My Heart Smiled this Morning!

It's not such a bad thing to turn around and see this while they girls eat their breakfast before school.  Maybe God made Lila a lefty for a reason.

Keep the Tops ON!!!

This past weekend the girls went inside for lunch. I heard them mention that they were going to have beer with their lunch. Considering Alex and I rarely have a beer, I figured they were just being silly and the thought would soon be forgotten. I was wrong. This is what I walked in on. . . They ate their lunch with their beer beside them. . . tops on of course. Many rounds of cheers transpired and by the end of it, one would think the tops came off! Later that evening, the girls had running races. They bumped into the director of the runs and somehow the conversation turned to what they ate for lunch. Their response. . . "beer." Oh they know how to make a mama proud! (please note the sarcasm)

Nine in Niagara!

Savannah turned 9 last month!  I am still digesting the fact that we are less than a year away from double digits.  I am absolutely amazed and proud of my big girl.  She brings us joy everyday and has been delightful to raise.  Staff at her school continue to seek me out and tell me what an amazing daughter I have.  I know this is true and only wish I could freeze her just the way she is.  However, I am starting to learn that I have to celebrate who she is turning into instead of mourning the little girl she is leaving behind. 

This year for Savannah's birthday, we chose to go to Niagara Falls.  Savannah came up with the idea and I am so glad she did.  It was a magical trip.  LONG drive, but magical once we got there.  Here are some of the highlights. . .

We thought we were well prepared for the Maid of Mist boat tour.  Boy were we wrong.  Our family was front and center and we got soaked.  The spray from the falls was so intense we couldn't even open our eyes.  Our shoes were waterlogged, pants soaked and hair looking as if we stepped out of the shower.  Lila loved it.  I probably don't even need to say that. 

SOAKED!!

We hiked around the falls little more and then headed to the hotel.  The twins were ready for a much needed nap after all the excitement.  I enjoyed my book and the view while Alex took Savannah to the Cave of the Winds. 

The Cave of the Winds was pretty intense.  Savannah loved it but they were soaked from head to toe.  They hiked up to the falls and were only 20 feet away from one section.  The spray was intense!

The next day we went to Marineland.  As far as I can tell, it is Canada's smaller version of Sea World.  We were sitting in a small group of 30 people for the show which was amazing!  I guess September is the time to visit.  The girls got to see their beloved dolphins up close and personal.  Beluga wells greeted them and Lila's favorite killer whales were on display. 

 We fed bears!  How may times do you see signs that say you can actually feed a bear?  It was rather interesting. 

The day ended with rides.  Savannah went on her first upside down roller coaster.  She and daddy got the front seat. 

The trip wouldn't have been complete without an official 9th birthday celebration!  The party favors were very entertaining.

Our trip ended with a trip to the Niagara Butterfly House.  It was very impressive.  Butterflies were everywhere!

Amost 9!

Savannah has always loved the look of pierced ears but never asked to have her own pierced.  She doesn't like pain.  The twins are the same way.  I assume when they are ready, they will let me know.

Right before her ninth birthday, Savannah asked how bad ear piercing hurts.  I told her it hurts.  Daddy said it doesn't really hurt for more than a few seconds.  (He has four holes in his ears!)  Savannah thought about it and in the same night announced that she was ready.  She had a half day of school the next day so Alex and I had the opportunity to just take her to and get her ears pierced.  It was really nice to be alone with our big girl.

She was mighty brave and looks super cute!  Savannah also pointed out that Daddy was right and it only hurts for a few seconds.

Astronaut Training Party

When you have twins, one must use finesse when planning their birthday party.  More than likely, they will not agree on a destination or theme.  We experienced this for the first time this year.  But like my last post indicated, the girls are old enough to argue their points and come to an agreement.  Adeline wanted an outside the home party and Lila wanted their first in the home party.  (So much more work for me!)  I let them work it out.  They went back and forth in the discussion and then a light bulb went off in Lila's head.  "Hey Adeline, since you like space and I want to have a party at home, let's have a SPACE party!"  That was it.  The deal was sealed and off to work I went.  Thank goodness a former co-worker of mine posted a similar party on her blog.  I used many of her ideas. 

Here are the birthday girls!

 This little girl had a hard time smiling because she was too busy playing with her first loose tooth.

Here is how the party played out.

First each child was sent the proper attire for Astronaut training.  Each child had their name on the back. 

There were five levels of training that each astronaut had to complete in order to be prepared for their mission to outer space.

Level 0

First, the boys and girls learned about space shuttles and how they launch.

 Level 1

Rocket Launch - a big hit

 Level 2

They had to practice making repairs with clunky space gloves and doing it in water is always more fun. 

 Level 3

Looking for moon rocks.  Possibly the best part of the party favors.  The kids were so excited that they got to keep them.  

Level 4

Poisoning the aliens by throwing poisonous balloons into their mouths. 

Level 5

Walking on the moon without gravity while holding tight to their specimens.  Another big hit!

We celebrated our success!!

Food time!

There was a lot of food so we took a break before cake and checked out the goody bags.  Since all the children were real astronauts, I thought it would be nice to treat them to a real rocket launch.  They were extremely impressed.

We went back in for cake and then it was time for everyone to go home.  And for mommy to take a rest!!