Moving

Short summary: We packed, we went to the beach, we unpacked. Actually, can't complain too much, it mostly went pretty well. Having grandma come over and help stuff stuff into boxes was very helpful, especially since the Principals kept leaving the city for various places.

Isabella was very excited to be going to the beach (cousins) and then back to St. Louis (Molly). I think, especially the last few weeks at day care, she was feeling a bit lonely. A lot of the kids were gone (especially the girls) so her usual group of friends weren't there. We did get in a few play dates with Julian - the two of them get along well - and a couple birthday parties. We actually went straight to the airport from a birthday party.

Ian's been getting into stuffed animals - often carries around 2 or 3 at a time. Where's ducky? is a favorite refrain. He also seems to be fond of one of Isabella's baby dolls. The two of them play dolls together, which is very cute. Or rather, Isabella rattles on non-stop and tells Ian what to do while Ian just tries to imitate whatever she's doing. Probably their second favorite game, after playing chase around the house.

They also like playing in the water in the back. Results in Ian getting soaking wet, but it does give us a chance to actually make some dinner without kids underfoot. Other favorite thing is to get in the shower together with some plastic cups and the hand-held spray thing set to drizzle. Keeps them busy (and even gets them clean!)

They both really love the Anuna DVD - quiets Ian right down when he gets upset. Isabella dances to the music, trying to imitate the women. She has the guy she likes and the guy she doesn't. And, I caught her singing in Latin the other day (Gaudete). Ian claps whenever a song finishes. On the louder songs he dances - quite energetically, both feet come off the ground and the arms go waving.

Isabella was trying to do head stands off the couch - she actually was getting pretty close to being upside down. Then she would do a roll out. A bit worrying with the coffee table, but no serious accidents. She likes her gymnastics class (and her leotard, which you can see in the picture above). Have to find her a replacement class in St. Louis.

And our friends were wonderfully helpful - Caitlin & Dennis helped us move all our junk out of our basement, *then* fed us dinner. Molly's parents took Isabella for us and then fed us as well! Isabella and Molly are absolute best buddies again. No problem with them starting pre-school, just a bit of shyness the first day. Ian, on the other hand, ... he's still screaming bloody murder when we drop him off. Sigh.