Ice Skating (for about ten minutes)

they're the same size

We tried ice skating this weekend.  I decided to hang back (being 8 months pregnant and all), but Auntie and Matt took the girls out on the ice.  Charlotte made it one lap around, which is a lot farther than last time we tried this.  There were no tears but she made clear she wasn't going back out there.  Upon returning home, Vovo asked "How was it!?"  She replied "I did NOT like it."  Cailin didn't protest and probably would've enjoyed it slightly more if the skates weren't 2 sizes too big.  Fun times.  I don't think we'll try that again for at least another year.

Haircuts all around!

Remember Charlotte's first haircut?  It was traumatizing.  Probably more for me than her.  After that unsuccessful attempt, I cut her hair at home for a year and a half.  As of last month though, it was time to seek professional help.  Thankfully, she doesn't remember the initial trip so there was no anxiety (at least from her).  I avoided the children's salons and opted for the adult salon just down the street.  Charlotte was so excited and clearly quite proud to be sitting in the chair independently, wearing her oversized smock.  And the stylist cut just enough to bring back her fabulous curls.

my little hair model 

Cailin was next to go.  She was excited at the onset, then became anxious.  Charlotte had received a lollipop for a job well done, so I requested one for Cailin as a distraction.  She sat on my lap and the stylist was able to tame this wild child's crazy curls.  

the before...

Great Falls Photo Dump

Great Falls has been on our Fall Bucket List since before we knew we were moving.  We managed to get there in time to see some fall trees and we didn't even freeze.  

Total Glee for C2

Cailin tried out My Gym (a kid's activity gym) this summer and had a blast.  She couldn't continue earlier this fall because of Charlotte's school schedule.  Thanks to the move, there was a free morning for her.  JWTumbles seemed like our local equivalent so we've been prepping Cailin for the "new gym."  Every time we mentioned it, she began to sing songs from My Gym and we corrected her saying "There'll be different songs."  Yesterday, she even sang "Hi hi how do you-...different songs!"

Today was her first class.  Much to her extreme delight, they sing the same songs at Tumbles as My Gym.  She was giddy.  It was wonderful to watch.  She smiled the entire hour.  Class ends with stamps and the generous teacher stamped her feet and belly.  Cailin immediately showed this off to Charlotte at preschool pick up.  It was such a fun morning with my 2nd.

Settling In

We bought a house.  Woohoo!  As much as this is exciting, it's also exhausting.  It makes me well up with tears to know that this is where the girls will grow up.  We will leave from here to take them (and Baby Boy) to college.  Inshallah, of course.  Memories will be made and discussed and revisited as we stay in one spot for the next 30 years.  Sigh.

I miss the "landlord" though.  A few hours before our closing meeting, we visited the house to learn the fridge was broken.  And moldy.  On the next floor we saw water damage on the ceiling.  A quick visit from a contractor told us we'd need to have the top floor window re-caulked, the ceiling repaired, and the carpet/floor taken apart on the top level to confirm the cause of the water damage.  Despite frequent calls, contractors don't seem to want our money so right now, Matt and I are living out of boxes in the basement.

While breaking in the kitchen, we learned the stove was filthy beyond repair.  Matt felt guilty we were purchasing a new stove just because of filth.  Well, have no fear, the next night we learned the oven didn't actually work.  A new fridge and stove/oven have been installed and are working great.  Next disaster, the dryer.  It took at least 6 hours to dry a load of laundry.  That took a couple calls and a single check but is finally in working order.  Who know I'd be so excited to be able to cook and wash clothes?  I'm more old fashion than I realized.

The girls' room is fabulous.  They are enjoying the shared space and bedtime/naps have been successful.  Charlotte is resting in "The Library" (a small room with lots of bookshelves) so as to allow Cailin a quiet place to sleep.  The "play room" in the basement is wonderful.  I love having the main floor (mostly) toy free so the house appears tidy.  This has come in handy for our frequent unexpected visitors.  Neighbors keep dropping by to deliver delicious foods and welcome us to the area.  It's like out of a movie.

The girls are transitioning well.  Charlotte embraces change without any apparent struggle.  Cailin is very happy with the house and playgrounds.  She can't fully grasp the permanence of the change but soon enough, she'll understand.  Or at least forget.

We are settling in.  And we are happy.  Albeit a little tired.

-Pictures to come once things are repaired-