Chubby Ears

Just a photo so Dad can see Izzie enjoying her new chubby ears for the first time. They're a little big, but she'll grow into them!

Two Little Pumpkins

Maddie was 27 months old.

Izzie is 22 months old.

It is hard to believe that they grow up so fast.

Minnie Mouse and Happy Face Pumpkin

Unfortunately, we don't have very many great photos from Halloween. Instead of snapping photos, I found myself wrestling Isabelle, hosting a party, and trying to keep up with Madeleine. I'm having regrets that I don't have better photos. Better luck next year, and hopefully, a new camera!

Friday, Maddie had a party and parade at school. We got to the school just in time to help Maddie change into her costume. Then, Maddie marched and danced in the Lower School Halloween Parade - one of my favorite events at ASL.

As much as Izzie loves a happy face pumpkin, she was not thrilled about wearing her costume. Here she is, partially buckled in, on our way to the parade.



Maddie didn't have much time to pose for photos. She was too busy running around with her friends.

Maddie and Shir (Gabriella)

Maddie wanting to show off her Minnie Mouse hands.

Maddie and Sally (Thumbelina)

While Maddie was getting ready, Izzie was keeping busy in the Lego corner.

Saturday, we had a small Halloween Party. Maddie decided to invite her church friends, Annabelle, Colette, and Madeleine along with their families. We also invited our neighbors, Eric, Shannon, and Camille. We ate, played games, and went trick or treating together.

Camille, Shannon and Maddie

I knew Izzie wasn't going to be excited about wearing her costume, so I thought I'd wait until we went trick or treating to put the pumpkin part on her. During the party, she insisted on wearing her favorite Tumble Tots t-shirt and tolerated the black, fleece part of her costume. When it was time to go trick or treating, Dad decided not to torture her and let her head out the door sans pumpkin. I never had a chance to try again. Needless to say, Izzie was a little under dressed for trick or treating. She didn't seem to mind considering what she had on underneath her costume. She kept undoing the fleece in the front and showing people her t-shirt. Classy, huh?

Izzie would occasionally get out of the stroller to trick or treat, but for most of the night, was perfectly content to ride around and eat lollies.




By the time we got home, Maddie was exhausted. She and her friends had raced from house to house collecting candy.



Maddie wasn't the only tired one. Our Dad travelled over 50 hours to spend 36 hours with us at home. We were glad he was here for Halloween, but we'll be even happier when he finishes his work in Australia.

Pumpkin Day

Maddie gets out of school early on Wednesdays, so we took advantage of the extra hour and carved pumpkins. Maddie and Izzie each had their own pumpkin and designed their own "happy face" as Izzie calls it. She gets really excited about pumpkins with "happy faces". Good thing since she'll look like one soon!

Maddie went a little crazy with the Sharpie and was drawing eyelashes, etc.

Izzie didn't want to pose for a picture with her pumpkin. I'll try again later.

October Break in York

Luke made it back from Melbourne just in time for October Break. He wasn't thrilled about the idea of getting on another plane so we took the train to York for a long weekend. As much as we enjoyed York, we really enjoyed spending time with our Dad.

First stop, York Minster.

Second stop, the Shambles.

Next, Clifford's Tower.

Cute smiles at the York Castle Museum

Playing in a viking ship at the Yorkshire Museum

Last stop, Betty's - a famous tea room.

One Word...

... MASCARA.

Zoo Day

Before Charlie started school, he and his mom, Katy, invited us to go to the zoo with them. As much as Izzie and Charlie enjoyed seeing the animals, they really loved riding the carousel!

Shopping with Fancy Nancy, Again!

Our good friend, Nancy, recently moved back to the States. Before she left, Nancy and Maddie planned their second annual shopping trip to Little India. Maddie came home with new clothes, bindis, and bangles. Even Izzie got some little bangles, too!

Maddie's Trip to the Palace

Every summer while the Queen is on holiday in Scotland, they open the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace to visitors. Since Luke was in Australia on business, we had an extra ticket and invited our favorite neighbor, Shannon, to go with us. Maddie was extremely disappointed that the Queen wasn't there to receive her. Maybe next time!

Izzie and Trevie

Just a cute photo of Izzie and her friend, Trevie. They made tables out of baskets and had a snack while they watched a cartoon. They always look forward to spending time together!

Priorities - Pasta, Pool & Pizza

Considering the fact that I haven't looked good in a swimsuit since I was four, I find it ironic that I am such a big fan of beach holidays.

We wake up, we eat breakfast, we hit the pool or the beach, we eat lunch, we relax in the warm sun and have ice cream, we bathe, we eat dinner, and finally, we sleep! Occasionally, we take a morning to explore or do a little sightseeing, but by afternoon, we're back in our swimsuits.

In August, we went to the Emerald Coast in Sardinia for a few days. We had some serious priorities - pasta, pool and pizza. We did, however, find some time to go to Porto Cervo and see where the rich and famous park their yachts.

Maddie's "This is Me" Pose

Izzie loving every minute

Maddie's sand castle and beach pose

Izzie playing on the life guard boat

Yet another glamour girl pose

Izzie modeling the latest fashion

Porto Cervo

Marina in Porto Cervo

Expensive boutiques in Porto Cervo, including Kristina T

(a special photo for Aunt Kristina)

Minty Fresh Belly Button

I couldn't resist telling everyone that I caught Izzie brushing her belly button with her toothbrush this morning.

Back to School

Today, Maddie went back to school. Her teachers are Miss vanderMollen (Miss V) and Vicky.

Ever since school got out, she's been wanting a monogrammed backpack for the new school year. It arrived yesterday while we were at orientation - perfect timing. We have Grammy Bammy to thank for its timely arrival.

Maddie didn't want to take this first picture - note the enthusiasm. She only wanted her picture taken from the back so you could see her new backpack.

And there's the smile and the new backpack.

Izzie and I were a little lonely, today. We tidied up the closets, tried to catch up on laundry, and ran a couple of errands. Poor Izzie - Maddie had way more fun than she did, today!

Battle Wound

Lately, I feel like my posts are all about Isabelle's injuries. Poor Izzie. Today, I must add yet another one to the list. I'm hoping, praying really, that it will be the last one for a long time.

This morning, Isabelle fell and sliced open the top of her eyelid. I was able to page her pediatrician and meet him at his office before he did rounds at the hospital. Luckily, he was able to close the cut with some steri-strips and has little concerns about scarring. The real challenge is to keep Isabelle from touching them or getting them wet. We'll be going back to the doctor in a few days so he can look at it again.

On our way out, a young lady in the lift looked at Izzie and asked her which war she'd been fighting in. Good question. I hope the war ends soon.

The Secret Garden

This summer, Maddie and I read "The Secret Garden". We watched the movie, and then, we set off to find two secret gardens that are close to home.

First, we went to Hampstead Heath. The secret garden is usually closed to the public but was open for a special day. We went with our neighbor, Shannon, and her six month old baby, Camille. Maddie was able to find some creatures in the pond, make a badge, and spend time with church friends.

Maddie with her net

Maddie with Shannon

Maddie with friends - Ethan, Parker and Sawyer

Next, we went to Regents Park. Although it is always open to the public, the secret garden is not on maps and is easily missed by most visitors. It is a well manicured garden with flowers, fountains, and benches. The girls could have stayed all day. We'll be going back to show Dad.

Maddie at the "secret" entrance

The Garden Lock

Isabelle taking a break while Maddie took photos of flowers

Maddie took this photo of what she calls "flowers that look like snowflakes"

Isabelle playing and having fun

Maddie posing for her garden photo shoot