Violet and Lydia's First Day of School

Lydia's First day of Kindergarten was Thursday! She LOVES school!

Violet also had her first day of school. She started the 2 year old Lab Preschool up on campus. Here she is getting under this little boys face saying "Hi Friend!"

Grandmother Willow

In the movie "Pocahontas", Pocahontas confides in and seeks direction form a wise old Willow tree who comes to life to give guidance to her and John Smith.

As you may know, we have a wonderful willow tree in our yard. Unfortunately, the tree is starting to decay and it is very close to our house, so we have to get it removed. A couple weeks ago, we put a rope swing on one of the branches and it has been hours of fun for the whole family. Honestly, I love this tree and I hate to see it go. It breaks my heart. It gives us such great shade. We have had a few cool picnic lunches under it's canopy. It is also buzzing with life- squirrels, woodpeckers, and TONS of other birds and insects call this tree their home , at least for a little while. We do plan on planting a few trees, but none can really replace "Grandmother Willow".

I have been trying new things out with Lydia's hair just for fun, and she likes it when I take a few pictures of different angles for her to see if she likes it. I did that this morning and Violet came up and said "My cheese, my cheese!" Translation: "Please take my picture too!"

Each posing in her own cute way...

Barack-a-bye-baby

Good morning boys and girls. The magic word for the day is "Barack Obama". When you hear that word, scream real loud! (Did anyone else used to watch Pee Wee's Playhouse?)

I try not to talk about politics too much. Still, I must admit, that although I think he's an arrogant loud mouth, that spews out way too much word diarrhea, I do listen to Rush on occasion in the car. Usually I have the kids in the car with me, but I think that's really the only polotics they are exposed to.

While eating breakfast this morning, Violet, out of the blue said, "Barack Obama". Clear as a bell! I'm sure as a 2 year old, she has no idea who he is. She's just heard the name enough to think it's fun to say. When she got the reaction out of Lydia and I, (practically rolling on the floor laughing) she continued to repeat it over and over. Today, it has been the phrase of the day in our house.