Mike officially started school this week. He’s already been given tons of work. I’m so glad that it’s him and not me. I’m sure he will be successful and will enjoy learning new concepts. The girls and I joined the YMCA last week. Annie and Mimi will be taking swim lessons for the next month or so, and I will be working my buns into shape. The facility is super nice and has lots to offer in the way of fitness. It’s a nice break for us during the weekdays. Mimi is still having a difficult time with going into the babysitting room, but she’s going to have to get used to it. It’s only for an hour and half, girly!

The girls enjoyed having a grandma around, especially Annie. She kept saying, “Gramma, look!” We got to ride the Metro with her to Mike’s school and then to the Smithsonian Museums. We also went to the Museum of Natural History where we saw the Hope Diamond, lots of stuffed animals, skeletons, bugs, and so on. It was a nice day for such an event. The girls were exhausted by the end of the day. I think Kathy was pretty exhausted, too, by the end of her trip. Those girls really can suck the energy out of people.

As promised, I uploaded some pictures of our new place. You can view them by clicking on the “our house” link on the left side of this page in the menu. We are very happy with this house. Residing in an older home without central A/C has been quite an adjustment, but I think we’ve come up with a system that keeps everyone comfortable. We’ll see how it affects our electric bill–YIKES! Their is lots of space indoors and out. Having our own pool is such a treat. Annie is constantly asking about going in the pool. For a while there we were swimming close to the girls’ bedtime, then just washing them in the outdoor shower. It’s actually pretty convenient that way. The girls seem to enjoy themselves in their playroom. We got some cubic shelves with bins to organize their toys and a craft table for them. I eventually want to get the girls a small kitchen set to have in there as well (maybe I’ll be abe to find something at a yard sale or something). I always wanted one for myself when I was a little girl. I haven’t had much chance to play in my playroom though. It gets so hot upstairs, but we just installed a window A/C unit in the craft room. Hopefully, I will get to a point where I can get lots of “work” done up there. The owners did a spectacular job on updating and mainting. Our luck was with us when we found this place. Oh, I almost forgot about Goliath! He’s the neighborhood cat that’s taken up residence on either our front porch or in our yard. The girls love to pet him and try to pick him up. He doesn’t seem to mind either. When I get a chance, I will post a picture of him.

The girls are as cute and demanding as ever. We’ve been working hard on trying to get Annie to go #2 in the potty including promises of various items. The first promise was that she would receive a cake in honor of *ahem*. Since Mike is such a cycling enthusiast, he really wanted to get Annie a bike. It was decided that she could only ride on the bike once she did the deed on the potty. Seeing her daddy return from work one day on his bike, Annie’s little brain made the connection that daddy must have gone poo-poo on the potty in order to receive his bike. After a long conversation about her inference, she finally acclomplished her goal. Immediately following the task, Annie asked for her cake and her bike. We couldn’t go back on our word, so we went and got Annie a cake and let her “ride” on her bike. Unfortunately, the next night Annie was back to begging for a diaper just to go #2. I’m pretty sure it’s not a permanent setback. Annie had her first couple of swim lessons this week. (Mimi’s won’t start until tomorrow.) She’s already making progress and seems to be more comfortable in the water. By the end of the 2nd class, Annie was jumping into my arms from the side of the pool.

Mimi is a feisty little creature. If she’s not getting her way which seems like much of the time, she will most likely fling herself to the floor (even if several feet above ground) and proceed to scream as loud as is humanly possible. It can be quite frustrating to endure. We still love her though and are trying different methods to help her break the habit. Mimi is making progress in other areas. She loves to sing. It’s very sweet to see her try to repeat what others are singing. Even in chuch, she can be heard attempting to croon along. She will also repeat several words that we say to her. One night while practicing letters with Annie, I distinctly heard Mimi repeating almost every letter. I was quite the proud mama that evening. I haven’t taken very many pictures of the girls since moving. Nonetheless, I have set up their June album that can be viewed from the girls’ page. There are also some pictures from our visit to the Museum of Natural History.

Pack-out date: June 1. Date of arrival to new home: June 5. Delivery of household goods: June 9. As you can see, we had several days without furniture, our own beds, a t.v. to watch… But we survived with our air mattresses and new, outdoor dining set. Time was spent visiting a local park, swimming in our pool, and shopping for things needed for the new place. The girls adjusted fairly quickly to their new surroundings. Mike and I have most of the boxes unpacked and furniture arranged in their permanent positions. There is, of course, still much to do to get completely settled here, but we are finally at a point where we’re comfortable. I think we will be very happy living here. The girls are sharing a bedroom, so it’s been an adjustment getting them used to going to bed at night in the same room. Last night was the first night we didn’t have to go in to break up the party and take Annie out of Mimi’s crib. We have been bombarded with several ideas regarding things to do around here. The girls won’t have a moment’s rest. Wait a second, re-phrase that: I won’t have a moment’s rest. Watch for pictures of our new digs very soon.

Mike’s mom came into town last night for a week-long visit. The decision for her visit was last-minute, but it seemed like the right time to have her stay. Once Mike starts school next week, his availability for visitors will be minimal. He will pretty much be kept prisoner either at school or in our basement. Annie asked about her grandma every few minutes or so since Mike mentioned the visit to her last week. Oh, how fun to answer the question, “When are we going to see Grandma?” for the 9,437th time. I hope Mike has learned his lesson to never tell a child under 6 (or older?) about a future event until only seconds beforehand.

Much has been happening with our big girl lately. Before we left Jacksonville, Annie decided she wanted to become potty-trained. While at a pool party, Annie came up to me and said, “Mommy, I have to go potty.” She had been wearing a swimsuit without a diaper under. So I reluctantly took her to the bathroom because I had fallen for her trick so many times before. However, this time she actually piddled. So she no longer wears diapers except during bedtime. We’re still working on #2, but it will happen.

Mimi has undergone many changes as well. She feeds herself with a spoon or fork without much mess. Her vocabulary keeps expanding. Running is now part of her repertoire of activities. She still likes to scream loud enough for the neighbors in the next state to hear. She’s as busy as ever.

I know I haven’t given one of my grand updates, but it’s the best I can do at this point. I promise I will have pictures soon of the girls and of our new house. Thanks for keeping in touch with us.