He Wrote Back!!!!

A couple weeks ago, Erin wanted to show us some interactive art thingie she did in her class that was based on Peter H. Reynold's book "Ish".  We browsed his website and came across this in the Contact section:

Snail Mail

I actually love snail mail... so feel free to send me a note the old fashioned way at:

c/o The Blue Bunny
577 High St.
Dedham, MA 02026 USA

Robin set down and wrote out a "letter" to him consisting of a few pictures, and probably the word "Butterfly" which she is currently fond of writing.  We sealed it up, popped it in the mail.  I put a little note on the back envelope that it was from a fan, "Robin, age 3" and briefly described the drawings she did.

LOOK WHAT CAME IN THE MAIL TODAY!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited!!  I'm so curious to know what's inside.  We will have to browse other authors' websites for similar invitations to communicate. 

Girls Day!

1. Erin sewed two dresses for her barbie dolls. 

2. We took a bike ride and found an awesome leaf pile. 

3. We went to the trampoline place and jumped for an hour.

4. We went to the Orinda Community Park and played. 

5. We watched a wood-working show. 

Can't wait for the next Girls Day. 

Robin, Zen Master

Last night when going to bed, Robin asked me:

"Mommy, what comes first, the daytime or the nighttime?"

Cody Gets a Makeover

Cody is the most patient cat in the universe.

Robin's last day of preschool

For this year.

She had an amazing year with two nurturing, fun teachers and a good mix of peers.

And both girls look about 5 years older when they wear pony tails. 

Can someone please send a message to Time to slow it down a bit for this mama? 

Pipe

WW: Robin's Dinosaur Collage

Fun with Clay

I picked up some modeling clay at the dollar store (LOVE that place).  The kids went to town!  Over one hour of free form play.  Robin started by using each stick as its own thing, then resorted to making teeny pieces and constructing the longest archipelago known to Casa de McMiller.

Erin busied herself with making "Mini-Me's".  Note similar pose. 

That was a fine $2. 

More photos from Robin's 3rd birthday

You'll see pictures from both Robin's birth*day* and her kid birthday party.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Robin is 3!

This Sunday, Robin officially turned 3!

She started the day by opening a few presents and playing.



She chose to go to a local burger place for lunch, and chose ice cream for after her meal. Of course, she ate the whole thing.



We did have a family party that afternoon and evening, however Brian took all the pictures. Hopefully he will share because it was a lot of Grandparent-and-Cousin fun.



If 1 and 2 were any indication, this year of 3 is going to be one filled with love, exploration and growth for our little bird. She loves investigating things, reading stories, making jokes. She shadows her big sister but is her equal in play. She loves exploring new foods, particularly the one on Mommy's plate. She is nurturing and gentle with her preschool friends and always is cracking up the teachers with her comments and observations.  She's all around a fun person.

Happy birthday, sweet Robin. We love watching your flag unfurl.

Busted!

I had just starting a bath for the girls when I notice Robin is being quiet. Very quiet.  I come into the kitchen and she's trying to scurry away, and is making her "I'm being sneaky" face. 

There's brown all around her mouth, and there's a wad of something brown and gooey in her mouth. 

Me: Robin, what do you have in your mouth? 

R: Nufin (mumbled through the crumbs of chocolate cake)

Me: Well, you're chewing something and you have brown all around your mouth.

R: (gulping down the last of the bite.  And by gulping down, I mean choking it down her throat. And opens her mouth to show me) See!  Nufin. 

Me: Mmmm hmmm. I see. 

Note to self: chocolate cake must be stored in a place higher than the reach of a child on top of the kitchen counter. 

High-fiving the Navy mascot

With all the parties and festivities....

...... someone finally got tired.

Robin's Photography Round 2

She got ahold of my phone for about 2 minutes. Probably less.  This time, only about 40 pictures and 2 short movies.  

Love the self-smooching. 

And her first arms-length.  Kinda like this one!

WW: Score!

Robin Gets In The Spirit

Robin Starts Her Christmas List

And the the kid goes big.

The world in the eyes of Robin

Robin got ahold of my iPhone and had a good time taking some pictures.  About 120 in less than 5 minutes.  Some of the good ones:

I'm going to regret this in ten years

During the last game in the World Series, Dr. A and I had some non-alcoholic beer.  At one point I thought it would be funny to get a picture of the kids drinking it.  It turned out to be adorable and troubling at the same time.

Mount Diablo Dadventure™

Two Saturdays ago the girls and I went to explore Mount Diablo.

From the top:


Spelunking:


Views east:


Playground: