Mint Springs

If there's one thing we learned when we just had Zara, it was that we need to get her out of the house periodically. And sometimes more often than that. Two kiddos, especially when one of them is 2 years old, necessitates even more of that. So we took advantage of the comparatively balmy February weather and went for a hike at Mint Springs in Crozet. It was the selected destination since it nicely combines a mile or 2 of hiking trails with a playground, thus everyone gets what they want. A bonus this trip was the cool remains of a fireplace/chimney we found towards the end of our walk...

Lap snuggles

Sometimes we just all need to pile on the couch and snuggle... except for the photographer, of course!

Two of a Kind

We routinely walk to and from Zara's school. Some days Amity rides on shoulders or in the Ergo on my back, some days she rides in the stroller, some days she walks. Zara does a pretty good job watching out for her when we all walk. It didn't last the whole way, but Wes did manage to capture some sweet sister snuggles...

Amity's 2nd Birthday, observed

Amity invited a few friends over for a little birthday celebration. We'd been practicing all week with singing and candles and such, and as you can see from these pictures, she mostly got the idea. Note in the latter picture she did receive help from both me and Michelle W. to ensure the candles would blow out. For those of you wondering if you've lost a year of time, we do an extra candle "to grow on." She's still 2. Happy Birthday, Amiboo!

Turtle Coffee Shop

After her well-child appointment this morning (she's just under 3 feet, just under 30lbs, and has a perfectly proportional head) Amity requested a visit to the "turtle coffee shop." How could we say now, being the coffee lovers we are? Here she is showing off her climbing skills on the turtle. Not shown: 2 very LARGE cups of coffee being inhaled by sleepy parents.

Happy (black-eyed) 2nd Birthday, Amity!

It's bound to happen. Amity is an adventurous kiddo, and sometimes adventure leads to black eyes. Sadly for the birthday girl, she gave herself a shiner as a 2nd birthday present. On the plus side, she doesn't seem to mind all that much. Here she is wearing her big sister's clothes, walking home from picking her up from school. And then proudly displaying her war wound. Still cute.

Gifts from Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Art sent Z and A a belated winter holiday/early birthday present care package, which arrived in perfect time for Amity to rehearse birthday present opening. These things we all find so easy, like opening presents, actually take a great deal of work when you are just shy of 2, and as such require practice! Amity was most excited to receive "backpack bear" and a new Amity-sized sling to carry her around in, while Zara models one part of the headband/flower combo Grandma made for each of them. Zara is also modeling her lack of front teeth, though they both are starting to come in!