Baking, Big Kids and Apologies

This afternoon Piper couldn't get enough hammock time with Aoife and Saoirse.

We hadn't seen them in a week, so she was quite snugly.

As you may have heard, CO is being hammered with rain. Quite a contrast to the fires a few short months ago. We've been indoors a lot.

So we've been cooking.

The mixer, bread dough in particular, has been a source of awe and amazement.

She helps read the recipe, measure ingredient and whisk eggs. 

Play continues to evolve.

And with some work, patience and encouragement - little miss has been branching out a bit.

We went to a BBQ a week ago and it was a totally different experience than usual. I chatted on the deck while she ran around with the other kids.

Did I mention how awesome that was?

For both of us?

 

The kids were playing on the side yard and Josh disappeared.

Tea party?

He said they were having too much fun to ask them to move into the back yard where they could be seen. So he just joined them instead.

Once again the neighborhood kids think Piper's Dad is awesome.

They're right.

Big girl is now picking out her clothes to wear to school. 

And most days my outfit too.

Piper has become a bit bossy as of late. But she responds well when we remind her to ask nice. All in all I'm overwhelmed by her manners and thoughtfulness. Aoife spilled the "soup" she made and apologized. Piper says, " it's okay Aoife, you don't have to apologize, you no mean to- it happens"

Later the same night she knocks her own plate off the table while getting off her chair. Her Dad says, "it's okay accidents happen." And we both jeep it cool to show her that every little thing isn't a source of stress. I go and get towels and she says, "what you doing Mommy?" "Cleaning the floor." 

Normally I have her help, but it was too epic to get her involved.

She wraps her arms around my kissing me and saying "Thank you Mommy for picking up, I so sorry."

Geeze, I didn't even have to get upset for that kind of gratitude! She's gonna get away with a lot with those moves!

Our Bee Whisperer... She loves to hang out in this bee filled plant, letting them buzz all around her while she hides.

Nothin' like a little potty talk!

For those of you who don't know, Piper is in big sister training. 

Saoirse doesn't mind helping at all!

Piper is all about Halloween and anything scary. She wants to be a purple monster.

She told me what she wanted, designed it and I sewed the hat. Three purple eyes, fangs and a big smiley face. 

Fangs below the mouth of course.

I'm prepared for a last minute change of heart. She told me I'm to be a ghost and Daddy a witch and when our costume stuff came out she was looking longingly, so we'll see...

She was trying to get Abby to ride her hobby horse. 

Then decided dancing to some MuddyWaters  was a better idea.

Checking in that he's having fun...

And when I tried to save the poor cat? 

It was pretty obvious he didn't want saving.

I admit it. 

I sometimes forget my cloth bags in the rush of things...

But I've found another reuse at least -

Ghosts!

Piper is still quite the helper at the house and continues to be obsessed with the "princess dress Aunt Amy got me" 

I swear I wash that thing four times a week.

So I haven't wanted to push the potty. And I have to admit part of that is just that it's daunting. But when Piper started freaking out about having her diaper changed I had to look inward. Is she not ready, as I had claimed? Or was I not ready. So after reading everything from candy bribes to three day boot camps I decided I would see if she would even sit on the thing. Until now she's acted like the thing was sprayed in acid.

So bare butted and bribed with a potty pal I have kept her diaper free when we're home. 

Day two ( yesterday) and she did it!!! I know this method will take longer, but so far so good.

Your Turn

As usual, we've been keeping busy.

Piper has been insistent that Baby Saoirse attend most outing with us. Here Piper is showing her how to color.

A few weeks ago Josh worked out of town for a few days.

Piper is able to talk on the phone now.

You have to be patient, but your patience usually awards you an entertaining phone conversation. This was an epic long conversation with Daddy one night before bed. I texted him photos so he had a visual.

The kittens continue to be playmates.

Showing up just about everywhere...

Aunt Kim and Charly visited from Germany last week. A lovely time. So good to have them with us.

And although it took some time, Piper decided Aunt Kim was fun to hang out with. Luckily Kim is patient, and understanding.

Coloring is big around here. Piper loves to take turns working on the same project. " your turn!"

"Me turn!"

It has translated into other venues as well, such as taking turns on the swings with other kids at the park.

Hiking around in the woods behind the new house. 

And some impressive rain storms!

So this is Piper's "phone" 

So far Uncle Michael receives the most calls. She told me Uncle Michael was riding a dragon in the sky. "Because dragons don't have wheels Momma" 

Giving Daddy some "makeup"

More time with Baby Saoirse 

And time to start harvesting!

What do you mean I have to rinse them before I eat them?