Same Same

Mae is starting to like to be "same-same" just as Etta seems to be growing out of "matchy-matchy". But if Mae doesn't have a shirt on after dinner (due to messiness usually...) Etta definitely wants to match. And if Etta is reading books - well then, sister better darn well have a couple too!

Outside Eating

Etta has become very interested in doing different things outdoors. She really really wants to sleep outside in a tent, but I have pretty much decided that we missed the boat on that one this year. Next summer we will attempt that.

But the one thing that she has been asking to do that we can accommodate is eat outside.

The people around the block had a garage sale a few weeks ago. As I don't really want to bring anything else into the house - and don't have any extra money to bring anything else into the house - I did not stop by. But the next week I was walking by and noticed a children's plastic picnic table in the back of their pick up buried under a bunch of other stuff. I decided to take a chance and wrote a note asking if they were going to take it to the dump or donate it, but that we would be interested if they were getting rid of it. The girls and I went on a stroll around the block and left the note in the door. That evening the man called and said that they were just going to take it to the dump and I was welcome to it. He did mention that the top had a crack in it. Since I was mainly interested in having an outside table I didn't mind. So I went over later and picked it up. Etta loves it. It works for what we wanted. I didn't have to pay for it. And it's not ending up in a landfill (yet). I have been following The Non-Consumer Advocate for the last few months I am very excited about my find. Things do seem to appear if you wait long enough.

[Although I am now going to be keeping my eye out for a table that fits me.]

All Hail the Marching Band

That is one of Etta's favorite books. And no wonder, she does play the trumpet you know.



So last Saturday when the high school marching band was practicing before the Round Up parade Etta was delighted that they marched by our house when she, Mae & Bob were out walking the dogs.

So imagine her absolute bliss when they marched back by our house. As soon as she heard the drums she rushed to get her trumpet and then rushed back outside to watch.

Too soon will she actually be part of a real marching band...

Tunnel of Love

Dear Aunt Molly,

My big sister and I love the tunnel that you sent for my birthday. I am even getting brave and going through it now. So much fun!!

Love,
Miss Mae

The Trees

They are gone. But Etta loved watching them come down. And now wants a chainsaw and repelling ropes for Christmas!





[That is the same tree - at different stages...]

A Drive & a Picnic

Last Monday we celebrated Labor Day by not doing any of the at-home labor we were planning. Instead we loaded up on an impromptu trip up to Waha for a picnic lunch and some creek dam-building and wading. Love that we are able to do those kinds of things!

Grandpa Steve helped build the dam to make the pool.



Mae wanted to check it out too.



And it was cold.



There were ripe huckleberries so we were able to enjoy a few before lunch. Mae was such a baby bird with her mouth just a-going. Bob had her in the backpack and thought she wanted to keep walking. I finally had to say, "Bob, stop! Mae just wants to keep eating huckleberries!"

Just One?

Grandma and Grandpa were here for two solid days and I only took one picture? Sheesh...what is wrong with me?

Thanks Aunt Molly!

For the new fire boots. I wear them all the time...



Love,
Etta

Let's Watch...

Lately Etta has been pretending to either a) watch a movie or b) watch TV. She sets up all of the kid chairs that we have and says, "Let's watch a movie!" And since Mae absolutely adores sitting in little chairs it works out quite well.

Let's watch a movie!



Silly face!



Bwwwwwaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!



Mae's very favorite way to sit in a chair (when she is not trying to climb over it...) - backwards!

Mae is One!

We've had a whirlwind weekend with MT Grandma & Grandpa being here. A ton of fun. And as Etta said when she got up this morning, "Why do they have to leave today?"

But Friday was great. We got up and had our birthday breakfast. Mae enjoyed little smokies for the first time. And boy howdy did she enjoy them!

The Girls joined us after school for some birthday fun and also Grandma Cathy, Grandpa Steve, Great Grandma Barb and Great Grandpa Lynn. It is different for second children, but still fun! (Open another window so that you can compare the girls' one-year old pic.)

Big sister showed her how opening presents is done. Mae caught on quite quickly though, way faster than Etta herself had. Show her some paper or a gift bag and she was ready to go.



I tried my hand at cake decorating. The Minnie Cake was Etta's idea. Mae has a Minnie Mouse lovie and Etta thought a Minnie Cake would be appropriate. I didn't think it turned out too bad for my first time. A big thanks to Grandma Cathy for having the pan!



And our one year shot. Finally a straight leg!



She laid still for exactly two pics. But wanted to show her playful side as well.



What a difference a year makes for these babies. Here she is in all of her skinny glory at 1 month.



And here is what I posted a year ago today actually...

Let the Birthday Celebration Begin!

Tomorrow Mae will be one!! But we started celebrating at church on Sunday.

Cupcake cake with Runts and Oreo Funstix as decorations. The cupcakes were delicious! You take a box mix (without pudding - which is really hard to find I discovered...) use 1 cup buttermilk instead of the water called for and 4 eggs instead of the amount of eggs called for. Sooooooo good!



With the cake. She really has no idea what is going on. But did kind of like the singing.



Oooooooo, daddy has food...



What is this stuff?



Ugh, not that good mommy...



She was not impressed with the cupcake. Since she eats most everything I was kind of surprised. But not really that disappointed I guess. More for me!