Ella's preschool's winter performance.





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Celery

I think she's rocking the celery to sleep. We'll see if she loves it so much when it's on her plate.

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Letter to Santa

Ella wrote her letter to Santa and we mailed it this morning. Luckily she asked me to help her with what she wanted, so I steered her towards the already purchased presents. She did ask for more Christmas books though. Any suggestions?






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Pinkalicious

Took Ellie to see Pinkalicious today for her birthday (last Sat). She loved it. I was not crazy about it, but I had a great date with my big five year old. Happy Birthday.





They gave out free cupcake coupons, which was really exciting for Ella.


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Autumn in Portland

It was a beautiful Sunday, so we took the girls to the temple grounds and snapped some pictures.

I'm planning to enlarge one and frame it for their room.

Claire donned her new winter coat for the occasion.

The dark colors really set off Claire's fluffy white halo hair.

I think here she's contemplating new ways to be naughty...

Superstars

Two examples of really good parenting:

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Snuggley

There's something about a nearly naked baby piled in blankets and pillows...



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Trophies

Soccer is over!!! The iguanas had a good season. I heard. I spent most of the season corralling Claire. Ella had a great time. She loved participating in an activity where everyone wears matching shirts.


And she loved getting the trophy at the end.


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Super Ella and the Snake

Yesterday the sun was shining so I took the kids to the park. We spent most of the walk there looking at caterpillars. Then suddenly I heard Ella screaming hysterically. She discovered a very small snake. As the snake was slithering away, I said something like "Ella, look how scared the snake is of you! You scared him now he's running away as fast as he can!". Ella's mood changed from frightened to exuberant. "Mom, now you need to call me Super Ella because I can scream so loud that it scares snakes.". So I did, because she is.


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Faster

Claire's trying to figure out how this thing works.

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Self-Surgery

A true Brinton, when Claire gets prickles in her foot, she takes matters (and tweezers) into her own hands!


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Claire at OMSI

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Circle of life

Taking advantage of the last sunny days, I took the girls on a walk to our neighborhood duck pond.





On the walk Ella discovered a fuzzy caterpillar that was black and orange. Claire was intrigued as well. First she tried to touch it, but I dissuaded her.


Then she stood up and stomped on it. When she did, it's guts shot out of it in a yellow line of sticky mucus. This confused and bothered Ella, who knew the caterpillar had sustained an injury, but was not sure if the wound was mortal. At first I owned up and answered the questions truthfully, trying to help her see death as part of life. But when she began connecting the dots as to who was responsible for the tragedy, I wavered and started backtracking, saying the caterpillar was going to be ok. Since Ella desperately wanted to believe the lie, it was an easy sell. So much for the circle of life.


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Pumpkin donuts

General Conference treat.


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Sunday spinning

Andrew takes the girls for a spin Sunday afternoon.

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Ella's first real bike ride

Mom! I'm a two-wheeler!!!

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This is how...

At a neighborhood BBQ I asked Ella "Where's Claire? Go make sure she's not Getting into trouble". Ella replied, "Mom, so you know, this is how you find Claire. You look for a little white fluffy head in places where babies can be naughty."


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Babies with babies

Claire likes to go to the toy store and take care of the neglected dollies.

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Everyone's a critic

Ella shares her opinion on the present condition of our house.

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Good Question

Ella: do they call it a girld-cheese sandwich because only girls are allowed to eat it?



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First Day of Preschool

Ella had a great time at Chinese preschool today. Here's what she learned:

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P-P-P-Party Everyday

Last Monday, en route to Costco, "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas came on the radio. Ella knew a lot of the words and was singing along and carseat dancing with Claire when she stopped and declared, "I think this song is about family home evening!". It was a good good night. Pretty much P-P-P-Party every night around here.

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New bike

Ella's bike arrived today. She was so excited to ride it that she convinced me to move the car from the garage so she could practice. She figures she'll be ready for pedals in a day or two. She also figured that a video of her riding whilst singing "Happy Birthday" would be the ideal present for my sister Julie's birthday. Who wouldn't want that?

I think she has about ten days to enjoy it before the weather gets bad. Better make it count.

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Bear lake

Ella and Mia at the beach.


Andrew trying to build a sand-castle for Miss Mia.


BFF.


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Finally

We finally made it to the cabin! The kids beg to go to the beach.


Doug begs for mercy.



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Chinese Warrior Ninja

My nephew is only 7, but he's a singing Chinese Ninja Warrior.

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Hotel Calaway

After 30 hours in the car, we unwound with a BBQ at Hotel Calaway.











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Two "little" turkeys

Ava and Claire got along a little better this time. Claire still refers to Ava as "da bebee". Like my other kid, totally oblivious of her own size.


They shared a common love of bananas.


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