Marin - diving

Marin was learning from Daddy how to do a dive. She was watching the other girls and wanted in on the action. Marin did really well she stretched up nice and high and bent forward and went for it. The first few times she even did a roll in the water. This one she went straight out to Daddy. Mommy was a little worried she might miss and hit her head on the wall but ended up proving me very wrong. She is a natural and going to enjoy the water with Aunty Amy.

Painting

The girls had a great time painting. Bella chose orange/red and Marin would only use blue. They did really well painting their white canvases with loads of color. Neither one were very interested in using their hands or fingers. But of course Mommy tried. We are enjoying our new balcony. The doors slide all the way open so we can make the mess outside - or at least try to keep it concentrated there.

House play

Marin and our friend Alana, from Hong Kong, had some house play. They were really cute crammed in the corners on top of each other. They were insistent that Mommy not remove the kitchen bucket as they were playing with it or either of the balls. Looks like it didn't matter they were having fun together.

Rain

Bella loves playing in the rain. She started without the umbrella splashing and watching the rain drops. Then, we added the umbrella for a little fun without getting so wet. Finally we added our new rain coat from our birthday. She really seemed to like splashing around in her cute pink coat. Ah, such simple entertainment.

Outpatient

Bella had outpatient surgery before her birthday. She had her tonsils removed and tubes put in her ears. She had fun dressing in the gowns and her colorful bracelets definitely made a great story for superhero bands. She was very brave and had a sore throat for a bit but made a full recovery well before her birthday.

Rug Auction

The girls had a great time separately at the rug auction. Bella was diligent about taking notes and feeling each one. Marin chose to take her shoes off and run up and down the rugs. At one point she even started laying on them and rolling around. We definitely took notice as she spent more time on the softer ones. Makes sense!

Happy Birthday Bella

Our Happy Birthday tradition, the girls sit on the bed to be sung to and open presents.

What one tries the other tries. So cute!

Her new bike! Bella was so excited to help pick it and of course to wear the helmet. We are working on negotiating the pedals. She will get it soon enough.

Talking on the phone with all the grandparents overseas. Of course one by one. She received a lot of well wishes and birthday songs. And she only hung up on Grammy accidentally once.

Writing out her thank you cards.