Fun at Panoply (and more updates on the girls)

Here's a picture of TJ standing next to the Giraffe his teacher chose to take to display at Panoply! As far as I could see, only one more Kindergartner was chosen! How cool! Such the little artist!

I was praying they would have some fried pickles or even fried green tomatoes, but they didn't. In fact, Panoply was a good bit smaller this year, and not nearly as many artists as years past, but there was still plenty for the kids to do. I am assuming the economy has a lot to do with that. We spent way too much money there. TJ's extra-long corn dog and a lemonade came to a whopping $10. I almost told the lady she was nuts, but I let it go. But still!?

So, an update on the girls...

Lauren has turned out to be much more like Tim in personality and Katie definitely has more of my personality. If you tell Lauren "no," she cries. Katie, on the other hand, will throw a fit. Raney reminded me that I had said I always wanted a child that looked like me with Tim's personality and Lauren seems to fit the bill. Then we have two kids that look like him with my personality. Sheesh! We are in for it!

Katie is a very verbally talented child. She mimics sounds very well and was first to say things like Mama, Dada, and even her little version of Bell Pepper (the dog) which sounds like "bo pa pa." She even says "yeah!" while clapping her hands.

Lauren is doing extremely well with moving around. Today she took about 5 or 6 steps on her own and I can see her running before we know it! She's got big, wide feet so that has aided her in getting up and moving around.

We are planning their 1st birthday party for Saturday, June 13. We are going to have a cook-out and all of our family and friends are welcome to come.

If you want to see our fun at Panoply, you can visit the photo album at Facebook.

It's been forever, I know... Sorry!

Okay, I am going to try much harder to be better about updating our blog. I just have very little time these days. However, I've got use of a laptop and plan on using that to update in the evenings when I have time!

Tomorrow is Panoply and TJ has some art in the student art tent. We are really happy and excited for him. It isn't a huge honor to have your art at Panoply, but it IS something special. I have noticed how TJ's artistic ability has been growing quite a bit and I have to say he gets that from me. I took four years of art in High School, won prizes for my work in local competitions and even went to state with my art. I still enjoy it and should have pursued it in college (hindsight and all), so I am very excited to see TJ's ability! We plan on taking a picture of him with his work tomorrow.

Gosh, I didn't realize what time it was... and I have to go! Figures!

The pic of the girls is their 10 month picture. More about those little monkeys later! If you don't already have a Facebook page, get one. I've posted pic and videos of the kids there that I haven't posted here. It's easy and fun for catching up with family! Just do it!