December

Another month and many more adventures!  Most of December was centered around holiday activities but we had time for other stuff too.  I still have several clients and I visit one during business hours so Matthew has been taking the girls to a park for a picnic.  This month they enjoyed the swings and playground too!  Here's Elsie on Daddy's lap.

 

And Leonie in the toddler swing.

 

We continue to play outside as much as possible.  One highlight is visiting the horses.  Here's Leonie and Rabi checking each other out.

 

 

Sometimes we venture into the horses' pasture too.  Here the girls are with the live oak tree we planted on Spice's grave. Elsie on the left.

 

With improved mobility has come improved balance.  Both girls can sit and hold on well for cart rides now!  Leonie on the left.

 

The Christmas gifts started rolling in - two cozy coupes from Grandpa Gunzburger.  Thank you!

 

I enjoyed a cookie decorating party one morning with our friend Victoria and her family.  I left my babies at home (with Daddy) but helped out with this little cutie (Stella) while we made delicious treats.

 

Toward the end of the month my parents came on their annual visit during their migration to Florida for the winter.  Their cat, Casper, wasn't too bothered by the girls.  They tried to play with him with the toys but their aim isn't great yet!  Here's Elsie getting in a few pets.

 

Right after their arrival my parents and I took the girls for an exciting TV audition!  They auditioned for a part as the main character of the new Hulu series The Act during a flashback when she was little.  The girls did great and warmed up quickly to the director and other staff.  Unfortunately, they didn't get a call back.  It was fun though!  Here they are playing on bean bags while we waited with another set of twins and a set of triplets who also auditioned.

The girls on Christmas morning.  The first thing they opened was this shopping cart full of play food from Grandma and Grumps.

 

Elsie and Grandma.

 

Elsie and Grumps.

 

Elsie opening her stocking.  They mostly got baby snacks since food is one of their favorite things!

 

 

Leonie opened her stocking on Daddy's lap.

 

 

Our baby-proofed tree.

 

 

We spent most of the day slowly opening the girls gifts and letting them play with each item before moving on.  It was wonderful to see the pure delight in their faces over each gift. Here's Leonie with their new riding helmet practicing on their stuffed horse.

 

 

Elsie's turn.

 

 

Mommy and Leonie.

 

 

Leonie and the tree - they were thrilled to finally get to see the tree up close after days of looking over the fence at it.

 

Leonie thought the boxes were almost as much fun as the gifts!

 

 

Family portrait.  Not the easiest thing with toddlers!

 

 

And our annual Christmas ride.  I rode my mom's new horse since Mow is still recovering from his injury.

 

November

Another busy month has flown by!  The girls are getting more mobile and grown up every day.  We've been enjoying the wonderful weather and some wonderful visitors.  Here's a photo from our visit with my Aunt Cindy and Uncle Bill.

 

Probably the best skill they've learned yet - hugs!  Here's Elsie hugging daddy.

 

 

They don't nap on daddy anymore but they do love to sit in his chair with him! Leonie on the left.

 

 

Wagon rides from Daddy. Elsie in front.

 

Another recent talent - drawer opening :)  Now they often open a kitchen drawer to play with new "toys".  Leonie on the left.

 

Playing with some toys from my childhood while sitting at my old table and chairs. Elsie on the left.

 

 

Food is still a highlight and we had blueberry pancakes one morning that were a hit.  Here's Elsie.

 

Leonie.

 

 

Our outdoor adventures have been lots of fun.  Leonie discovered the horses' water tank!

 

 

Water is always a big hit.  Here they found some puddles on another tank.  Leonie in pink.

 

 

Elsie with a green pepper.

 

As an early Christmas present the girls got a slide and a couple of ride on toys for outside.  It took about two days for them to learn how to use the slide by themselves!  Here's Elsie about to slide.

 

 

And Leonie on their little four wheeler.

 

 

A selfie with my pepper lovers.

 

 

We've also made a few trips to the playground and the girls love the slides there too.  Here they are bundled up on a park bench.  Leonie in pink.

 

 

As the weather has cooled off we've had to break out these adorable sweaters from my Grandma Anne.  Here's Leonie.

 

 

Enjoying some sunshine.  Leonie on the left.

 

 

Both girls love rides around the yard in the wagon.  Elsie on the left.

 

 

Look at these big girls sitting in the bar stools!  They love to watch me prepare food.

 

 

Another early present - a play kitchen! Leonie on the left.

 

 

The last visitor for the month - Aunt Sam!  It took about 30 seconds for both girls to climb right into her lap and want her to read a book.  They also enjoyed airplane rides and making lots of animal noises.  Wolf howls have been added to their repertoire!

 

 

Finally, a couple of  cute videos from this month.  The girls LOVE to FaceTime and have even learned to play peek-a-boo with my parents on the screen.

 

 

 

Elsie on the slide.

 

 

 

Leonie on the slide.

 

 

 

And the girls dancing along with their singing horse toy.  Elsie in yellow.

 

 

October

This month was all about exploring!  We spent lots of time outside and I'm slowly getting used to letting the girls get all messy before we come inside and clean up.  Here we are playing with a ball.  Leonie is in the blue hat.

 

Playing in the dirt!

 

Now that the girls have the run of the house they also enjoy waving bye to Daddy and welcoming him home again.  It's so cute to see them get all excited when he gets out of the car!

 

Talk about two peas in a pod!  One can't do anything without the other, haha.  Here they are in the cooler after helping Daddy unload groceries.  Elsie on the left.

 

Laundry helpers. Elsie in front.

 

Future AquaAiders!  Riding around on my water cart.  Leonie on the left.

 

More laundry help.  Elsie on the left.

 

This month we also visited the aquarium on Skidaway Island again for their open house.  Here's Leonie in front of one of the tanks. It was nice to see old friends there and see some of my photographs still used on signs (the spadefish photo below is one of them).

 

Elsie playing with fish puppets.

 

The weather has been great for wandering around the yard exploring.  Here we are playing with rocks in a flower bed.  Leonie on the left.

 

Helping pick up pinecones for the rabbits.  Leonie on the left.

 

The girls love to go in the garden with me and eat fresh green peppers.  They have even started picking their own peppers! Elsie on the left.

 

The girls love water too! Here's Elsie playing in the spray of the soaker hoses.

 

Leonie enjoying a pepper.

 

 

A few days ago we also discovered how much fun the sandy driveway can be.  Who needs a sandbox when you live in the sandy south!  Here's Leonie.

 

And Elsie.

 

 

Elsie making a sand angel.

 

Leonie's turn.

 

On a chilly day we even got to try out these adorable jackets from my Aunt Cindy.  Leonie on the left.

 

Matthew and I did get a rare chance to go dancing one evening this month while my parents were visiting.  We went to a Halloween party at a local studio.  Our costumes weren't too exciting but we were just happy to get out! (My dress is a square dancing dress made by my grandmother)

 

 

Finally, here are some videos from this month.

 

Elsie dribbling the soccer ball.

 

The girls playing in the sand. Leonie on the left.

 

A compilation of Matthew leaving and coming home.