And for her next act . . .

Kate sings "Make New Friends," a preschool song Audrey taught her. She can also get through much of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "C is for Cookie" (which was also a favorite song of Audrey's at her age).

A bona fide big-girl bed

Audrey and Dada took the safety rail off of Audrey's bed today. She's moved through quite a few sleeping arrangements in her four-and-a-half years: Mama and Dada's bed, co-sleeper, crib, and now full-fledged big-girl bed.

A night at the movies

Audrey and Kate watched their first movie in a theater today. It was Winnie the Pooh, and it was playing at the Kennedy School. They got to sit on a big, comfy couch and eat popcorn, which might have been as much fun for them as the movie itself. Mama and Dada appreciated the air conditioning and the adult beverages (which helped them better enjoy the film).

Zippety doo dah

Audrey got to try out a zip-line today at Jackson's birthday party at Fernhill Park. It took a lot of convincing to get her to try it, but once she did she loved it. Jackson's mom Kellie supplied the video below; here's another take from Mama's camera on YouTube. The theme of the party was superheroes, and Audrey got to make a cape and wear a mask.

Welcome home, Uncle Keith!

Hanging out in the 'Couv with Uncle Keith and Allison, who both just got back from a trip to Puerto Vallarta. The girls had some fun in the alleyway behind Allison's house looking for alley cats and having races up to a little garden with some pumpkins and huge zucchini ("zupeenee", as Kate called them).

Swimming at Sauvie Island

Keeping cool at one of the Columbia River beaches (no, not the clothing-optional one) on Sauvie Island.

Kate treks for a treat

It finally got above 90 degrees here in Portland today. To cool off, we went to the preschool swim at Grant Pool, where Audrey showed off her new swimming skills she's been learning in lessons and both girls took plenty of trips down the water slide. This evening, we headed out for a treat at a frozen yogurt shop in our neighborhood. Audrey rode her bike, and Kate insisted on walking instead of riding in the stroller. She actually walked all the way from our house to the shop, which, when we later checked the distance, turned out to be a half-mile! As far as we know, it was the farthest she has ever walked. She did spend some time in the stroller on the return trip, but got out again to walk the last few blocks.

Out for a stroll

Taking Bobbie (left) and Purple Pink for a walk around the block.

Tub time

The girls don't have to travel far for aquatic recreation: we sometimes turn our hot tub down to 98 degrees or so and let them splash around in it.

Snuggle time

Kate and Audrey enjoying--for the moment--each other's company. Like any young siblings, they cycle between competition with and compassion for each other. Audrey watches with an eagle eye to make sure that Kate does not get a larger food or drink portion than her--they argue about who's drink is "deeper," i.e., whose glass is more full. Audrey will get frustrated with Kate if they are playing something together and Kate doesn't precisely follow the script Audrey has in her mind for how the activity should proceed. When riding together in the bike trailer, Kate will scratch Audrey and pull her hair, seemingly knowing that she can get away with it for a few moments until Mama or Dada can pull over and make her stop.

On the other hand, they do take an interest in each other and seem to miss each other when they are apart (although maybe it's more out of a concern that the other is getting to do something more fun). They also show small kindnesses towards each other that can be quite touching. Kate will, unprompted, share her food and objects she's playing with with Audrey. Audrey will often make two of whatever art project she's working on at preschool so that she can give one to Kate. They also conspire with each other, giggling and egging each other on to make mischief. They can also keep themselves entertained for short periods, giving Mama and Dada a few moments of rest, although with ears perked in case things get out of hand.

The training wheels are off!

Well, they were for about 20 minutes, anyway, before they went back on. But Audrey got a small taste of two-wheelerdom.

Cafe au play

Audrey and Kate like to play "coffee shop" in the flower beds of a neighbor at the end of the block. They specialize in making what they call "coffee lattes."

Swinging sensation

Audrey and Kate enjoying a tire swing at the Rose City Park School (with Kate sporting a big shiner on her forehead from a couple of faceplants on the sidewalk). Swinging is one of Kate's favorite things to do at parks. In addition to tire swings, she likes getting "underdogs" from Mama or Dada on the toddler swings and getting pushed (gently and carefully) on the regular, big-kid swings. If there are multiple swings on a swingset, she'll insist on trying them all out, even if they are exactly the same.

Buried treasure!

The girls helped dig up potatoes in our garden today. Our nine plants yielded enough spuds to fill a 2-quart casserole dish almost to overflowing, probably about 10 to 12 pounds. Plenty of potato salad to look forward to!

Everybody loves a parade

Audrey and Kate riding in style in the kids' parade during the annual Fremont Fest. The girls noshed on lots of yummy food, danced to live music, got their face (Audrey) and arm (Kate) painted, and made capes and crowns to wear. Audrey also got to play with preschool friend Charley in a bouncy house. They saw other friends and neighbors there, including Elliot and Julian, Olivia, and one of the Bens from preschool.

Diaper days are numbered

Kate used the potty for the first time today! It was quite a "draining" experience, so to speak, for Honey as well: she had to keep an eye on Kate for a long time because Kate insisted on staying on the potty until she went, which she finally did, after 30 minutes.

Bathing Beauties

Kate, Audrey and Brin enjoyed the fountains at Discovery Park in McMinnville.

Moved by the spirit

Toys and animal crackers in the nursery, plus catchy vacation Bible school songs to sing along to with big sister. Church is great!

24 hours, three parks, two concerts

The girls enjoyed plenty of sun, music, and time with family this past weekend. On Friday evening they joined GG, Aunt Jill, cousin Lily, Grandpa Dave, and Judy to dance to country music and make masks at the free Portland Parks concert at Fernhill Park in Northeast Portland. Saturday morning they met up again with Jill, Lily, GG, and Grandpa Dave at Peninsula Park in North Portland. Unfortunately, the water feature they were looking forward to splashing in was shut down, but there were still plenty of roses to enjoy in the rose garden and Audrey ran into a friend (one of two Bens) from preschool. Saturday evening they biked to Rose City Park to have a picnic with Honey and Honey Grandpa and listen to some Latin jazz.