We have been a very busy group of gals today, and I thought you would like to know all the crazy things we have been up to. Spring is trying to appear, here in the frozen arctic midwest, and we're taking advantage of each and every day that is above 25 degrees outside.
Tuesdays is swimming lessons day with Mrs. Carol. The girls are doing really well in the pool, though certainly are not swimmers at this point. Today the big highlights were going under the water and blowing bubbles from their noses and learning how to dive. "Dive" is what it was called, but it sure looked a lot more like jumping in to me. Today was the first day for that technique, and it was very splashy. I must admit that I am so happy to pay money for the girls to splash somebody else in the pursuit of learning how to swim!
After swimming, we got home and went for a bike ride with our hats, mittens and parkas on. We had to ride in the street because there is still too much snow on the sidewalks (I admit to being one of those damn people that didn't shovel the sidewalk the last time it snowed). The girls learned about the "right" side of the street, as I had to keep getting them over to the side so the cars could go by. It wasn't too scary, and we proved to be a moving speed bump for all the speeders in the neighborhood! I am such a community helper!
After a quick pb&j lunch (Taylor had fruit, cheese and crackers - she doesn't like pb&j), we went to the local stable with some friends to feed the horses carrots and apples. Those horses were so excited to see us, and when they realized that we had treats for them, the foot stamping and whinnying party began! The girls love the stable and are getting very comfortable around horses. I know I should beware of getting them to be too fond of them, because lessons are so expensive, but it's just so cute to see them hug and scratch those giants! My buddy who brought her kids with us was more diligent about breaking out the camera, so if she sends me some pictures, I'll add them here. Frankly, if I have to wear gloves, the camera really gets pushed back to the back burner. I don't like being cold (duh) so I am much less likely to snap pics in this weather. Sorry!
Soooo, after that little excursion, we continued on for a quick hike at a park. Yes, it was muddy and wet and pretty cold (wind chill around 30 today....which means it was technically really warm here for this time of year), but the kids had a blast. We got to cross a giant bridge over a non-frozen river and look for animals and their tracks in the snow. We also left a Chex-Mix trail in case we got lost, which was pretty funny. Half the Chex-Mix was on the ground, and the other half got eaten. We investigated a fallen tree that was hollowed out and pondered what could live inside of it (bats, wolverines-my choice- snakes and bears were mentioned), climbed or attempted to climb some trees, and splashed in a zillion really muddy and somewhat icy puddles. As an added bonus to this activity, I stripped them to just their shirts and undies and let them go home in the car that way! Sadly, the back of my car is a gross, wet mess right now. It'll dry...
I figured they'd be tired after such a busy day, but when we got home, they played ??? flying super hero off the stairs (my uncle Steven apparently jumped from the top landing doing the same game and broke his leg. Luckily the girls just go from the 4th or 5th step. So far...) for about 45 minutes while I cleaned up Polly Pocket paraphernalia with the vaccuum cleaner. That always makes me happy.
And that was our day. Tomorrow we have errands to run and dance class to attend. Not nearly as fun, that's for sure. We're beginning to organize for the big birthday party in the end of March. The theme is Scooby Doo, though they keep asking for a Horton Hears a Who party. They have it in their minds that every birthday party is a dress-up party, and Cassidy wants to go as the Mayor from Horton. I can only imagine what Taylor wants to be! Probably a speck.
Thanks for reading! As always, I will try to be more diligent about the udpates. Feel free to comment, you sleuths who find me through random searches! I'd love to hear from you!