What fantasy worlds will you be following this Fall?

The Oregon Coast, Or A Windy, Somewhat Chilly Day At the Beach

While we were in Oregon visiting my family, we took a day trip to the coast for the girls first view of the ocean. We went to our usual spot in Bandon and stayed in our little cove away from the wind when we weren't frolicking in the waves or extreme kite-flying.

Sarah and Sophia heading down to wade in the water.

Being somewhat chilly, Esmé commandeered a huge Death Valley hoodie (it sure was warm).

Sophie and Grandma Candy chillin in our little cove away from the wind.

Esmé and Sophia thought the water was pretty cold, but Erica, Audrey, Garrett didn't. They got all the way in (something I haven't done in like 12 years).

It took Sophia a while to get used to the cold water, but she eventually got excited about running away from the waves.

Sarah enjoyed her time at the beach, although she didn't stay in the water in long as the gals. Sarah and my mom took great advantage of the windless cove and had salt water taffy and chillaxed.

Esmé went straight for the water when we arrived and never looked back.

Garrett showed the gals how to make sandcastles and climb sand dunes.

All in all a very fun day at the beach.

Arts and Crafts Pre-K Summer Fun

Auntie Lindsay took the girls to the Tracy Aviary when she was babysitting one day during the summer. They made pinecone birdfeeders with peanut butter and birdseed. We have had a lot more birds in the yard since we put them up. The girls are lucky to have such a wonderful, fashionable, caring aunt in their lives. Lindsay has been one of my greatest supports and friends since the girls were born. She even slept on the couch the whole summer when the girls were born to help me. We all love her so much--Thanks Auntie Lindsay!

Garden stones. This was a fabulous activity one hot summer day in July. I bought some extra glass marbles to add to the plaster to give them a little more sparkle.

For a finishing touch we added glitter--Esmé chose gold and Sophie chose blue. These may be the cutest kitchy garden decor ever! I was really happy with how they turned out. Here the girls are very involved with putting the marbles in.

You may recognize the girls one friend from their birthday party--Eve. Here we are decorating tamborines when Eve came over for a play date. I oculdn't ask for a better playmate for the girls--they are all of a similar temperament and they play really well together.

Here is one of the finished tamborines.

I found these bags at the craft store and decided that it would be fun to iron the girls names on them.

Esmé may be assigned ironing as a chore when she gets older.

The girls loved the bags more than I anticipated and use them as their "quiet" bags for church. It is way better than carrying around a big bulky bag with entertainment and snacks. They turned out cuter than I anticipated and the girls love having the responsibility of carrying their own bags.

Pizza Sunday

Just had to show our delicious homemade pizzas we made this sunday.
Yumm-o!

Not to the circus! Not to the pool! We are going to Challenger School!

The girls started preschool this year, yea! They are going to Millcreek preschool on Monday/Wednesday mornings and to Challenger preschool on Tuesday/Thursday mornings. This is an exciting time for all of us. The girls have been going to Challenger for about 2 weeks now and they love it! I was getting to the point where I could not entertain them or keep them adequately stimulated, so school is a welcome relief for all of us. They will be starting Millcreek next week, I hope they enjoy that too. I still have my Challenger bag, this is a picture of the girls with theirs. (The blue spots on their faces are stickers.)