Kate turns 3!

Kate's birthday was a fun day for all of us. She really 'got' it this year. For weeks I've been hearing, "Mom, I'm two and a half. But I'm almost three. Soon it's going to be my birthday, and I'm going to be to be three." Kate has grown a lot this past year. She is quite the conversationalist and seems to be more of a little girl than a toddler now. She really is sweet and will often grab my cheeks, give me a kiss and say "Mom, I love you. Congratulations." I think it's the best ever. Still not sure where she got the last part from, but whatever, I'll take it.

Both she and Gwen were pretty excited about her new police car. I think this was the moment when she was saying "Back off, Gwen."

Kate takes after her parents, and loves sweets. We thought it might make her day to throw her a "sweet" party.

The lollipop dress.

We had Kate's cousins over and the kids (and adults) were in sugar heaven.

Kate shows off her new gear. The umbrella went everywhere with us today. And no, it's not raining.

When I was putting Kate to bed she asked "Mom, Am I really three now? So, when am I going to be eight."

little miss trouble

Or as Paul affectionately dubbed her, "the unloader". Just because unloading is probably one of her very favorite things to do. Unload wipes, kleenex, whatever may be in an open drawer at any time, cupboards. If it is neat and put away, Gwen wants to "unload it".

Sweet baby Gwen also feels very left out when Kate plays outside. I don't really like Gwen to crawl around outside for obvious reasons, rocks and dirt in the mouth, very dirty pants, eating grass, etc. The other day I was getting ready in the bathroom and peeked out the kitchen window to find this. She was so excited she had made it outside. Big sister must have left the screen door open. So much for the white sleeper!

Unloading food is another favorite. This time instead of unloading it on the floor, it was on her head. Hilarious.

And finally, one of her favorites. Unload Kate's shoe drawer, then climb in.

here and there

a few random bits of our lives lately...
almost daily kate gets into the bin of clothes that she has outgrown and puts them on again. it's like she's found a lost friend. "Mom, I'm all dressed. Where are we going now?"

Kate got a shiny, new (to her) red tricycle that she is in love with. I think it's adorable (both her and the trike). Gwen, shown below, feels very left out.

I love this photo of her.

We went to Irvine Regional Park last Saturday (and then on to Cafe Rio--now in CA. delicious!) and visited their little zoo.

Kate loves looking at the animals, as long as they don't get too close. In the photo below I think she was trying to decide what she thought of the goat peering out at her between the slats in the fence. Back away slowly.

Kate's art installation of the night. Feeding dolls and bears a four course meal.

Gwen waving hello from the Cerritos Library. One of the coolest libraries I've been to (well, doesn't really top the Sterling, but it has a children's section).

We were given really last minute tickets to see Mary Poppins in LA. We found a babysitter on a few hours notice and loved the show. I've seen it before in NYC and it was just as good the second time. We also sat a few rows back from Tom, Katie and Suri. It's always fun to spot celebrities. And they both look just as good in real life.

The end.