But don't take my word for it...

I have always been a little leery of the fact that to get to the Children's Museum from the parking ramp we must pass by a clown. Until our most recent visit, I've tried to speed Mia and Alli right on by, keeping them out of danger. This last trip, however, the girls decided to test my theory that clowns eat children for themselves. I owe their survival to the philanthropic nature of this particular clown, whose 'Ronald McDonald' Houses have been so helpful for some of our friends and many other families. The girls have decided clowns are alright, but I will likely continue to keep my distance.We were in St. Paul because Shawn had a conference. It was fun to get to stay in a hotel, go swimming, and ride elevators. We also had a chance to go to the Minnesota Zoo. The favorite animals were, as predicted, the camels. Allison also lingered for quite a while at the giant cockroaches and discussed their habitat with another little girl.
-"That's a big bug right there."
-"Yeah. I see a light."
After some fish faces and a few behavior issues due to not having napped, we left the zoo and headed back to St Cloud!

Big girl beds!

We finally converted the girls' cribs to toddler beds. The first nap time in the new beds was a disaster, but since then they seem to have settled in to the new set up, sort of. One of the first nights, Alli was crying for something that had fallen out of her bed. I never turn lights on at night so I was feeling blindly along the floor for Alli's prized possession and felt Mia's leg. She had fallen out of her bed. I have since realized that she sleeps 'helicopter style' like I did as a kid. These pics show how we found her sleeping the other night.

Since the big transition, Mia and Allison have switched beds. Alli now sleeps in what she calls "my Mia's bed" and Mia sleeps in "my Alli's bed". I guess even for two year olds the grass is always greener on the other side!

"Bye, Mom! I'm going to college!"

Once the weather turned nice the girls were chomping at the bit to get back in to their little cars and tear around the backyard. It gave me a chance to do a little yard work. That's when this conversation started...
Alli-"Bye, Mom. I'm going to college" (Alli blew me a kiss and got into her little car.)
Me- "OK. Drive safely. Do you have enough gas in your car?"
Alli- "Oh. Yeah. I need gas." (Goes to get the watering can/gas pump.)
Me- "Don't forget your wallet. (Alli puts down the watering can and walks to me with her hand out.
Alli- "Mom. I have your wallet please?"

The next 16 years of my life flashed before my eyes! A couple of days later, I was trying to get the girls in the car to run errands. I had to drag Alli away from her little car and a 10 minute "No! I go to COLLEGE!" tantrum ensued. I guess it is good to be determined and have goals. I just didn't expect it a 2 1/2, and when we had some serious grocery shopping to do!

Little Mia is just happy to be out and about. She, and Alli when she's not at college, LOVE to go to the car wash and fill up the 'trunks' with rocks.

We're goin' to the zoo!

After a fun Easter weekend, we were sad to have to leave Madison. I wish so often that all of our families were geographically closer to allow for more frequent visits. Despite the distance, we've decided 4 months in between is just too long. The first thing Alli said the morning after we got back was, "I see Henry?" So, Henry, Bryn, Uncle Jay, Auntie Sarah, Grandma, and Grandpa, we'll see you again soon!

Catching up...

Mia and Alli were so enamored with their big cousins. They loved getting to see them first thing in the morning and getting to play with them all day, from hoola and basketball hoops to hikes and chicken visits.

At one point Sarah asked Henry something about being excited to play with his little cousins and he responded, "Yes! And I'll remember 'no tackling'." Thanks, Henry! Bryn was so helpful and was willing to stand in as 'mommy' whenever needed.

Clearly their father's children, Mia and Alli were entertained by the basketball hoop for hours! Check it out- Mia can even dunk!

Thanks, Easter Bunny! Bock, bock!

Easter weekend we traveled to Madison to celebrate with the Affeldts. Mia and Alli were so excited to see everyone, especially Bryn and Henry. Every time we stopped for gas or coffee, etc, Alli would protest, "No! We go to Henry's house!" We got to Madison in time to meet for dinner. The girls were good eaters, but wasted no time getting over to Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Jay and Auntie Sarah for hugs despite the fact that it had been four months since our last visit.

The Easter Bunny set up a fun hunt the next morning! Between Bryn, Henry, Mia, and Alli, 56 out of 55 eggs were found. The girls also found hoola hoops, new books, slippers, summery outfits, raisins, goldfish crackers, and lolly pop rings! Quite a generous bunny!!