Bath Time III

The older two kids went hiking with Todd today. They stayed out as long as possible because I've been fighting a bug and so they wanted to give me some rest. They played in the dirt, they climbed rocks. They run up and down hills, and then up and down them again. So, when it came time for baths, they were sunburned (not sure they make a sunscreen durable enough to stand up to hours of my kids' abuse!), a bit chapped from the wind, and wanting to play. I was bathing them when Todd walked in and said what I'd been thinking: "We should get Harper in the tub with the other two". Within minutes, Cooper is "sharing" all his toys by piling them on top of Harp's tummy. Em is trying to show her how to float and both are battling for her undivided attention... a position my youngest is quite familiar with and indeed, loves to her core. Then Cooper generously gave Harper his foam #1 and I got the brilliant idea to take a picture of this momentous occasion. Not sure we'll think it so momentous in a few years, but it made Todd and I laugh out loud... especially as we were trying to count all the chins our offspring sport!

First Haircut

Some of you may remember the trauma that was Em's first haircut. For those of you who don't, let's just say Mommy was neither ready or willing for Em's locks to be chopped, but it happened anyways. As a result of that event, I've been reluctant to even consider cutting Cooper's hair. It's really pale blonde, so it hasn't been a big issue. Besides, you couldn't see the feathers, even when they did start to grow! Lately, however, they've been more than a bit noticeable. While I'm perfectly fine with curls on boys, I'm not fine with curls on boys that make them look like girls. It's just my opinion, and Coop's have gotten him mistaken for a girl (not sure how). So Sunday was a sunny afternoon and Todd didn't have any pressing business and we did it. A stool was taken to the backyard and the deed was done! I'm still trying to get used to the feel of little prickles on my neck when he snuggles. Cooper loves to just sit for long stretches of time and enjoy the tactile experience of his head now.

Look on the left and you'll see the telltale curls I'm talking about. I know many of you think I'm nuts, but in person, there were MUCH more of them to be seen!

Daddy doing the honors.

Proof, again, that he had hair... and it was long... and needed to be trimmed down a bit.

We left a bit at the top, mostly because he was getting too squirmy to safely attempt the whole military-buzz, but he likes the difference between the two lengths, and I think he's cute no matter what!

OshKosh B-Gosh!

Nearly two years ago, Em received a package from her Auntie Em in the States. There were all kinds of goodies any little girl would love: red sparkly dress shoes, fun shinny chartreuse ballet flats, dresses and one fabulous pink with white stripes overall skirt from OshKosh. It was too big for her at the time, but I stashed it away. I was reminded of that skirt when a friend, who was moving, gave me a whole slew of her daughter's baby clothes. In the massive bag of clothing was a pink with white stripes OshKosh overall skirt!

So I brought the new clothes home. Took out Em's outfit and sure enough, they're the same! I have always loved the idea of dressing sisters alike. Maybe it's because I was always the younger sister and wanted to be EXACTLY like Hilary. Who knows. But on Sunday, I pulled out both skirts and had the girls sit for a few pictures. I love the result!

Harper Laughs

I realize that I've been slacking. There's something insane about being outnumbered by small kids, but I'm loving every minute... well, okay, not EVERY minute. But, every mom has her moments! For the record, this IS indeed a laugh, not a cry. Harp just has her own sense of style, and I wouldn't have expected anything less.

Durban: Part 1

Renovations/repairs to our flat, three kids and life left Todd and I in desperate need of some down time. A friend suggested we use his vacation flat down in Durban. Now for most of you, a vacation in July at a beach house seems ideal but here, it's the middle of winter. I was exceedingly happy to learn that the weather down at the coast was much nicer than in Joburg. Cool, not freezing (or below!) and mild. The worst weather we had, actually, was one windy day. The flat was amazing. Very kid-friendly and right on the beach. We didn't do any swimming, but the kids loved playing in the sand and our daily walks by the water. The best part? For the first time in 6 years, Todd and I remembered our anniversary! I felt so proud of us :)

Each morning, Todd got up with the sun and would take pictures. I chose to stay in bed as long as possible, but when I did emerge, he'd show me the sunrise. It made me feel like I didn't miss anything.

Todd and Em loved running through the shallow waters. Cooper had an incident the second wave he walked through (he's short and it wasn't- oops) so he wasn't as inclined. But, he did love participating in the action safely from Daddy's back.

You will rarely see pictures of me on here because 1)I'm usually the one taking the pictures and 2)I generally don't like the pictures of me that are taken. This, however, is the exception. Harper was enthralled by something moving below her (my feet) but that's okay. Gives me a chance to show off her pinchable cheeks!

Todd waiting for Em to come running to him.

The kids loved writing in the sand. The ride to the coast was about 8 hours, so they'd watched more than their fair share of "Word World" and the likes. At least they put all that screen time to good use and practiced their letters in the sand!