How Are They Different?

People ask me all the time how the girls are different. While they were still in the womb, I was concerned about their movement and I told the perinatologist that one was more active than the other. He said to me, they are totally different and not to compare them. Later I learned, that they were both active and that they were both laying with their feet in the same spot. Lesson learned. It is still some times hard not to compare but I keep telling myself they are two different girls.

And different they are. I wouldn't say night and day, but different. To explain it, lets look at their hair. Lizzie has very straight hair, so straight that it really doesn't hold a curl. Her personality is very straight and narrow. Methodical and organized. Things have to be a certain way, you have to tell her about change and then she will be ok. She was one of the first kids in her preschool class to master rolling up her nap mat. Gracie has curly hair and is very bouncy, springy (like her curls). Compassionate and hyper. She comes up with some of the most imaginative things. She loves to carry some sort of bag and loves her babies.

I wouldn't say that one is more outgoing than the other, but different. In some situations, Gracie takes the lead while in others Lizzie does. They both like girly things but have different tastes. I can start to see their sense of style coming out. Much to their mother's happiness, they love shoes!

Both girls reflect their parents personality. Gracie is very similar to me and Lizzie is very similar to Wes. They show me every day how different they can be. The one similarity is their love for one another. They are always looking out for sissy and want to see her happy. I am thankful every day for these two precious souls.

Fair Day 2011

Riding in the train

Today, Wes took the day off and we went to the fair. This year, we decided to take the train and the girls loved it! The train drops you right at the gate.We look at the cars, toured several bathrooms and got our Borden's milk by visiting Elsie the Cow. We went through the petting zoo where a zebra almost ate Lizzie's hand. The girls really liked feeding the animals and learned to use the shovels provided after a couple of goats ate the paper cups with the feed in it.


This year, we took the girls through the "Little Hands on the Farm" where they got to pretend to be farmers. Both girls loved it. It was really fun and took the kids through the entire farming process. They were even given "money" to "buy" something which was a bag of Cheetos in the girls case.


We had a great time. The train ride home was a little long because the girls needed a nap and were bored on the train. I was really proud of the girls because we didn't have any potty accidents and they told us when they needed to go. 

Getting ready to look at the cars and holding hands

Feeding the animals at the petting zoo

The girls with their aprons on (or as they call them capes) getting ready to "farm"

At this point they have already fed the chickens, watered and picked the peaches, and milked the cow. Now they are planting their crop

Taking turns riding the tractor

Pumpkin Patch

Today the girls had a field trip to the pumpkin patch with school. They loved it. A cold front came in last night that brought rain, colder temperatures and a cold wind. The girls were excited they got to wear their rain boots and coats (Nana if you are reading, everyone told me how cute the coats were).

The girls did really well until the juice from snack time and the cold wind got to Grace and she peed her pants. We then ran home, changed clothes and went back up to school. 

The girls class getting ready to go into the pumpkin patch

Waiting for a snack

Getting ready for the pumpkin relay race

The girls class with their teacher. Love how Gracie and Lizzie are the "bookends" and posing.

My little scarecrows (this is right before Gracie peed her paints)

Fire Station

Today, the girls and I met up with our twin group to tour the fire station. We had a great time and all the firemen were really nice. Our tour guide was Fireman Brian, who luckily has a 3 year old and knows their attention span. They really scaled the tour for a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds. We saw the kitchen, where they slept, where they watched TV and the trucks. The first truck he showed us was the ambulance. Both girls must remember their scary ride when Gracie had her seizure because they both were scared and freaked a little. 

Next, we moved on to the big trucks and they let the kids look in and walk around it. After all the kids went through, Brian put on all his gear to show the kids that firemen are not scary. He was really sweet with all the kids. He is also one of the first people to get Lizzie and Gracie's names right immediately.

Hugs in the fire station

Lots of twins at the fire station

Fireman Brian letting the girls hold a hose

Ready to go out and fight some fires!

We had a really fun time and will have to go back next year!

Getting Our Nails Done

The girls have been asking to have their nails painted ever since they saw their cousin, Sydney, paint hers. Finally, I got the courage to paint theirs for them. I make them put their feet on wax paper and splay their fingers out while they let their nails dry. They love it!

When they have their nails painted, they hold everything so dainty. Its so funny!

Waiting for their nails to dry

Watching TV and looking around me while I take their picture.

September 2010 vs September 2011

 I was looking through my cell phone pictures and was completely surprised by how much these little cuties have grow and change! Wow!

The girls on their "stage", a couple of step stools

Gracie with her pout

Lizzie's pout face

Cheesy faces. I love how Gracie is looking at Lizzie. Sister love!

Gracie September 2010

Lizzie in September 2010

The girls in September 2010, 2 years 3 months

Whew, I'm Tired!

It has been a busy week and a half! We started out a week ago preparing for Grandma and Papa to come for a visit. Monday they arrived and that night Wes caught a flight to Las Vegas to stay for 8 days. On Tuesday, I caught a flight to Las Vegas to have a mini vacation and stayed until Thursday. It was nice to get away but I missed the girls a lot. I spent the days by myself and the evenings with Wes. I shopped, play $1 in the slots and lost, walked A TON and shopped some more! It was nice to have the time to myself and do whatever I wanted. 
While I was away, the girls were having a blast with Grandma and Papa. I think they hardly missed us. Not only were my parents taking care of the girls, but also converting my dining room into a play room. My mom decided our toys had gotten out of hand and she and my dad worked really hard to organize them!
I arrived back home on Thursday. Then Friday started my final weekend for my yoga training. Friday was the written test, Saturday was my practice teaching and Sunday was the graduation party. I passed everything and have just a couple of things to finish up and then I'll be certified to teach! Yay for me!

My wonderful parents with Lizzie and Gracie

So for about a week, I was running non-stop! I'm ready for a break!