a week of firsts ...

It was an exciting week for us. It seems that at this age we are continually experiencing a first something.... the first time Lexi said "what's that?", the first time Kenzie said "bye, bye." The first time they walked down the outside steps on their own. The first time they ate dried mango, etc.... But this week we had some extra special firsts. Kenzie & Lexi had their first gymnastics class and their first music class. I'm not sure why, but I was very excited about these "first" experiences for them. Maybe it is because in a way I can't believe that my babies are old enough to be going to gymnastics and music class. Maybe it is because it is "back to school" season and it made me think about all of the future classes they will take and first days of school we will experience. Whatever it was, I was excited and a bit emotional and very happy that I was able to arrange my work schedule so that I was able to be there and experience these "firsts" with my daughters.



They had a blast at gymnastics. They ran from station to station. First time on the balance beam. First time swinging on the bar. First time doing summersaults and log rolls. First time on the trampoline.




Kenzie was so excited she kept yelling "wheeee!" after each new experience. Lexi showed her excitement by dancing around.



Music class wasn't quite as big of a hit. The girls really enjoyed the parts where they got to stand up and dance, wave scarves and shake morrocas, but they weren't quite as interested in the portions when we were seated in a circle. I think the fact that Lexi wasn't feeling too well today probably played into this. While the first class wasn't all smooth sailing, I am sure that the girls will enjoy it once they get used to the format and get to know the songs, the instructor and other kids in the class.



So many firsts. So much to learn and absorb. I wonder what firsts will happen next week? There's always something new ... what an exciting and special time. I love my little gymanasts & musicians :)

labor day part 2: feels like fall

I just uploaded some pictures that I took during our trip to Ault Park on the evening of Labor Day. It felt like a crisp fall evening and the girls enjoyed running through the fallen leaves... When did that happen? I swear 2 days ago the leaves hadn't started falling and today the ground was covered. I am excited for the change of seasons and all that fall has to offer!

{wordless wednesday: summer fun in hyde park square}

Labor Day Weekend: from cooling off in the pool to bundled up at the zoo

We had a great labor day weekend. Saturday was a hot one, with temperatures over 100 degrees and the girls were excited to play in their backyard pool. They had so much fun, that when it was time to go inside for a nap they decided to make a run for it for one last (skinny) dip in the pool ... after I had already removed their bathing suits & diapers :)



That afternoon Sara came to babysit while Randall and I got to go to Kathryn & Brian's wedding. It was such a fun celebration with a special couple and many great friends!





Sunday was a rainy day and with the rain came a cold front, so by Monday highs were in the 60's. We had to break out the girls fall wardrobe so that we could meet up with Rochelle, Alexis and Victor at the zoo. The girls had lots of fun, especially in the petting zoo. Kenzie was chasing the goats, running from goat to goat giving them hugs. Lexi kept trying to give them kisses (yuck!) and wasn't even scared when a goat tried to snack on her dress. Victor wasn't so sure about the goats, but he enjoyed chasing Kenzie in order to give her hugs and kisses. Kenzie wasn't so sure about it :) We also went for our first family carousel ride while at the zoo. Overall, a fun filled weekend!






The girls celebrated their 18 month birthday on Saturday ... more to come on 18 month highlights in another post. I can't believe my babies are 1 and a half ... it seems like just yesterday we were celebrating their first birthday .... sigh....

{wordless wednesday: lexi + kenzie giggles = pure joy}

family-fun day

We woke up to a beautiful day and decided that it was a perfect day for a trip to Findlay Market & the zoo. It was our first trip to Findlay market since the girls were little-bitty and they had such fun. They enjoyed dancing to the music, petting lots of friendly dogs, and checking out all of the colorful flowers, fruits & vegetables. They also enjoyed a belgian waffle with fresh strawberries & whipped cream for breakfast. Yumm!





Next we were off to the zoo. It is so fun to watch the girls at the zoo at this age. They get so excited to see the animals and love running from exhibit to exhibit. Their favorite things right now are Gibbon Island where they can watch the gibbon's swinging overhead and the polar bears. Today, they also enjoyed the gorillas and thought the one gorilla eating celery was pretty funny.







After the girls' nap, our family-fun day continued with a trip to Whole Foods to pick up food for dinner. We grilled out and ate dinner on the back porch, savoring the last drops of sunshine on this beautiful day!

{wordless wednesday: the apple of my eye & my perfect "modern day" princess}