Nutcracker ("A long one")

The Girls have taken to dance parties rock n roll style, as well as stage performance ballet.  To prepare for an upcoming enrollment in dance class, they were each given a new leotard and ballet slippers, which pretty much are worn anytime they are at home. 

Spring Break

 The Girls had a rotating set of sitters this week during their school spring break, while Mama y Papa were working.  They made trips to two different Children's Museums, Choo Choo restaurant for lunch, trips to the Park and a hike into the Forest to look for deer (we spotted many!).

Caroline enjoying some mild weather on the rings.  V & C decided to take the baby pool out without water, but gave the effect of higher difficulty!  C held this position longer than one would think :) 

C, V and Nonny at a nearby park.  The Girls enjoyed a picnic and pretty much covered every piece of park equipment two times.

Papa and the Girls went hiking in a nearby Forest Preserve.  The Girls enjoyed lunch on a log and also did some exploring and balance-walking along various fallen trees.  Eventually fatigue struck Caroline "Daddy, my legs are tired!", so she enjoyed a shoulder-ride out of the woods.

The entire clan went back into the woods at dusk to look for deer and we spotted 6-8 meandering through the woods munching on grass and berries.  Upon spotting a deer, Caroline would direct the group to another area to look for another one.  Victoria enjoyed following the deer tracks in the Woods.  After our National Geographic expedition, we hit the local DQ for some ice cream!

V and C setting out on a Sunday afternoon hike.  Wellingtons in tow due to some muddy conditions along the Des Plaines River.

Just like A Walk In The Woods!

Dance Party

The Girls like to host dance parties in Daddy's lounge.  What is supposed to be Papa's retreat has quickly turned into a favorite destination for the Girls.  They enjoy throwing on some tunes and bustin a move.  Usually with lights off and a spotlight, they will take turns struttin' their stuff.  C's favorite move is either the "hoola hoop" or the "rockstar".  V says her favorite is the "ballerina" dance.

Perfect Packing Snow

With the warm up on Sunday, the Girls were able to enjoy a snow ball fight (Papa vs the Girls), a build-a-snowman and  the construction of a snow castle.  Surprisingly, neither one of them destroyed it.

They had such a good time that only after 2 hours of hungry stomachs did they go inside for some lunch that Mama was making.  Meanwhile, their friend Lilly and Rosie (not shown) came over to help out.

Ho Ho Ho!

The Girls enjoyed an exciting Christmas Season this year, kicked off by their first school Christmas Performance at Mary Seat.  Caroline and Victoria were so excited to wear their new vestidos that Areli and Family gave to them.  Santa then came early to Park Ridge so that the Girls could enjoy a trip to FL over Christmas Week.

Victoria (pink), friend Kaitlyn and Caroline (purple) singing their reindeer song on stage.  A lot of VERY proud parents in the audience.

Three Peas in a Pod.  The three Girls do everything together.

V & C at our early Christmas in Park Ridge.   The Girls were a big help making cookies for Santa and Peppermint (Elf on Shelf) gave the Girls a good report!  Caroline proved she is definitely the rapid gift opener of the pair.

V & C had a great time at the beach, however, within an hour of being there Victoria and Mama were stung by a jellyfish for the second time while in Palm Beach.  The reward is a smoothie and ice cream, so Caroline smartly said upon returning to the beach that she wanted to get stung by a jellyfish!

C & V were fish, we spent most of our day either in the ocean or the pool and water slide.  Santa also brought them two necklaces that they are both wearing in this picture.  Santa came to FL also, for his vacation.

As you can see, Santa arrived Christmas morning at the resort "Florida Style", arriving on the beach via his waverunner.  Papa thought this Santa may have been out late the night before, and he wasn't delivering gifts!

Once inside with St. Nick, Victoria realized that the beach Santa was different from the one under the tree.  Mama reassured her that the waverunning Santa was just a helper.  We know we'll have to be careful with the Christmas story as V starts asking more questions!

Caroline enjoying some delicious hot chocolate and cookies after visiting with Santa Claus.

To keep it real, the weather on Christmas was overcast and windy, so we went on a seashelling expedition.  The Girls collected plenty of shells for jewelry making projects.

All in all, the Girls loved their trip to Florida, but Victoria said she misses her little "Lovey" at home and Caroline misses her "bed".

Merry Christmas!

Cuatro!

The Girls turned 4 this October 6th and had a Smashing [cold & rainy] Bday Party at Didier Farms. Despite the chilly weather, they had a great time w/ their friends at the Pumpkin Patch and loved the hay ride, corn maze and of course the cake!  Even though they are 4, Victoria insists that she "will always be our little baby doll".  

Here the Girls are enjoying a fresh blueberry/banana yogurt shake as a little snack.  Caroline really enjoys any edible that enables her to create a mess of her mouth!

Bday Cake for the ninas.

Panchos, hats and gloves for the haunted hay ride!

Mama y Papa forgot Victoria's hat, so she was sporting Mama's, which made her look like a 4 year old hipster!  Harper, next to her, is ready for the weather!

Lilly and Abby showing off their clementine decorations.

Caroline was looking so looking forward to her cake.  She was able to enjoy leftover cake for a couple more days.

The Girls were so proud of their new bikes.  Unfortunately, Papa initially had just one assembled, so it was a true test of sharing, but they did all right.  Nonnie and Pop accessorized the bikes with streamers and bells.

Sissy Love!

Mama and the Girls doing some recent leaf raking for Papa while he was a way. Victoria said it was a lot of hard work.

Eby Family photos.  The Girls were happy excellent subjects throughout the shoot.

Nonnie, Pop and the Grand Daughters

It doesn't take much for them to smile when their Mommy is around!

Victoria has about a full 2 inches on her sister these days.

Tia Kristin and her nieces.

And they're off......

The Girls' first day of Pre-School at Mary Seat was a few weeks ago.  Overall, so far, so good.  Albeit, the Girls are now having to be woken up in the morning because the routine gets started pretty early and neither one is really a ray of sunshine when she is woken up prematurely.

This morning, for example, Mama opened V's door; V looked up and then pulled her covers over her head.  C usually comes out with a whimper of a voice and says "I'm so tired"....but we march on, usually put a vestido on them (C loves dresses), brush the hair/teeth and get them a quick breakfast.

They are enjoying their teacher, Mrs. Golden and have already brought home a number of new songs, phrases, and 'prayers', which is quite cute.

Just before school started, we took an overnight to New Buffalo to visit their friend Harper, so below are some pics from that trip and the first days of school.

V at the Silver Lake Beach Carousel

Sweet little Harper on the Merry Go Round

C loves face painting (or scribbling)

V testing out her "sleep sack" prior to her first day of school

Well, here it is, Morning 1 of Day 1 of Year 1 of Pre School. Having their morning cereal/yogurt.

Their new dresses from Nonny on Day 1.  Best buds about ready to head off to school.

Uggghhhh...the school specifically said at least 17" backpacks...mind you, they look like human turtles when they have these things on.