Animal Lovers

Today we drove to Bemidji to visit my cousin Heidi and her family. We took our first trip to Bemidji's Headwaters Science Center. What a gem! There were all kinds of interactive displays regarding science (all geared toward kids, some people have done an excellent job designing these displays). Anja enjoyed the echo tube, giant bubble maker, windmill display, everything really. But her favorites were the animals, in particular the chinchilla and the rabbit. The chinchilla stayed in its cage, but science center staff took the rabbit out so she could pet it.

Anja enjoyed checking out the interactive science displays...



And she checked out the fish...
But she really loved the soft cuddly animals...the chinchilla and the rabbit

Elise was not interested in the physical science displays and showed interest only in the animals, especially the snakes. One after another, after another, science center staff took out the snakes, lizards and amphibians to let her pet and hold them. The staff were really great, accommodating a curious preschooler with not always great manners. Elise even wore them down enough to let her hold the tiny snake that was really slithery, which they initially said she couldn't hold because they were afraid it would get away.

The boa constrictor got very friendly and wrapped itself around Elise. She would have stood there all day with it around her waist.

Anja also took an interest in the snakes and turtles, but always went back to the chinchilla and rabbit. I did get her over to the snakes when Elise was holding some and Elise was more than happy to show them to Anja. With some encouragement, Anja touched some.

If you ever get to Bemidji and have time, stop in to the Headwaters Science Center in downtown. Your kids will LOVE it!

May is Coming to a Close

Busy as always here! Last night we wrapped up the school year with a party at school for the early childhood/preschool kids. We had a hot dog dinner & got free books. Then we played in the gym with balls, scooters, hoops and a giant parachute. Elise had her face painted (the first time she has wanted to have her face painted anywhere). Then we played outside with bubbles and frisbees, "blew" dried dandelions and played in a big box of rice with sand toys (who knew uncooked rice could be so entertaining?). After that it was off to the playground, then home to get two very tired and dirty girls into the bathtub.

I gave Anja a new "do" today, I thought she looked pretty cute...

Memorial Weekend

This Memorial Day weekend, the weather was BEAUTIFUL!! (except for Monday when it rained all day). Jason came up for a visit and everyone enjoyed sunny, warm, bug-free days outdoors!

We live on the river and Saturday and Sunday Jason and the girls were down by the river all day. The stated purpose of the days was "fishing" and there were baited hooks in the water, but most of the fun came from just hanging out...

Anja's first time fishing...

The girls had a great time playing with the lures...
And looking for anything interesting in the water...Dutch had a great time, too. We did our best to keep him out of the water but he did sneak in one swim.

Anja discovered the Oreos...
Then we just relaxed on the deck...

It Doesn't Get Better Than This

These girls and their mama LOVE being outside. The weather has been beautiful and we've been loving life outdoors!

Since she was about 1 1/2, Elise's favorite thing to do outside has been to dig for worms. This week, Elise introduced Anja to the joy of digging for worms. Anja decided it was more fun to pour the dirt all over herself, even going so far as to lift up her shirt and pour it onto her belly.They spotted a worm here...
If she was trying to get the dirt into her belly button, she succeeded!

Anja LOVES birds (it is one of the "real" words she tries to say). When we are outside she will walk up really slow and just watch them, or follow them as they fly away from her. When she is inside, she loves to watch them out the window (we have bird feeders right outside this picture window).

She' s saying "look! A bird!" (we are the only ones who can understand what she is saying, of course )

This time, she had to climb ALL the way up to see as much as possible (she is a bit of a daredevil and loves to climb)

And of course, we have had great times at the park...

Elise wanted to push Anja on the swing, and did a great job!

The school year is over

Today was the last day of our early childhood class (ECFE for those of you in Minnesota). We took a class picture, they were sooo cute! Anja is the one in the red "love"shirt in front on the right. Elise is the one in pigtails in front of the teacher.

May Days

We have been keeping busy in May...

There was a children's carnival at the elementary school. Some friends from the Cities (Rick, Kris, Morgan and Sam) were in town and attended with us.

The weather some days has been pretty nice so we have been playing outside in the yard. These girls LOVE being outside.

And at the park...
Anja and her little friend, Oden.


When we are inside the girls love playing with Dutch and Scottie... Both Anja and Elise can get a little heavy handed with the animals, but both Dutch and Scottie are pretty good about putting up with them.The library gives little prizes for activities kids do with books, so in this picture Elise is "reading" a book to Dutch.

We took a trip to the mall and the girls loved riding on the horse (50 cents can go a long way!)
Elise and Anja love each other very much and it really warms my heart to see them play together and enjoy each other. Pretty regularly, Anja will go up to Elise and give her a hug. Anja is a very cuddly, loving girl and she really loves her big sister. And the feeling is mutual. Today Anja went in for her 18 month check-up. At breakfast before the appointment Elise was really quiet and not eating. I asked what was wrong and she said "I'm sad because the doctor is going to give Anja a shot." And then her eyes welled up with tears. Elise really does not like it when her sister is sad. She doesn't get frustrated, like some older sibs can, she gets really sad and does whatever she can to cheer up Anja. She sings to her or tries to tickle her, or brings her a toy. Oh, my sweet girls!

By the way, at 18 months, Anja weighs 20.2 lbs (2%) and is 31 3/4" tall (33%). She is a little peanut!