Twins

"They're cousins, identical cousins, and you'll find
they walk alike, they talk alike, at times they even think alike --
you could lose your mind when cousins are two of a kind."

Wasn't that the theme song for The Patty Duke Show? Why I even know that I can't say. Anyway, here are our identical cousins. Grandma gave Brook and Rachel matching outfits for Christmas. Last time Marc and Liz came to visit we dressed the girls in their outfits by coincidence. Of course, we had to take a picture. Brook reminds us so much of Rachel in her mannerisms and her little voice. Sometimes when they are playing together even I do a double take. What cuties they are. We love you, Rachel!

Ally turns 4!

Ally turned 4 on January 10th. Wow! Sometimes I have to remind myself that she is only 4 because she wants to be so grown up. She wanted a Care Bear party. It is very hard to find little Care Bear figures to put on a cake. Thanks to Grandma Anson for saving the day by suggesting Care Bear fruit snacks. For her next birthday Ally would like me to find Telly Tubby fruit snacks for her cake. Luckily we have a whole year for her to forget that idea. And also, thanks to Aunt Nicole for letting us borrow her Good Luck bear from years past. The most important thing is that the cake tasted yummy and Ally loved it.

Ally really wanted to play games. So Joseph used his overhead projector skills to make a huge Tender Heart Bear for us to play pin-the-belly-badge-on-the-Care-Bear. It was a hit. Even Spiderman showed up to play.

Ally was hilarious. I am pretty sure she could see through the blindfold, because she got it almost dead center with very minimal hesitation. She took off her blindfold and about came unglued. She starting jumping up and down, clapping and yelling at the top of her lungs, "I win the game." That made it all worth it. (Later she did admit, "Mom, I could kinda see.")
Dad did not win, but provided great entertainment. Dads are always good for a silly twist on the game. I remember when I was a little girl we always played pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey (except the year we played pin-the-top-on-the-strawberry for my Strawberry Shortcake party -- thanks, mom). The highlight of the party was when Dad got home from work just in time for his turn. After stumbling around the room he usually pinned his tail on the complete opposite side of the room or on the ceiling. We would all dissolve into giggles and beg him to take another turn. I love you, Dad!

I am not sure where this pose came from, but it is classic Ally. We love you Pal and we are so grateful you are part of our family. Here's to another year of amazing memories.