TWO!!

The past few weeks it has become apparent that I do, indeed, have two-year-old twins on my hands. They are becoming more and more feisty, independent, temperamental, intelligent, verbal, energetic, and FUN! Although they don't really understand what it means at this point, they are quite excited that today is their birthday and they will gladly tell you that they are TWO while holding up an assortment of fingers to prove it. While we aren't celebrating with a party this year, I wanted to take a few minutes to celebrate who these two are at this point in their lives by telling you a bit about them and sharing a few of my favorite pictures of each of them from the past year.


Isaac Justice

Descriptors that come to mind when I think of Isaac: on-the-go, laughter, tender, strong, all-boy, mischief, loud, determined, adorable, full of life

Things Isaac loves to do: take things apart, cuddle, read, "run naked", jump, hold Eli, laugh, explore, tackle, be outside, eat, play with water, ride in Poppa's truck, give hugs (and he honestly gives great hugs!), play with Grace - as long as she shares...










Gracelynn Isabelle

Descriptors that come to mind when I think of Grace: observant, sweet, musical, spunky, independent, gentle, playful, generally easy going (though when she's mad, watch out!), fun-loving, thoughtful, beautiful

Things Grace loves to do: sing, dance, "run naked", hide and wait for someone to find her, share with Isaac, cook, be tickled or chased, read, be outside, dress up, be held, go to church, eat sweets, play with friends, watch Elmo, do just about anything as long as Isaac is with her...









Disclaimer: I promise I am not putting these two into gender roles with my descriptors and things they enjoy, it's just who they are! :) But don't worry, Isaac loves to wear Grace's dress up shoes, and Grace loves to play in the dirt!

A few of their favorite things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...ok, not quite, but Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies! Much to our chagrin, winter has decided to hang on a little longer, so I thought I'd show you a few of Grace & Isaac's favorite indoor pastimes.

Cooking. Just about anytime I'm in the kitchen, the kids ask if they can cook with me. They even have little aprons, thanks to Nana Lucy. I think Isaac is actually wearing Grace's here...



Elmo. Who knew this fuzzy little creature could keep even Isaac entertained for an entire episode? Not to mention teaching them how to hop on one foot, wash their hands, the difference between fast & slow and more! I laughed with a few friends when Eli was born saying I would have to try to train the kids to sit and watch tv as they've never been interested in it before. Well, thanks Elmo, apparently you're just what they needed!




Reading, reading, reading. Current favorites include: Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown, Jamberry, by Bruce Degen, and Whoever You Are, by Mem Fox





Dance Parties (preferably without clothes) to Ingrid Michaelson, Wailin' Jennies, and when they're really feeling feisty, even Beyonce! Rest assured, their kid favorites include We Are the Dinosaurs, The Hokey-Pokey, Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes, The B-I-B-L-E, and Ring Around the Rosie.




Playing in water. Whether it is washing their hands over and over in the sink (thanks again, Elmo),pretending to cook or give their toys baths in the tubs pictured below, or taking baths themselves, G & I love water. We're looking forward to spring when they can do some serious puddle jumping! For now, they wear their rain boots around the house.





Outings to Mobius Children's Museum, Jump & Party, and play dates with friends. This picture is with their buddy AJ, taken at his birthday party.



Since they really are outdoor kids, most days we take a walk and end up on campus at Whitworth so they can run around & get some energy out! I have yet to remember the camera on one of our winter walks.

Last, but certainly not least: Eli Hope. Grace & Isaac love their little brother and enjoy giving him hugs & kisses, poking him, bringing him toys, and "helping" me bathe him and change his diapers. I think they're ready for the day when he can actually play with them - I guess they'll be waiting awhile yet.