The Tree is Gone!

We had the willow tree removed over the past couple of days. Before we did the girls and I had a willow fairy celebration and dressed up in willow branches. Here are some pics...

Strike a pose...

Before...

After lowering the tree house

Our house is so much hotter without the nice shade!

Lydia drew this picture. She's had a hard time saying good-bye.

We Plan on buying another tree, but of course we won't get shade for a while. Any suggestions???

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Last night we watched "Bedknobs and Broomsticks". Lydia seemed to like it, but she didn't say much about it. Today she was playing in my bedroom for a little while, but I wasn't watching her.

Later on, I sat on my bed to read a book and I heard a "ting ting" sound coming from my brass headboard. I had to laugh when I realized it was my bedknob that had been almost completely screwed off!

I can just imagine Lydia twisting it just like in the movie and bracing herself just in case the whole bed might fly away! I wonder where she wished it would take her? I'll have to ask her in the morning!

Sleeping Beauty

Violet Lingo

Violet had her first "real" day at school today (without her Mommy and Daddy). She loved it so much. It was sad but cute- when I dropped her off, a teacher came to the car and took her out and I said "Bye Bye Violet" and she didn't look back once. She was so excited for school!

When Ryan picked her up, her teacher told him that Violet really talks a lot. I agree, but I wonder if anyone can understand her besides her family? To give you an idea, these are some translations of some of Violet's everyday vocabulary...

"My hode it" = "I want to hold that"

"My yours" = I want something that belongs to you."

"In-air" = "In there"

"My habit tookie" = "Can I have a cookie?"

"Grr-damma" = "Grandma"

"Jame" = "James"

"No, my homie" = "Hold me, not Lydia"

"Hans....hum" = "Handsome"

"My dude" = "My sunglasses"

...and many more. I'll have to update again later!

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!"