With both girls being together full time again, we have had more moments of sibling rivalry, but also kindness. Emma has started to read to Lily more and also deliberately explain things to her: “Don’t worry, Lily. You think I’m going to eat it all, but I’m saving some for tomorrow, and I will give you some, too.” For Lily’s part, whenever she bumps into Emma, she says, “Sorry, EmEm,” and sometimes follows it with a hug. They play together more all of the time.
At the end of May, we had family fun in Madison with an overnight trip. It was our best family (mini-)vacation yet. We went to the zoo. Grandpa and Grandma met us there and then took the girls to lunch while Conant and I had a quick lunch date. After, our family of four went to the hotel as Grandpa and Grandma headed home. The girls adored the swimming pool. They were so good at dinner, Trader Joe’s, and back at the hotel sleeping that night. After they fell asleep, Conant and I took turns going downstairs to work out. The next morning, we planned to go to the Farmer’s Market, but the girls had so much fun at the pool, we took them there again instead. They were fantastic at brunch, and we vowed to have more family fun again soon as we headed home. It is really nice that they are getting big enough to both walk, talk, and have memories of our good times together. I love babies and adore the toddler stage, but there’s something to be said for growing independence when we travel.
We’ve made many trips to Magic Waters, and the girls have a fantastic time taking on the kid water slides and splashing around. Emma even tried an adult tunnel slide with me. She said it was scary, but she didn’t cry. I was proud of her for trying it. Lily loves the froggy slide and goes down it again and again. Emma climbs up behind her and makes sure that she’s safe before Lily heads down it where I am waiting. I love to see them care about each other.
Later in June, we headed to Pirate’s Cove in the suburbs for a day trip. It was another fun day. Lily started out very tentative but later tried many of the attractions, including the carousel, bounce house, train, and playground. We ate a picnic lunch on the pirate ship, and they both loved making crafts. Overall, it was a great day (in spite of a heart stopping moment when Lily fell off the kid-only carousel bench and the operators were changing over and didn’t see her tumble…yes, I was that mom who yelled, “Stop the carousel!” before she could hit the hard bricks below.) On an up note, my favorite moment of the day was when Emma proudly declared to some other kids in the bounce house, “That’s my sissy!”
Recently, we made a couple of trips to see Grandpa and Grandma while Conant had to travel for work. We had a great time on the farm and visiting Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma W. and other family. I feel grateful that the girls have such warm and loving family members.
We’ve also had great play dates with friends, taking advantage of our more flexible summer schedule. Emma has gone to gymnastics and ballet. Lily desperately wishes she were big enough to accompany Emma into her classes. Instead, we play as we watch through the window, and I try to be fun enough to make up for her little sister longings.
When Conant arrived home from his most recent work trip, we met him at the bus station with signs reading D-A-D. The girls and I each decorated a letter, and we stood and waited for the bus in their nightgowns, as it was almost bedtime. Conant said they got lots of “awwws!” from other passengers on the bus when they pulled up. They were so excited to see Daddy, as was I!
Summer holds much sweetness, and we are thankful to share it with family, friends, and two of the sweetest girls we could imagine.
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