The Big Day

Today was the big day, and then again, maybe not so big. The girls are officially two years old!!! We sang "Happy Birthday", but they really have no clue what that means. It's not a song they've heard much of, so they weren't even really excited about the song. I'm sure they'll have a lot more fun next weekend when we actually celebrate. Grandma was at a music festival all day, and I was at a reception tonight so the celebration had to wait. Everett is really looking forward to decorating and making the cake with me.

My musical numbers went well, which I was really glad about because at least for now it seems like "me practicing" = "kids screaming". I just wish Cary could have heard it (meaning the playing, not the screaming). He stayed home with the kids. It's interesting just how different the priorities are between moms and dads. They had pizza for dinner, and when I got home the dishes were still on the table, and toys all over the floor. BUT, he bundled all the kids up and played with them in the backyard and gave them baths, so I'm not going to complain (just raise my eyebrows a little and smile).

"So how'd she end up with all the hair?"

The post title is a question we get often. Of course, we don't have an answer for it. Here are Maddie and Lana in pigtails:

I was practicing my flute today (am sadly out of practice) and Everett was covering his ears. This is a bad sign. I will be playing at a wedding reception on Saturday, and I really want it to be nice for my friend. At this point I'm a little nervous!

Sunday Activities

Today was ward conference at church. What I heard of the talks was really great, and Cary and I did a special musical number. It wasn't perfect, but it was nice to sing with Cary again. It seems that the only times I do something musical now are when I am asked. I'm always glad for the opportunity (and the reason) to play or sing--especially with my family.

Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner, and you'd think the kids hadn't seen them in ages! They were laughing and jumping and squealing, just full of delight. There is a lot of love and excitement around here. (And face-poking, shoe removal, jumping on laps, and general child-abuse. Don't take this the wrong way: I mean abuse at the hands of children. Happily, the recipients of this treatment actually aren't bothered by it.)

Another use for packing tape

I am becoming ever more convinced of the usefulness of packing tape. Most recently, I have used it on one of the most obnoxious toys ever created--to reduce the volume by a couple of decibels! Now every instrument our little band is, if not very musical yet, at least tolerable.

The Christmas Program

Cary and I never thought we'd both be able to participate in the Christmas choir this year, but one of the sisters in our ward offered to watch the kids during the rehearsals! Cary was the only tenor, and I got to sing alto in two numbers and accompany the choir on flute for the other two. We had to make special arrangements for the actual performance! We divided the children between three different families, and everything went really well. It was great to be able to actually sort-of relax during a meeting, and contribute to the program as well.