Enjoying a "Hambooger" in Manning, SC

Evie and I are on a road trip together this weekend. Today, after a long drive, we were very happy to be settled at our hotel in Manning, SC. Evie enjoyed her "hambooger" from Wendy's while watching cartoons in her very own bed.

These Boots Were Made for Walking

Greedy Beggar

Commute report: Took me 35 minutes to go less than two miles today. Sigh. Who's over the RNC? (Hint: me)

The Grazer

Evie has never been a "three square meals" kind of girl. She prefers to graze all day (just like another Mallard I know ... ). This evening, for instance, she has eaten some animal crackers, yogurt and watermelon. This is in addition to the grilled cheese she had for dinner.

Energy and the Election at the RNC

I got to attend this forum this morning, which was hosted by Washington Post Live on UT's campus. Very interesting and lively discussion (and good food too).

Commute report: the Selmon and downtown were like a ghost town this morning, probably due to Tropical Storm Isaac. We shall see what the rest of the week brings ...

Shopping Companions

Thanks to Tropical Storm Isaac, Publix was a zoo today and all of the racecar carts (which have seats for two children) were in use. Evie was a good sport and rode in the basket. She held onto the garbanzo beans and declared she was in charge of them and chattered all the way through the store so clearly it didn't bother her too much.

Buddy Fruits are a hit!

Lowlights?

No, that would be Mommy's mascara in Darcy's hair (courtesy of her big sister). Thankfully, I do not wear waterproof mascara!

Dinner: Spinach Sauteed in Olive Oil and Garlic

I have made steamed spinach many times and not been too impressed. Recently I learned to sautee it in olive oil and garlic with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and I am obsessed. Tonight I made some to go along with my Lean Cuisine.

Their future's so bright ...

They've gotta wear shades.

(Upsidedown is apparently the new trend in eyewear.)

The RNC is coming ...

The Republican National Convention is being held in Tampa next week so they've hung these signs all through downtown. I am not a Republican, but can't help but get excited by such a big event coming to town. Now getting to and from work will be another matter ...

Time for a Check Up

I took Evie and Darcy to the pediatrician today for their 4 year and 18 month check ups. They did great with all the poking and prodding. Here are the vital stats:

Evelyn
Weight: 34.4 pounds (50th percentile)
Height: 40 inches (50th percentile)
Blood  Pressure: 90/60
Hearing and Vision: Passed both
Number of shots: 3 (hardly cried at all)

Darcy
Weight: 23.4 pounds (15th percentile)
Height: 32.5 inches (75th percentile)
Head size: 19 inches (90th percentile)
Number of shots: 1 (barely noticed)

Since they were both so good and cooperative at the check up, I got them ice cream sundaes on the way home. All in all, a successful trip to the doctor's office!

Cooking Lesson: Cookies

Today we made cookies, using the rolling pin and cookie cutters and everything. The end product may not look pretty, but they tasted good and the girls had a blast so I'd say that was a success.

In Hair and Make Up

Friday Pizza and Pool Party

So ...

Evie finished her puzzle this morning, and, believe it or not, the orchid my dad gave me a month ago is still alive and thriving. It has even sprouted a new flower bud!

Puzzle Progress

I swear she did this all by herself.

Puzzling it Out

(It's a Dora puzzle, in case anyone is wondering.)

A Stool Can Be a Dangerous Thing ...

Both the girls have been using this stool lately to get to things they wouldn't otherwise have access to (see Darcy's tissue shenanigans from yesterday). Here Evie was pulling all of my favorite magnets off the fridge and playing with them. (Not that I really care if she plays with my magnets.)

Equal Parts Naughty and Nice

Dinnertime

Cheddar Ranch Burger and French Fries.

Everyone enjoyed!

Riveted

I love the way Evie tucks her legs under like this when she watches TV or even when she eats. So cute.

Hmm

Apparently we need to visit the zoo again, as Evie put her giraffe in the tree with the orangutan and gorilla ...

Following in Evie's Footsteps

Lately Darcy has been obsessed with putting on Evie's clothes and shoes. I can personally attest that this is a little sister thing (one that will seriously annoy her big sister one day).

Shoes and Cars

Evie is a girl with eclectic tastes.

Under the Bed Kitty

This is where Susie hangs out until the tailpullers have gone to bed.

Claws

Evie put the marker caps on her fingers this morning and said, "Look Mommy! I have claws!"

Evie's 4th Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Evie's birthday today with Blake's parents, his brother's fiancee Tiffany, their son Lucas and Tiffany's two sisters and niece Aurora. There was swimming. There was cake. There were lots of presents. And there was one very happy (and tired) Evelyn by the end of it! (She passed out on the couch watching TV after everyone left, which she has never done before.)