Here we are!

In which I am not going to apologize for not blogging.  I am just in the trenches of mothering and can't seem to make myself do this, but I know I do for my girls.  I want to remember all of their quirks and fun-loving moments.  Too many big events have passed to recap, but will have to suffice to say that we are all doing good here in Bowenland. 

Lena Kate turned 4 and is just a handful and a blessing all balled up in one.  There are days when she is great, sweet, and helpful and others where she really tests my patience by ignoring anything she has ever been told.  I feel defeated in those times and must remind myself that these are the moments to savor.  She is such a loving girl and so full of life and energy.  I hope I never damage her spirit by letting my weariness get the best of me.  She is resilient and melts my heart with her I love you's.  She loves school and all her school friends.  She loves going to church and is behaving wonderfully there these days.-whew, now to get a wrangle on little sister.  Lena Kate seems to keep the whole church amused at children's time still.   We read books and sing every night. She is now loving her new CD player and Fresh Beat Band CD she got from Uncle Ray for Christmas and her birthday.  It was 7am Sunday morning and she turned her radio up loudly dancing to Let's Get Loud which includes the line, "nobody is gonna tell me what to do."  How appropriate.  The best part was that Lane was still asleep, or at least in bed...haha. She also loves Go Bananas which she screams much o my dismay.  I wish she had a volume control sometimes:)

Ainslee is now 19 months old and finally 19 lbs.  Yes, a tiny tot, but not so tiny in personality.  She is a quirky and loving sweetie. She tells me she is Mimi and Papa's girl.  I love to here her say, "I wuv ve"  translated to I love you.  Lena Kate is still called DoDo.  She loves looking at pictures and naming everybody.  She is a little parrot and will say just about anything now, but it may not come out right!  Uncle Gus taught her "Rock Baaabbbbbby" and she rocks her baby and wants to be rocked liked a baby still. This momma has a hard time letting that one go.  She will say "Nack Now" (thank you) unprompted sometimes and I will consider it a goal in manners!  She is a finicky eater and this is my stress with her...that and hitting and pushing Lena Kate.  She also likes to take things and not share.  I am going to have to work on the little bully:)  She is really sweet though and shares hugs and kisses with Mommy whenever asked. Both girls love to play hide and seek.  Ainslee also LOVES Minnie Mouse, well everybody on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and she sings the Hotdog song.

The girls love each other so much and play together well....and as I typed this Ainslee pulled LK's hair and made her scream....geez.  Lena Kate got out of the chair and moved to the other and Ainslee proceeded to follow right along and continue to pester her.  I see some foreshadowing.  Most of the time the will chase and play doctor and dance together.  I know they will be best friends, but also have their moments. 

They both love to play outside.  Uncle Trent and Aunt Nancy got them a Pink Barbie Jeep for birthday and Christmas as well as Stompeez, which she had been asking for often!  They were the heros:)  They also got a trampoline from Justin's Gigi-what a kind heart she has.  They love to bounce and still love swinging on the swingset.  Bragging Mom warning: Lena Kate is a hula hooper deluxe!  She did 45 revolutions just yesterday.  I'm impressed with that 4 yr old.