Better late than never!

I figured I should get this post done before Christmas! Here is what we have been up to the last two months.

Avery learning to ride her bike. She LOVES it.

Reading trashy mags together

"Helping Mama make cookies"

Frosting cookies with our BFF Charlotte

Spending quality time with Auntie JJ

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

First trip to the Pumpkin Patch in the crazy 70 degree weather. Thanks Seattle for the amazing Fall.

My little Strawberry and Shortcake

And best of all a little potty training. Avery got sick on our Potty Boot Camp weekend so we just focused on Emma and she is going potty like a big girl now. We're hoping to try again with Avery in January although just having one in diapers is pretty easy!

Birthday Party!

My two little farmer girls!

A+E's favorite activity this summer was going to the farm area at the zoo so I thought a farm theme would be perfect for their birthday.

They had lots of help from their friends opening their presents.

New bike from Grammy!

Cousins Cole, Ella and Grayson came all the way from Denver for their party.

Cousins Callie and Anna were up for a visit a couple days before the party. Callie and Anna were a little confused since their cousins weren't babies anymore and didn't need help with their bottles and eating.

TWO!

Happy Birthday to my sweetie pies!

Seriously, how are they already two? As with last year, I'm feeling a bit sentimental and emotional today. I still vividly remember the moment two years ago when I became a Mama and held them each in my arms for the first time. I never in my life dreamed how much fun two little girls could be. People still ask me how I do and I say I just DO.

We are fully into the twos and we either have really good days or really bad days. Emma is testing the boundaries whenever she can and often gets a time out. But at the same time she is talking up a storm with full sentences and funny comments like "Mama you are silly silly!" She loves repeating all her friends names and is ready to give out a hug and a kiss. She has become very shy again and clings to me or hides behind my legs. But within minutes she is off exploring.  She loves to sing and can spend time alone by herself playing with her puzzles.

Avery just started putting two and three words together and remembers and repeats the oddest phrases. The other morning I went in to get her wearing running shorts and she said "Mama wet. Mama jumping". Meaning I was sweating from working out. She is still a Mama's girl but has really come out of her shell and is okay with me leaving for a couple hours. Her latest fascinations include jumping, necklaces and bracelets, and "susic" (music).

I am so lucky to be Emma + Avery's Mama. The last two years have been the hardest two years. But more importantly they have been best two years of our lives. I love you both to the moon and back and can't wait to see what this year brings. XOXO

Summer Road Trip #2

Since my earlier Road Trip with the girls went pretty smooth we booked our first annual Family Vacation with our great friends the Johnson Family. With ours cars packed to the brim we headed down to the Oregon Coast for a 4 night stay in the cute town of Pacific City. The beaches were beautiful and we had such a fun time with all the girls together and late nights after they went to bed. We can't wait to do it again next year!

The whole gang.

Nightly baths.

DeLane and sweet baby TT.

Much needed time with my bestie.

Beach photo shoot.

From the beach we headed SW 6 hours to visit my Grandma Korfhage in Walla Walla. It was an amazing experience to take A+E to all the places I went with Grandparents during the summer. The only thing that was missing was my Grandpa. I know he was smiling from above but I so wish he could still be around so Emma and Avery could experience his big hugs, teasing and chasing around camp.

Playing Great Grandma's organ.

Beautiful Korfhage Family homestead. The cabin on the left is the original cook cabin that was built over 100 years ago. Grandma just splurged and re built the sleeping cabin on the right, even with electricity!

Blueberry picking at my Grandma's cousins the Klickers.

Little farmer girl.

Picking blueberries with Grammie.

Throwing rocks in the creek.

Swim time!

Making breakfast with Grandma on the wood stove.

Blueberry pancakes!

Walks weren't complete without buckets on the head!

Four generations!

Last two stops on our way home.

A+E had a FUN vacation but after 9 days they were so ready to get out of the car and back in their own beds! Now that we know we have such good travelers we are already planning many more trips.