exciting changes last week

We have had lots of exciting things happen this week.

We had our first snowflakes on Hallie's birthday! It looked beautiful and Hallie said "It's snowing for my birthday!" We put on her hat, scarf, coat, and mittens and let her run around in the little flurries. When she came inside, she made "snow angels" on the kitchen floor. I asked her what she was doing and she said "skating." Okay.

We got a swing set! Our kindly neighbors offered us theirs-- for FREE. It is heavenly. I open the windows and let her play in the back while I clean in the kitchen. It has a regular swing, a double swing, and an infant bucket swing. It also features a slide. I can push both girls at the same time. Hallie played in the backyard before, but with nothing but grass her time outside was limited. But now, our new toys lend her endless play. I love to watch her run around. But my favorite part is when she sits and daydreams. I can remember doing that in my backyard so vividly. It was during those times that I imagined what I would be when I grew up and what it would be like to be a mother.

Hallie got a new car. Our same "swing set" nieghbors gave us a little plastic Cozy Coupe. Hallie loves it when Daddy or Mommy push her around. She also loves to load up her princesses in the back and take them for rides. My favorite part of the car is when she takes imaginary trips to the grocery store to run errands for me. She gets me pretend milk, eggs, and bread several times a day. This morning I asked her where she was going and she said she was going to Costco to get me some cheese. It is so sweet it grabs at my heart.

Claire and Hallie have truly become friends. Twice recently Claire has been crying in the back seat and Hallie talks to her and her tears transform into giggles and squeals. Hallie also loves to pick out a blanket and tuck herself and Claire into it. Claire looks at Hallie with so much wonder. It is remarkable. When we found out we were having another girl our friends Luke and Ashley told us how precious it is to watch your children together as friends. We love it. I know as they grow there will be hair pulling, whining, and slugging. But I also know there will be slumber parties, hugs, and inside jokes.