Pearly Whites

The girls had their second dentist check-up at the beginning of August.  They were both pretty pumped about it - then Caroline changed her mind when we arrived.  The waiting room is so much fun  - so it took Caroline's mind off of things - they had a blast playing with a set of teeth and the cars:

Catherine Ellis was up first and she was such a good role model for her sister.  She took her x-rays well and smiled throughout her entire cleaning (which is fast; these folks don't play around - done in under 10 minutes!).

However, Caroline didn't buy a single bit of it.  She's too small for x-rays, but big enough for a good cleaning and instead of smiling throughout the cleaning - she screamed the entire time.  I swear that dental staff is full of angels!  Didn't phase them a bit!

Caroline perked right up at the end when she got her prize for "behaving so well!" - a bouncy ball - which if you know her, you know this is her favorite toy EVER!

All in all everyone's teeth look great - the only thing we needed to work on was dropping the pacifier for Caroline.  Mommy and Daddy knew this day was coming soon, but it certainly hasn't made it any easier.  Dr. Johnson said it was time for it to go.  If we drop it now the damage on her bite will self-correct.  We certainly want that!  So stay tuned for how the visit from the Pappie Fairy went over:)

Jumping for Joy

Catherine Ellis and Caroline shared some big news at the beginning of August!

That's right Uncle Drew and Aunt Kim are adding a sweet little niece to our family in February!  We can't wait to meet her - can you tell?!

So far all the grandchildren are girls - God sure knew what he was doing:)

Summer Sundays

Sundays this summer have been Cain Family Fun Days - after naps (sometimes Mommy and Daddy even get naps!) we head out on an adventure!  Sometimes it's the park, sometimes it's ice cream, sometimes its a play date, McWane Center, the Zoo - you get the picture.

Catherine Ellis got a Zoo membership for her birthday and we've really enjoyed having it this summer!  The zoo has a mini-splash pad, train, merry-go-round, dinosaur exhibit (for the summer) and of course lots of fabulous animals.  The Zoo is really close to our house so after naps on Sunday's we typically do something fun and the Zoo is certainly one of those fun activities - as you'll see from the pictures we've had a blast! Thank you for our membership Meme!

Caroline's first splash pad experience

Catherine Ellis was a pro

Whoa - lots of water!

So much fun!

Riding one of our favorite rides of the zoo - the merry-go-round

Always amazing to live life through their eyes

"Up and down Mommy, I go up and down"

These two are certainly batty!

Walking to the train - another favorite ride!

We got to watch the gorilla eating his dinner one night - so cool!

Ice cream is always a great ending to a zoo trip!

First Day of School - July 30, 2013

The girls first day of school was Tuesday, July 30th!

Catherine Ellis was SO excited about moving up to Pre-K with Ms. Megan and Ms. Vonn - she'd been shadowing the class for a few weeks before the big day, so she was fully prepared for the transition.  She's been ready for a new challenge for a while now!

Caroline didn't know the difference, she just was excited to because Sissy was excited.  She lucked out this year and had her teacher move up with her to the 3K class.  Spoiled rotten that one:)  She and Ms. Karen are best of buds and we were just as thrilled that Karen was moving up with her!

They've both transitioned well and are full steam ahead!  We can't believe how fast these two are growing up!

Family Fun Nights

Thursdays during the summer the JCC (Jewish Community Center - where we workout and have the best outdoor pool in town) has Family Fun Nights and we've always wanted to try them out.  Catherine Ellis and Caroline have been the perfect ages to do some of these types of activities this summer, so we gave it a whirl and loved it!  Almost every Thursday this summer we attended - they have dinner, refreshments, music and games for the kiddos in addition to the great pool.

Since Catherine Ellis is a fish these days it made these nights so fun and she was able to practice all of her new moves.  We had many sweet little friends join us throughout the summer - so a win win for kiddos and parents!  We're already looking forward to Family Fun Nights next summer!

Catherine Ellis and Clarke - they are classmates!

The outdoor shower is always a blast!

Caroline and William in the baby pool

Little mama running through the pool

This one has not a fear in the world!

Family Fun Night with the Carmichaels!

Fun on the grass

Outdoor shower fun with Archer!

A wonderful part of our summer!  Sweet friends and outdoor fun!

Last Day of School - 2K and 4K

At the end of July the girls celebrated the end of their school year as Tiny Tots (2-year-olds) and Sunshine Friends (4-year-olds).  They had a wonderful year with fabulous teachers!

I really enjoyed getting to know the teachers and feeling like I was a part of the class.  I got to do several activities with the girls - field trips, class parties, art activities, etc. and that always makes me feel connected. Rushton is two blocks from my job, so I can run down at any time and pop in to say hello.  This has made all the difference for me as a working Mom!

I am the room parent for Caroline's class so I got to be there for the "end of the year" parties and captured some sweet moments!  Catherine Ellis's class dressed up as their favorite characters.  Funny note: Catherine Ellis told every one she was Super Mom; and I swear I didn't tell her to do this! It was so funny!  We're super blessed to have a child care that we love so much!  Great teachers will change your life:)

 Catherine Ellis dressed up as Super Mom

 Catherine Ellis and her teachers: Erica (L) and Octavia (R)

 Catherine Ellis and the best 4K teacher in the whole wide world!

Caroline and her boyfriend Conner - tumbling on the carpet after the party!

Baby Brooks Arrival

During VBS week a very special little boy arrived - Brooks Nation!  We've been waiting on Brooks since the end of 2012!  Catherine Ellis and Caroline have been so excited (although they really didn't understand the growing belly) about William having a little brother!

Stephanie and William are big friends of our family and now they've added sweet Brooks!  He was born the morning of July 15, 2013 and Catherine Ellis and I were the first visitors besides family to welcome this wee one into the world.  Catherine Ellis was SO proud!

Welcome baby Brooks!  We can't wait to feature you on this blog more often!

Catherine Ellis and Brooks (just a few hours old!) 

First day home from the hospital with Big Brother William!