Tia's Last Night In Town

hanging with mom

Sock Sisters

First Time Bowling

 

Princess Ballerina Warriors

performing in front of stinker station

not sure why but she needed a little rest
all of a sudden

brave and strong

changement

swan run

passe

tutu fitting

rehearsal

Bagel Buddies

Aunt Calli came by for a quick visit before heading back to Portland so we shared bagels and cream cheese together.

Off to School

The Fancy Freeze Experiment

If you ever hear anyone being critical of parents who will not give their children sugar, I highly recommend you force them to take a three year old (or two) to the local ice cream parlor or shack and order a frosty cone.  What they will witness will change their thinking forever.

I, who am not necessarily  against cutting sugar out of a child's diet but who has reserved the right to break all rules when in town, took part of something that might just convert me into a rule follower. ("might")  

I won't give much more on the detail but I think the pictures give an adequate sample of the transformation.  What I should note is this happened within minutes.  The effects, however, take hours to wear off.

sweet, wide eyed child, just hours before 

showing signs of feeling relaxed
inhibitions lowered

 euphoria

loose muscle tone in the face
glossy appearance to the eyes

experiencing double vision
loss of motor coordination

weakened balance
slower reaction times

second life, energy restored
mental preparation for raising hell

complete and total loss of hearing any adult
inability to discern sidewalk from middle of busy street
sudden craving to chew on something & any ol' human arm will do
screaming all the way to car
refusal of putting on pajamas
awake for hours past bed time

Donkey Days

City of Rocks, Climbing and First S'Mores

Elsinore had a blast at the City of Rocks.  When I asked her what she liked best she said, "camping." I don't really think she slept much but she remained happy and active the entire time.  Mountain air is good for three year olds!  And having 10 adults for two children is about the right ratio.  We went with Olivier, Lynette, Andria, Scott, Marney, Abbie, Steve, Jordi and Ju.

Some of my favorite parts were seeing her "teach Uncle Scott how to climb" and S'More making.  She was scared while climbing but she kept on and managed to make it to the top the first day.  I was very impressed with her tenacity and loved seeing her and Olivier do their thing.  I also loved how much she wanted to make S'Mores. As soon as Steve started the fire Els announced, "let's roast something!"  

Another hilarious comment was when I was alone with The Nut and Lindsey on the boulders that they had been climbing with Steve on the day before.  Since it was two on one I attempted to make boundary areas, which did not go over very well with Elsinore.  I said, "I need you to stay on this side, away from the ledge."  She looked at me, sighed, and stormed off to camp announcing, "I'm going to go find a grown up."

I was also surprised at how well Lindsey and Elsinore got along.  They never tired of one another, nor did they fight, although Elsi did yell out on the last morning, "I'm mad at Lindsey."  When asked what for she said, "She broke my Lara Bar."  And then that was pretty much it.  They were back at playing together.  

It was a real treat to have the girls with us.  It really does make camping something special.

-Tia

climb on!

S'More Making

pool party

Quotable Three Year Old

Els was sleeping in bed with me one night and she woke up at 3 a.m. and asked if I'd cuddle with her.  After a few minutes she asked, "Mom – did you brush your teeth?".  I responded, "Yes, but it was last night before I came to bed.".  Els said, "Your breath is really hot"

One of her first days at The Children's School a child asked Els, "Are you a boy or a girl?"  Els responded, "Well, I usually like to call myself a woman."  All of the teachers talked about it for days.

Els after school one day said, "Mom - we had a picnic today."  I asked, "What from your lunch that I packed did you eat?"  Els responded, "The salami!....the cheese just got in the way."