Another Right Of Passage?

I thought I had this one covered.  I know most families experience this, but I thought we could be the exception.  We've talked many time about how only mommy's can cut hair or we go the the salon to get our hair cut.  I thought she understood.  I was WRONG!  Today during quiet time, Paige was quietly cutting her hair.  I cried when I saw it.  Then she cried.  I don't know if she was embarrassed, or if she thought she did a good job and I hurt her feelings.  Either way, it was not a good few minutes for us.  We had been growing her bangs out and they had just gotten to about the length as the rest of her hair. It was so cute.  I called Natasha to see if she knew if her sister, who cuts my hair, was working this evening.  No, she was not.  As I was starting to panic, I remembered my cousin Wendy could fix this.  So I called and pleaded for her help.  She was super great and said to come right over.  (Of course, after I showered, because I had painted most of the day.)

You can see that she was pretty upset, so we didn't push the pictures on her.  You can't see the other side of her head which is cut all the way to her ear and at the length just above her ear.

Here is the after.  Wendy did a fabulous job of blending the chopped hair with the rest.  The bangs are still very short, but when swept to the side, she can pull it off.  I didn't know if we would be able to get a cut that didn't make her look like a boy or like she had a mullet.  Thanks Wendy, for helping me keep my little girl.  I'm going to have to really put some effort into doing her hair everyday for a few months, but I think this is the best outcome I could have asked for.  I only pray. . .It doesn't happen again!

One last Camping Adventure!

We really wanted to get out and camp one more time before the season ended and snow flies.  Last weekend we had perfect weather.  It was a little chilly at night, but the space heater kept us all warm.  We wanted to camp at Ledges State Park, but it was full when we pulled through on Thursday evening, so we headed to Don Williams.  We did go back to Ledges on Friday just to walk down and let the girls explore the water.  They had a blast.  The park really is in bad shape after the flooding this summer and could use a lot of cleaning up.  It is still a very pretty park and we enjoyed our picnic and family time.  Grandpa & Grandma came to visit on Friday afternoon and we had fun finding acorns, playing at the park, and walking to the dock. 

We brought the girls rain boots with us, so they could walk through the water.  Little did I know that they would over flow the boots and we would end up dumping water out of them occasionally.  I did bring a change of clothes for the girls, so I wasn't concerned and just let them explore.

Paige and I threw sticks and leaves into the stream and watched them float away.

I love how much my girls are really becoming friends and look out for each other.  Sometimes they even share!

On Saturday, Nana, Papa, and Aunt Amber drove down in Papa's convertible.  The girls LOVED riding on the back of the car through the park and kept wanting more rides.

Paige got to grill hotdogs for the first time all by herself.  You can see how perfect our site was, right by the playground.  The girls spend ALL their time playing there and even made some friends by the end of the weekend.

And here is our SuperStar on our way home.  Isn't she darn cute?!  I'm sad that we had to store the camper for the winter.  It means that snow is coming and I'm just not quite ready for this Indian Summer to end!

I hope they never stop saying. . .

"I wanna ride the alligator!"  Translated: I wanna ride the elevator!
Fridgilator = Refridgerator
Hanitizer = Hand Sanitizer
Scoop = Scoot
"Hare we going?"  Paige asking, Where are we going?
Hopticopter= Helicopter
I will add to this as I think of more, but these are my favs and I'll never correct them.

A trip to Grandpa and Grandma's!

A couple weeks ago, Mark took the girls to his parents house to give me a weekend at home.  I just needed to refuel in order to be a better wife and mommy.  I found these pictures in the camera and thought they deserved a post.  Grandpa and Grandma found these cute kids brooms and aprons for the girls.  They LOVE to "help".  Paige is actually really good.

While they were there they made a trip to see Grammie for her 89th birthday.  As you can see Uncle Mat, Aunt Myra(not in the pic), and Skylar were there too.

They also went and visited Mark's other Grandma during the weekend, but didn't take any pictures.  I'm so glad they did, because she went to be with Jesus yesterday.  She was 95 and ready to meet Him, but I don't know if family is ever ready to see a loved one go.  Pray for the family this week as they celebrate her life and grieve their loss.   

MOPS trip to the Orchard!

Alaina with her friend Avery.  Note this is the first time Alaina has ever worn TWO pig tails.  It was a big event for her (and Mommy).

A trip to the orchard isn't complete without a tractor ride through the orchard.

Go Hawks!

Unkie Patrick, Auntie Kathy and Amelia came to visit and go to the game this past weekend.  Since it was homecoming, they got here in time to go downtown to the parade.  The weather was beautiful this year and it's always fun to get in the Hawkeye spirit.

Unkie and Alaina waiting for the parade.

Here it comes!

Nana and Papa were visiting Uncle James and Aunt Jenna for the weekend, so they stopped for lunch on Sunday to see the girls on their way home.

Paige LOVES her cousins.  She wanted to hold Amelia ALL the time and really does a great job supporting her.

Kathy and I have really gotten to be good friends.  I'm blessed by her friendship and am thankful to have her as another sister.