theGIRLS

The girls started ballet on Thursday. They will get to be snowflakes in the Nutcracker performance at Christmas time! To get them inspired  we took them to watch the big girls rehearse…After that they were hooked, and wore their ballet outfits around the house for two days. Except A, she wasn’t so convinced. She likes to watch and see before she commits. Who can blame her….This was after their first class. The teacher closed the door, so I didn’t get to see what they were doing (or take any action photos), but it sounded like lots of jumping, twirling, and giggling! A stayed with me in the waiting room, and was very encouraged by her sisters after class ended. “A it was sooo fun, you should come next time!!! Look at my cool pink star sticker!”… “A! A! The teacher’s name is Ms. W— and she’s really sweet!” I didn’t have to say a word, her sisters did all the work, and according to A (everyday since then), she’ll be joining in the fun next week. She just doesn’t want to wear the tights. After the class we went to have icecream with their Grandma M and their Great-grandma JJ. It happened to be JJ’s 90th birthday, so we celebrated with big icecream cones, with sprinkles, of course!

Tell me… where is the time going??? How can it possibly be that our teeny tiny babies are THREE??? So… their actual birthday is tomorrow, but we had their birthday party yesterday. They had so much fun playing in the water with friends and family and eating cupcakes…lots… and lots… of CUP CAKES! That is what is ALL about! Happy birthday girlies!

… around the neighborhood can be exhausting!!!

Wow, did we have fun this year in Brazil! The girls were at such a great age, to go boating and swimming with us! They were troopers on the flight there and for our whole vacation… we had a “little bit” of rain in the first week, but the second week was sunny and bright and after all the rain we appreciated it way more! Here are some of favorite photos (you can click on the pic to enlarge)…The morning after sleeping on the plane…First boat ride after several days of rainPapa reads the girls a storyour family at the beachRelaxing in mommy and daddy’s bed on vacationThe girls and their beloved!Bikini babes C LOVES her coconut!Our family on the rope bridge at the rock barThe girls and their Brazilian grandparents!Eating snacks on the beach with CeloThe wonderful staff in Brazil with the kids (baby C, too)Our daily spot on the back of the boatA very cool town called ParatyCan you say D.R.A.M.A.What’s for dinner?Fun on the beach!All of us…. minus baby C (he was sleeping)Home again, home again.  (airport)

The girls at an Easter egg hunt with their buddy EG!I didn’t get any picture with their Easter dresses (what a slacker), so I’ll have to have a re-do… stay tuned!

  Aren’t we cute???