Catching up

Sorry for the long delay in posting. As you may know, I was in China for a few weeks. I'll load this entry up with lots of pictures and movies. Because lots has been happening around here.

While I was gone, Ida Jane and Harper welcomed their good friend Alexandra to visit with them, along with Auntie Lora and Auntie Christene. It was a screaming good time.



Here they are, in a quieter moment, with Auntie Christene, getting a morning story:



Here they are catching a breather at the park - one of the few times a camera can be safely deployed.



While I was gone the girls also visited a neat indoor playground that had a big sandbox.



And a big gym to crawl around in. Fun!



When Dad returned, he was greeted by a big snowstorm. Ida Jane was thrilled to get one more good play in the snow.



Harper has learned a lot of new skills. She's taking some baby steps, but we haven't managed to get that on film yet - mostly because whenever she sees the camera she immediately wants to look at pictures of her sister on it. But we did get this nice video of a peekaboo game.



And while she's not reading per se, she is definitely interested in her big sister's favorite pastime.



This next video is one taken by our daycare provider, Ms. Addison. Ida Jane is showing off her color and drawing abilities.



Ida Jane is also developing some new skills - soccer! She went to her first soccer practice on Saturday, and had a blast. Here she is, warming up.



A week ago today we had great weather and took a family trip to the zoo. The girls loved it.



The National Zoo has an "O Line" - where you can watch the Orangs travel from enclosure to enclosure via a cable bridge.



Here's a zoom in!



Here we are, rolling into the picnic area.



It was tough being in China and away from the girls for so long. But I knew they'd be fine - they have a great mama!