The New Colburn Girls

The girls have reached their 29th month. I never knew that I could have so much fun with my children. So far this has been the best stage of life. Don't get me wrong, it is often a challenge to stay on top of discipline, manners, and daily activities, but I have never enjoyed life with this much "real joy:"  I decided since the girls were taking interest in some things, it was time to make some changes in our daily routine. This past month we have accomplished so much, traveling, joined a music class, learning, and of course our new look. Let us take a moment and share our experiences with you.

Our first adventure was truly an adventure. Daddy was going out of town for a week and the girls and I didn't want to stay home alone. Although there would be tons of things to do, Mama needed a break from cooking and cleaning, especially when Daddy was gone. Us girls chose to take our first road trip to Oma and Opa's without Daddy. This trip was about 3 hours long. I was a little nervous but I was brave. I packed the car: 1 pack-n-play, 2 bumbo seats, 3 suitcases, a stroller, 3 pillows, a basket of toys and books for inside the car, a small cooler for snacks, and odds and ends. Then we were off! To my surprise the girls did excellent. No, they did not sleep the whole way. They sang, ate their snacks, sang some more, and played with their box of toys. We arrived at Oma and Opa's in 2:45 minutes. Not bad for us girls.

 Juliana making a call to Daddy on her play phone as we travel.

It was a fun filled week for the girls. They had a chance to play in the kiddie pool, walk out to Oma and Opa's garden, visit the fair, take a picnic, a day of shopping, and storytime in the evenings. The day to the fair was marked as a favorite day for the girls. They enjoyed petting the animals and especially loved the chicken house. It was a wooden house with prize winning chickens, rabbits, roosters, turkeys, hens, and chicks. Juliana and Olivia LOVED the chicks. When we returned home at the end of the week, that is all they were talking about. "We go see the chicks tomorrow", "We go, not today, but tomorrow." We did have a little trouble getting Olivia to nap she wanted to stay with Mama so she ended up sleeping with me for naps and one evening that we were there. The same evening she had rolled off the bed and barely woke from her sleep. Lets be sure to tell you that this child does not stay still. By the time morning came, she had kicked off the covers and had her feet on my stomach. When I opened my eyes she was staring at me looking so sweet.

Playing in the kiddie pool.

Relaxing before bedtime.

Playing with Oma

Juliana on our shopping trip.

Olivia on our shopping trip.

The girls with Opa and petting the goats.

 Petting the chicks.

Olivia and the chick.

Farmer Olivia milking the cow. 

Girls at the park after our picnic.

 

My Sweet Olivia looking at me. 

After our trip to Clarkrange, we had joined a Kindermusik class. Oh what fun we are having. Since the girls absolutely love music, Daddy and I decided it was time to get them involved in a music program for their age level. In this class, Milk and Cookies, they sing songs and allow the kids to play instruments and move their bodies to the music. Each child sits on their parents lap so it allows the parents to develop this relationship with their child. Daddy was not able to attend one lesson and I went with the girls alone. When it was time to sit down, the instructor took Olivia and put her on her lap. Olivia LOVED this and ever since, she wants to sit next to her, answer her questions, and sit in her lap when its time. We have decided we have a very studious Olivia. Juliana prefers to stay with Mama or Daddy. She is more comfortable with who she knows.

Getting a snack at Kindermusik open house. 

She went for the crackers instead of the cookies.

Along with learning music, the girls have been showing interest in their numbers. So, being a teacher, I decided to jump on this opportunity to do a little "teaching" with them. We have concentrated for the past three weeks on the numbers 1-3. This week is number 4. They color the numbers as we talk about what they look like. We also have art on Fridays and Bible story every morning. I love that they want to learn. I hope this interest continues to grow. They still love to cook with me, especially Olivia. The other day I was canning tomatoes and Olivia sat on the counter peeling the skin off of them. She really enjoyed getting her hands dirty. Juliana helped me with a vegan cheesecake that turned out to be amazing. To see them cook with me and to get vegetarian recipes check out www.cookingwithsugarandspice.blogspot.com.

 Juliana making her apple.

Olivia making her apple.

Olivia peeling the skin off the tomatoes.

Knowing their interests have changed it was time to give them a new look. This week, I had a friend cut their hair. Yes, it is sad to see the only curls gone, and No, I did not cry. I do have attachment to my girls, but hair is hair to me. I am sure I will get my share of crying done, but in the meantime, hair is not one of them. Juliana was the first to go. She sat in the chair like a big girl and as still as can be. She did a super job. Olivia, on the other hand did not want to get it cut. After the first two cuts, she was done. She promptly stood up and didn't like the sound of the scissors near her head. She cried. I didn't get as many pictures of her as I was trying to help hold her so my friend could finish the cut. I was so impressed with how well the cut turned out. They both look so cute and so grown up. I don't want them to grow up too quickly.

 Juliana sitting nice and still. 

Olivia after her haircut.

This current month has already proven to be a busy one. I can't wait to share with you all the fun moments to come.