots that I've been collecting.

@ WinterFest in Cleveland Metroparks.

@ a hockey game. Go cousin Trevor!

Just hanging out, playing a game.

Building castles.

Climbing.

@ Maddie's Princess Party

A little yoga, thanks to Addy's enrichment class at Carol Nursery School.  Yes, she's on a yoga mat and Cora is using the dog beg.  We do our best.

Hockey, Addy Style

She's not going to make a pro team yet, but she's got potential.