Trick or Treat! Love--A Kitty and Aurora

 We went to the Trick or Treat Parade in town. Juliet looked perfect in Leah's old kitty costume. She would even say, "MEOW". Leah had a last minute wardrobe change (story of her life) and wanted to dress like Aurora. We made it happen, of course! 

 They were both pretty excited!

 Leah was afraid that the hay would ruin her dress. She had to be talked into sitting down. After the picture, she sprang up and had me carefully inspect her dress. Juliet wanted to sit on the hay, too. She loves to be just like her big sissy. Both girls are holding the pumpkins they made at Leah's Farm Party. 

 The first stop on the parade was Pete the Cat. Leah's FAVORITE! Juliet kept pointing at him saying, "KITTY! KITTY!" Leah was a little shy about saying "trick or treat", but she did it. She would just mumble it and stick out her bag. Juliet wasn't shy at all. She held out her hand and said, "TREAT!" to anyone she saw with candy. Then she would try to eat the candy. Then I would take it away from her. Then she would get a little sad. Then she would see someone with candy and say, "TREAT!". That cycle kept up all night. 

 Leah also liked the Fun House Mirrors, just like her Clifford book. 

 A nice grandma took a family picture. It's a great background and a lovely time of night, but I giggle every time I see Chris in this shot. He looks like Lurch. Also, I'm pretty sure he loves me, so just acting like he happens to be with us with both hands down doesn't really work for me. But, because this picture makes me laugh, it's a keeper. I just ordered it from CVS. I will display it with joy. 

 This one is good, too. Leah is rocking the dinosaur smile. She really wanted to eat the Mini Oreos she got from Pete the Cat. I told her she could after the picture. I can totally tell it's her, "can I get what I want now?" smile. 

Taking Sister Shots

Taking Sister Shots is an art. Both need to be happy, not tired, and have something to be working toward.  This morning they were both working for a peanut butter cup as part of their breakfast. It is best to get pictures right after they get dressed, because both think they are looking pretty cute and smile more naturally. 

 Leah doesn't mind smiling, but she doesn't like to look at the camera. I spend most of my time saying, "Leah, where's the camera?" When I take pictures. Juliet smiles on cue pretty well. 

 Both got tired and needed a break. 

 A hug is always a good thing. 

 Love, love, love these girlies! Leah kept working hard, but Juliet was tired and kept yawning. 

Carving Pumpkins

 Leah did her usual color on the pumpkin as decorating. It looked good. She drew herself and lots of other designs. (Leah is wearing her LEAH-tard because we did this after ballet. She refuses to take off her tutu after dance class). 

 Leah sketched the pumpkin she wanted me to make and then I cut it for her. I then gave her a small knife to do the "touch ups". This was her favorite part by far! 

 While Leah worked, Juliet sat in her chair and watched all the action around her. She was just happy to be at the table and "included". What a sweet heart! 

Gymmie Class

Leah has been begging to go back to "gymmie" class. We signed her up again, and she had her first class this week. She loved it! I was taking her picture, and Juliet kept photo bombing us. She wanted to get her picture taken, too! 

Pumpkin Palooza

 We had a last minute wardrobe change. We rented The Wizard of Oz on Friday night, and Leah was quite taken with the movie. I had bought a Dorothy costume a few years ago at 90% off, thinking I would save it for dress up one day, or to have extra costumes for school (there's always a kid with no costume). It was shoved in the back of Leah's closet. After she watched the movie, I brought it out. She insisted on wearing it to go trick or treating. We didn't have ruby slippers so we improvised with pink glittery boots. 

 Juliet was faced with the choice of dressing as a lamb or a kitty. It was a hard choice, but she finally settled on the lamb. 

 Both girls had lots of fun trick or treating. The day was a success! Beautiful weather and happy girls! :) 

Autumn

 Juliet LOVES her car. Leah loves her tricycle. She rides her bike on every walk now. 

My Favorite

 I cannot get enough of these 2 when they are clean. The smell so good, are both so cuddly, and just look super sweet. We had to get lots of pictures of "Daisy" the kitty from Leah's farm. We took her home 2 weekends in a row, and toyed with the idea of adopting her. We don't want to be the crazy people with 3 cats, and kitties are a lot of work, so we didn't pursue it. On Daisy's last day, Leah was cuddling her telling her, "I'll never forget you, Daisy. I'll always remember you. I will see you again in the Spring". 

 Juliet loved the kitties this summer, but she was leary of Daisy. She liked to point at her and say, "KITTY!", but she didn't really like to touch her other than to poke her now and then. 

 These two are so, so sweet! I could eat them up! 

Pumpkin Patch

 Leah was so, so excited to go back to the pumpkin patch. She wanted every pumpkin she saw. Juliet was a little apprehensive. She didn't like walking in the patch, and really just wanted to sit in the wagon. She liked pointing to the pumpkins, though. 

 Leah wanted every pumpkin she saw. She wanted to pick them all up. She put several in the wagon that Daddy and I took out when she wasn't looking. She made sure we knew how strong she was. 

 We didn't get a family picture this year. Oh well. It was so sunny that everyone was squinting all afternoon, so it didn't seem worth it. 

 Happy girls! 

Lukey's Party

Leah had lots of fun at Lukey's party. Her and Maeve opened all the presents for him. Luckily he didn't seem to mind, but I highly doubt that she'll be able to get away with that next year! Both girls had lots of fun at the party, and loved the cake! Happy 3rd birthday, Lukey!

Failed Mini Session

 I tried to get the kind of photos that I was imagining, very fall like, and failed. The light wasn't right, and I brought Chris outside with me (big mistake). The girls tired quickly, and neither was in the mood. 

 I bribed Leah with Twizzlers. She exerted a bare minimal effort. She did not get Twizzlers. She was very disappointed. 

We've never played by the woods before, so Juliet was very distracted. She kept picking up leaves and twigs. I really want another go at these pictures, but we haven't had another beautiful, warm day where I also have clean girls with the right clothes clean. Sigh.  

Jelly Belly Boo Update

 Sweet Girl,

Yesterday was your 17 month birthday! It is going by so, so quickly. Today when I was putting you down for your nap, I was thinking about the differences between you and Leah. It goes back to the first ultrasound. Leah looked like a little bean, just sleeping quietly. We were in such awe when she moved her tiny flappy fin/arm. You were right in the center, dancing around, and looking quite more developed than she was, though you both measured 8 weeks, 1 day. The second ultra sound you were floating on your head. We had to go back for a second because you wouldn't cooperate. 

You love to be "big". You cannot handle if Leah is able to do something and you are not. You understand if it there is a "kids can't do this rule". But you are heartbroken if it is a "baby can't do this rule". You love to jump, play, run, and hide just like your big sissy. You both have the exact same giggle that I can't tell apart if I'm not looking at you two. 

You seem to have a really good grasp of language. You follow directions pretty well. You (like Leah) are a born pleaser, and like to do the right thing (most of the time!). If anyone offers anyone else in the house a compliment, you have to point to how great your thing is, too. If Leah is wearing a twirly dress, you have to twirl, too. If Leah gets a compliment for her bow, you point to yours or run to the stairs saying "B!" because you need one, too.  When I ask who is pretty or who loves you, you point at yourself. 

You give the best hugs ever. You hug and hug and pat and pat. You are such a cuddler. You go to sleep for naps and at night time by being rocked and cuddled. You never fight it like your sister did. Like Leah, when you are tired you find some of Mommy's skin to rub. You still suck your 2 fingers, and do not like the idea of stopping. You only suck them when you are tired or sleeping, though. You are pretty cuddly and love to hang out in your Mommy's lap. You love to be held and carried around unless we are out in public, and then you pretend like you don't know me because you are too busy exploring. 

You are LOUD! Daddy and I have to make a conscious effort to not immediately assume Leah is doing something wrong when you scream and scream. You yell, "MINE!" all the time, even if the toy/book in question belongs to Leah and you snatched it out of her hands. Sometimes you just scream as loud as you can for fun. It is ear piercing.

You like things clean. You do not like disorganization. You are great at helping Mommy and Daddy clean, too. You understand the system for our toy chest, and put things back in the right place.

You LOVE babies. They are your favorite toy. You love to carry them, diaper them, and help feed them. "Baby" is probably your favorite word. You point out babies every time we go out. They are usually bigger than you! You are also really into "I-Spy" books. You love to look for the hidden pictures and point them out.

You can say a good chunk of words. Your favorite words are: Mommy, Daddy, Ee-a (Leah), baby, uppie, kitty, doggie, duck, quack, car, bye (which you say in a Southern drawl), no, and ya (yes). You say other words, too, but you are awake from your nap now, and I need to wrap this up. :) You communicate the most through pointing, though. You are quick to show us what hurts when you fall or who did it by pointing. You point very accusingly and demand results for the person, animal, or piece of furniture that injured you. You also point to food and toys that are out of your reach that you want. You are very good at letting us know what you need.  

You are still pretty little. You wear some 6-12 month clothes and some 12-18 month clothes. You still wear a size 3 diaper. I was pretty proud of the picture below because you were wearing jeans. Last year, you hated jeans. You cried and cried and pointed at them until I took them off. This pair you seemed to like. They were a hand me down pair of Leah's and much softer than other jeans. 

We think you are the cutest thing ever, and other people seem to, too. You get lots of compliments when we are out and about.

We love you! 

Sassy Mae's Farm Party

 This girl was so scared by the THOUGHT of getting on a horse last June. She didn't even want to go to the last day of school because of this. Now, she is a horse riding expert. She insisted on riding the "BIG" one. So, she got her wish and got to ride Ladybug. 

 In the barn we new baby kitties. Leah got to hold one of the newest kittens. 

 Of course Juliet wanted in, too. 

 What makes Juliet the happiest of all, though, is "treats". She got a donut and was quite happy about it. 

 The girls decorated pumpkins. Leah wanted a "spooky" one. 

 The below picture might be my favorite ever. Juliet loves pigs. She loves to make pig noises and read about pigs in books. She was pretty excited by this pig when it was far away. She was pointing at it, smiling, and making piggie noises. Then, he got interested in her, and walked over. She couldn't get down and away fast enough. She kept crying and pointing at the pig. 

 Juliet was happiest away from the animals and commotion. 

 Two girls and their pumpkins!