Just because.....

....they're so darn cute!

I take a bee-jillion pictures of my little ones (are you really surprised :)).  

However, I am super behind in presenting the latest and greatest but here are some from the past few weeks that must be shared with all those that love them :)

Feeding at the farm

Outside chalk

Graham thinks coloring tools are GREAT!

cows, chickens and ducks
Oh my!

Dad, Graham and a bike

Hoping everyone is enjoying Spring!

My daughters eyes

One dreary afternoon when Graham fell asleep in the car Molly came over to my lap and I thought we'd have some fun taking pictures with my iphone.  After her request, I gave her a 2 minute lesson and the rest is history....

A morning baking session

Then, she asked if she could take some pictures.  

Such a request I could never deny!

So off she went, and it wasn't until the next day I found these lovely pictures on my phone and couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.  

A small glimpse through my daughters eyes.

                 

               

  

p.s. from start to finish she even chose her filters from Instagram.

I'm proud of her work, yes I am.

catching butterflies

I cannot believe it has been so long since I last wrote!  

Not for lack of things to say I guarantee! 

I will super try to visit this fine blog of mine at least once a week. Twice if I can muster the extra time.

Now onto the fun stuff!

Many weeks ago we took a trip to the Academy of Natural Sciences in S.F.   It was SO much fun.  I can't wait to go back.  Next time I'll make time for the gift shop so we can bring home a little piece of the place.  Museum gift shops are simply the best places to get educational goodies. (Grin)!  

Here are some photos of Molly in the "Rain Forest"

Wait for it....

It happened!

It really actually happened!

She held a butterfly.  It was a special day!  

The married couple

Molly announced to me today that her and Graham were getting married.  Yes indeed.  She saw fit that since they love each other, a wedding and reception with a big cake was in order.  So away she went, only to then reappear in her "white wedding dress with ruffles." (white tank + white layered skirt.  A nice combination actually.)  While I was busily washing dishes I heard this coming from the next room.... 

(Sweet voice) Graham.  Come on Graham.

(Not so sweet voice)  GRAHAM!!!!

(Sweet voice returns) Were married Graham.

.... She sort of has it right, no?! :)

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. --Inspired by soulemama

                         

                     

My Onion

I was told by Molly's Preschool teacher that Molly has a "Tactile Sensitivity".

Really?

You mean to tell me that other kids her age don't go spastic when their seat belt straps touch their neck.  

Or,

don't flip out if you put them in the car seat with a sweatshirt on because of that good ol' hood.

Or,

 don't spit out or gag on their food because the bit is "too big", even when it's tiny.

Or,

pull and stretch out the collar of their shirts.

Or, 

toss and turn for at least 25 minutes before falling asleep to find just the right spot (sometimes accompanied with strange growling).

Or,

go nuts if clothes get wet on accident.

Or,

 get super particular about sleeves being rolled up or down (depending on the mood).

Yes, yes indeed.

This sweet, sensitive face has so very many layers.

Meet Panda

So much to write so little time.

This Panda arrived to us special as Molly's "sleeping buddy."  

  Mom and Dad have been hers to snuggle with since the day she was born. 

 Lucky girl. 

 Lucky parents :)

Molly LOVES her Panda.  She picked it our herself, (She chose a doll for Graham, which hasn't quite made it here yet?!?)  we really made the story about Panda's arrival to our family so very special.  

Can you feel the love?

Okay, so in all honesty she still gets Dad to snuggle with on most nights.  He's a sucker for daughter cuddles and those sweet, sweet words that dance out of her mouth when the lights are out and the still silence of night comes.

"Dad, I'm going to hold onto you so tightly so you don't disappear."

(or one of my personal faves)

"Dad, can we get married because we love each other so much?" 

Who could resist this kind of pillow talk? 

  

Oh,

Is it just me, or does anyone else see a strangely striking resemblance?!  Hmmm....

My Angel

I have always called Molly "My Angel".  I never planned it out to be her nickname.  It just came out of mouth when I first met her and from then on it is a name that has been quite fitting.

She recently has begun to do things like remind me to bring my phone or keys when we leave the house.

 (Got them, thanks Molly).  

She won't let me forget that the bath toys must be taken out of the water so they don't get sucked up by the drain.  

(Oh of course, thanks big girl.)

Today was no exception.  

While we were shopping I kept leaving the cart behind to browse at things,  and she kept pulling back over to me.  It has our stuff in it after all!  Our shopping cart can't get too far away from us!
It was classic Molly.  She did this for the entire trip.  Hilarious!  

Then, on our way back to the car I completely forgot where we parked.  In a massive parking lot with Graham in the baby carrier, very ready for a nap might I add (insert cry).  

"Great now what"  I think to myself. 

 Ahhh, ask Molly my Angel.  

"Over there" she pointed a few isles down.  

With nothing (or everything) to lose I followed the direction of my little 3 year old.  Low and behold there was our car, like magic.      

My Angel, we take good care of each other we do.

Someday iPhone...someday.

 I have just recently discovered that I would really enjoy having an iPhone.  I never thought so before but how perfect (and handy)!   Phone + Camera = HAPPY Mama.    

Have you explored this Instagram feature?  It's like a dream.  Really, it is.  It can give photographs this nostalgic, dreamy, and well just plain cool look to it.  A friend took these of Molly with her iPhone at a Sunday Brunch gathering and kindly passed them our way.  On this day, during this week, this little trio were in-separatable.  Molly, "Dinosaor-y" to the left and "Dina" to the right.  The ceramic dino to the left was carefully painted by Molly, and given to me for my birthday present.  She's just borrowing it :)  Without further delay, a little photo shoot of Molly and her adored dinosaurs!  

Someday iPhone.... someday.

Books and rides

Photo taken by the brilliant Mary Mchenry.  See more of her work at marymchenry.com

Today we went to our local bookstore and was once again reminded why this type of outing needs to be put on hold until some unknown time in the future.  I never knew a 10 month year old could actually remove all the books from a lower shelf and a climb up into it.  On the shelf.  My son.  All in the amount of time it took me to read about 15 words to my daughter.  Yikes.  

On the way home Graham decided he was NOT going to be a happy camper and cried the whole way.  Well, not really a cry, but more like a wail.  Over the loud shrieking Molly felt the urge to comment on a few facts.  It went something like this...

"Mom, Graham is crying very LOUD."

"Mom, Graham is touching his toes."

"Mom, Graham can't find his pacifier."

( now an even louder cry from Graham)

"Mom, I can see Graham's Uvula!"

All in all, it really was a great day!

There's always a FIRST for everything.

Yesterday was Graham's FIRST time standing up from a sitting position (and back down) without holding on to anything!  I saw the "Wow, did I just do that?" look on his face.  He was  proud.  Oh was he ever proud... and so was I.

Yes, this is my stud.

Yesterday was Molly's FIRST day at Preschool.  Happy to announce it went great! 

No tears.  Just a brave girl, ready to explore her world!  

It was a memorable moment when Graham and I went to pick her up.  Molly's teacher, Miss Julia, commented about how impressed she was with Molly's vocabulary.  When she asked Molly if she had to go Pee-pee.  Molly replied.  "No, I don't feel any Pee-pee in my bladder."  Ahhh, that's my 3 year old girl! 

    

Golly gee, I love this girl!

Oh, and I must mention a BIG STAR for Dads FIRST day.  He is doing drop off in the mornings.  He doesn't even know that as I'm trying to feed our frantic and starving baby (oh my can he eat),  I'm watching him grab Molly, her lunch packed on the counter, his coffee (now cold), his backpack and 2 jackets while racing out the door.  Well, let's just say, it's another reason why I married you darling :) !!! You rock!

oh...and it's my FIRST post!