Ducks

Meredith has been asking to feed the ducks for days, so we finally made it to central park for a little duck feeding frenzy. It always sounds like fun to feed the ducks, but whenever we actually arrive at the duck pond I instantly remember all of the things that I don't like about feeding the ducks. For instance: poop and feathers ALL over the ground, aggressive ducks and occassionally there are super-aggressive geese, not to mention the aggressive squirrels that won't leave you alone once they know you have food and to top it off...the worry that my kids may fall into the disgustingly nasty duck pond. :) All that aside, we had a good time. It was Nora's first time feeding the ducks, so I wondered how she would react. Generally, she has been a bit shy around animals, but when we got there I was surprised that she wasn't scared at all. In fact, she was walking around chasing the ducks. It was pretty cute! Meredith, of course, has never been scared of any animal...ever. I swear, she is a little veterinarian in the making...or maybe a marine biologist. We'll see.

After we finished feeding the ducks (and geese and squirrels) TWO bags of hot dog buns...yes, they were hungry little animals, we also had a few minutes to play at this little playground next to the pond. It is cute to watch Nora growing up. Now that she is mobile, she wants to do everything Meredith does. She can't quite keep up yet, but I'm sure soon enough, she will.

she LOVES going down the slide!

trying to keep up with meredith!

Meredith picking up Nora...like she always does...even though it is a BIG no-no. Grrr. This girl has fabulous listening skills...like most 3 year olds. :)

Oops. That's what happens when you try to pick up a baby that weighs almost as

much as you do!

sweet baby!

my crazy girl! she was actually going down the slide like this...she thought it was hilarious!

happy duckies with very full tummies! :)

ahhh. just watching the ducks and relaxing as the sun set. yes, it was a good visit!

Park days and pedicures

My girls love going to the park. Here are a few pictures from the last couple of visits.

Meredith's friends all have painted toes...so she decided it was time she had pink toes, too. She is now the proud owner of this pedicure. She LOVES her toes...and I love that she loves them so much. Girls are so fun. :)

Prima Ballerina

Meredith just finished her first ballet class this past week. The class was a "close-door" class, which means that they didn't want any mom's watching the class and distracting the little ballerinas. The last class was like a mini recital and all the parents were invited to come and watch. I can't think of anything cuter than a bunch of 3 to 5 year olds dancing around in pink tutu's wearing ballet slippers. Moments like that are why I am so happy that I have TWO little girls. Can't wait for them to dance around together!

Here are a few pictures of the big event. Meredith is a precious little dancer. I love watching her. She is still having a hard time resisting her urge to just jump around and do her own thing, but it is so sweet watching her trying to do everything her teacher tells her to do. I think this class has actually been a really good experience for her and she is already asking to take another class. I promised myself I wouldn't ever push my kids into any activity or sport, but if she ends up loving ballet...I won't mind. :)

happy ballerina

meredith's pointy toes!

more fantastically pointed toes...go, Mere! :)

part of her dance routine...i love this pic...such a good little actress, don't you think? :)

she did it...and she has a certificate to prove it! great job, Meredith!

Our little toddler!

Nora took her first few steps about 2 weeks ago, but yesterday she started to get brave and was walking around a bit more. Here are a few pictures of our little 13 month old toddler! It's official!

just walkin' around her room like a big girl!

playtime!

playing with meredith's cars...one of her favorite passtimes. so cute!

they actually do get along sometimes...thought i should take a picture to prove it. :)

i love my girls!