Day Two Hundred and Eighteen and Counting...

The weather was absolutely perfect for the girls to play outside!  They were so happy to be out in their bare feet, in the (long) grass!  Especially after being stuck in their shoes at school all week!  And to make their day, there was a little puddle of water in the dump truck...

Olivia has just discovered the water in the truck...

And after a moment of splashing, a look of pure bliss!

Hmmm... what does she have to put in the water?

Grace arrives to help...

They work together...

And then stand around, discussing the results of their fine teamwork!

A little bit of sass from Grace:

And an updated picture of poor Livie's boo-boo:

Day Two Hundred and Seventeen and Counting...

The girls and I came home to a wonderful surprise!  There was a note stuck to the front door from Uncle Rob and Aunt Natalie, saying that they had brought a special gift for the girls... and it was waiting in the backyard!

The girls could not wait to get at it!

In the Tunnel of Fun!

And in and out of the tents!

Of course, we had to call Uncle Rob and Aunt Natalie and thank them for their wonderful surprise!

She quite enjoyed talking to both of them!

After, we went back outside...

And then, Grace decided to show me her newest trick - on her swing!

Swinging upside down, no hands!

And in case you had noticed something odd about Livie, here is a close-up...

Yep, she landed on her face at school today, and ended up with quite the case of road rash on her poor little face!  It only bothers her when she is tired and wants to rub her eyes!

One of the teachers wanted her to learn to say "You should've seen the other guy!"

Day Two Hundred and Sixteen and Counting...

Daddy was waiting for his girls when we got home tonight!  And they were thrilled to see him!  He convinced them to play out front while I was busy getting dinner ready.  So, while I had a minute, I spied on them through the front window - with my camera, of course!

Livie, at the garden's edge.

Grace, having a pouty moment.

Trying to get Daddy to come play too...

Get you!  Gonna get you!

Their giggles were delicious!

Speaking of delicious:

Yes!  Chocolate pudding!

Can you tell how pleased she is?

Day Two Hundred and Fifteen and Counting...

The girls were divided tonight.  Grace was all about Daddy, and quickly disappeared with him... and I don't blame either of them.  Livie was set on "all mommy, all the time" mode, and didn't want either of them anywhere near me!
Every time Grace came near me for a hug, or just to be in my space... she was chased off by a screaming toddler!
So, I only have photos of Olivia today... for the thirty seconds she was willing to sit on the counter while I operated the camera!  And as a result, I played with my editing software, just to see what I could do!

This effect is etching!  Just awesome! 

How awesome is this?  Antiquing and sepia tones!  It suits her so well!

Day Two Hundred and Fourteen and Counting...

Ah, the first day back after an amazing vacation....
It was really hard to get out of bed and get started today... but even harder for the girls!  And though they made it through the day, they were exhausted by the time we got home!
Olivia's new best friend is the little monkey that Oma bought for her on our safari trip, and Grace's is the monkey that Daddy bought for her... and they are nearly inseperable!  Their monkeys were waiting for them when we got home, and Livie was just so relieved to see hers, and give it big hugs!

My tired baby and her monkey!

Kisses!

More kisses!

Such cuteness!

And when the girls went to bed tonight, their little monkeys were tucked in the crooks of their arms... cuddled in tight!

Day Two Hundred and Thirteen and Counting...

While the girls waited for their Oma and Opa to arrive, we went for a little walk up the street.  One of the neighbours had their sprinkler going, and it was a challenge to keep Livie out of it... but then she heard the trickle of water going into the storm drain!  It was time to investigate!

Livie walked right over and sat on the drain... and observed where the water was coming from... and then...

Having a look at whatever it was Grace was looking at!

Oma and Opa arrived, and we went out to the yard.  Grace decided that she needed to show Oma her new book for her Reader, and Olivia thought that she should share my Paula Deen with Opa!

I think Opa may have been more interested in Grace's book than my Paula Deen!

Day Two Hundred and Twelve and Counting...

It was just a gorgeous Sunday!  We spent a lot of time outside, just relaxing.  At one point, Grace decided that she and Olivia should take their ponies out to play.  What a great idea!

Livie and her unicorn... deciding where to go next!

Off to the nearest garden!

Grace and her pony, in deep conversation...

Until something interrupted...?

Off to the garden together...

A little pixie I found in my garden!

Grace has developed this thing for our tree out front.  She wants to climb it, sit in it, swing from it... and now, she likes to jump up and grab the branches that are low enough, and rip the leaves off!

And one extra picture...

Extra-adorable, that is!