There were a few things I wanted to add to June. One was some pictures from before they started their first dance class.
The other thing that I missed was that we spent several days at Meme and Tim's. We went to the Vinton Farmer's Market one evening and they had a pretend cow that the girls got to "milk." You can see Maren's feet underneath it. Somehow I lost the pictures of her milking the cow. It even mooed. It was fun to see their reactions to that. I love that we get to do these things and be out in the country with them.
This was in the storefront window of a shop in Vinton. Love it.
Maren and I on the Heartland Chiropractic Float in the Johnston Green Days Parade.
It rained on us at the end. The kiddos had a great time throwing lollipops to the crowd, and of course, they loved the balloons. Elena had a great time walking at the back of the float with Danny. We also got to meet Valerie's niece, Maren. Thanks to Val for inviting us! And thanks to Mom for loaning us your car.
Maren and Danny on the John Deere rider at Danny's house.
Maren driving solo
It really was a fun trip. The first "road trip" I have taken with Elena and Maren and I. And there was no tv for them to watch. We had to keep ourselves entertained the old fashioned way on our drive to DSM. I really enjoyed that time, as I love short car trips like that and it was fun to do that with them. We were all excited and we got there just in time for the parade.
September 30: A Few Words About Maren
I have to say that this month, this last week, has shown a big change in Little MIS. She has been attached to me at the shoulder, waist and hip for the last 3 years and three months. Aunt Rhoda even asked me recently if they had detached themselves at all. I had gotten a little fed up with it a few months ago and was kind of annoyed and then it hit me that this was it, the final hurrah, and one day this little baby would not need me like that anymore. So I decided to indulge her, and when she asks to be carried I carry her unless I just can't. And this Saturday, the final hurrah was final. She spent the entire morning playing with Elena and our two-three neighbor kids - in and out of their houses, yards, running all around and having a great time. She hardly came back to me once. It hit me a little bit hard as I watched her running around. For the longest time she has stayed so close to me and/or kept coming back and she truly is my baby as she is the second and last. But she has been in preschool with Ms. Diane for almost four weeks now and there was a big shift this last week. She told me on Wednesday: "I love going to preschool!! Ms. Diane is the best teacher in the whole world!" She sang as she ran through the kitchen excitedly and we gathered her things to go to the school. I love hearing this. But I am also sad to see my baby girl become my little girl. Bittersweet.
