Wordless Wednesday

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Isabelle Time

For three years Isabelle led the blissful and carefree life of an only child. There were always two parents with nothing else to do but cater to her happiness and we were only too willing to oblige. Having a little sister has brought its own joys to Isabelle's life (always having a playmate, a baby to dress up, being Mommy's special helper) but occasionally Isabelle realizes there has been a fundamental shift in her life. One day Jason came home from work and picked up Madeleine and we were both talking to the baby. All of a sudden Isabelle came over and, with a look of consternation on her face, said to me, "Mommy, somehow you're only making Madeleine happy and nobody is making me happy." I love how she added the "somehow" as though it was almost impossible for her to believe that she was not receiving all the attention.
Isabelle really has been a wonderful helper and is so kind, patient and gentle with her sister I decided it was time for a day out with just Isabelle. We had a great afternoon together, painting pottery at Color Me Mine and then going out for dinner and ice cream. I think she had a good time being an only child again for one afternoon.

Even with hundreds of items to choose from Isabelle managed to find Tinkerbell hidden amongst the plates, pitchers and figurines.

Carefully sponging Tink off before painting.
Doing her best and most careful work.

Four hours later we were finished with our masterpieces. We did take a break for dinner after a couple hours but that's still a pretty good attention span for a four-year-old!

If you look closely at Tinkerbell you'll see that she somehow ended up with purple demon eyes. Maybe they'll look a bit more cheerful after our pieces have been fired.

Time for a dinner break!

A New Activity

As ballet is over for the summer Isabelle needed a new activity to look forward to every week so we signed her up for the Young Chef's Academy. Every Friday she spends an hour learning how to make easy, kid-friendly meals and snacks. So far she's made pretzel celebration sticks, cherry lime-aid and pizza in a cup (muffin tin). Upcoming menus include strawberry shortcake, zucchini bread and pasta primavera. She was so excited to get her own little apron and notebook to store all her recipes in. And, here's the best part: Madeleine usually sleeps in her stroller during her class so I can run across the street to the Spotted Cow Cream and Bean, grab a latte and enjoy a book while Isabelle whips up her masterpieces.

Washing her hands before the cooking starts.

Going over the rules of the kitchen.
Taking turns juicing a lime.

Measuring sugar

At the end of the class they always sample their food. Clearly Isabelle has an opinion.

We Love Toes!...and Swings!...and Books!

If you're looking for a tasty meal, look no further than your own big toe. What's not to like? It's plump, juicy and delicious! Just ask Madeleine.

"Oooh, what is this?"

"As I expected - succulent."
"Oops, I got caught!"

"I don't care, I must taste again!"

Madeleine also loves her new baby swing that Jason put up for her. It makes playing in the backyard so much more fun!

And, at the end of a long hard day of feeding and swinging Madeleine loves to cozy up with a good book just like Mommy. I'm sure this is everyone's favorite!