Sun, Sand, Swimsuit

 

We've just concluded several weeks of very un-British, springtime weather--virtually no rain, and lots of sunshine and warmth. This freakish phenomena coincided with Easter holidays from school and work, so we've enjoyed doing things we don't normally do. Here are pictures of what Sophia got up to on Easter Monday (an annual holiday in the UK).

Squeaky Feet

Alathea's finally using the Lebanese sandals, Grandma H. Nice choice!

Facebookers, see http://wbsenglish.blogspot.com to view this video:

Celebrating the Risen Christ

Enjoying a Tex-Mex Easter meal and fellowship with students from Christian Union and friends from church:

 

 

 

 

 

Alathea's Lexicon

Alathea's adding new words to her vocabulary daily, and I find this stage of development fascinating, especially when a young child uses the closest word they know to label an object they don't have a name for. It gives great insight into what's happening in their brains. Here are a few current examples:

cup (n.): any cylindrical object; for example, a tub or container of stain remover, a bottle, or a jar

daddy (n.): any man; including the stranger she flirted with on the train Thursday

apple (n.): any round fruit; especially oranges, despite our persistent attempts to correct her

hat (n.): anything on a person's head; especially sunglasses

Art Imitating Life

 One of many flowering trees around our town lately.

"Flowering Trees" by Sophia

Scare Me, Please!

Facebookers, see http://wbsenglish.blogspot.com to view these videos of Alathea and Wes:

Here Alathea exhibits the least scary growl ever.

Perfect Gift

Our friend Lucy, a student from Taiwan, understands Sophia's preferences perfectly. Last time she came over, she brought a Disney Princess cupcake kit and chocolate Easter egg, and you can see for yourself how Sophia felt about them...

 

 

 

 

 Tasting the fruit of their labor.

 

 Of course whatever big sister does little sister wants to do, too.

Horticultural Experiment

At preschool Sophia planted (from left to right) cherry tomatoes, carrots, and cress from seeds, and I've been trying to keep them alive. We've already trimmed and eaten the cress in a British classic: the egg and cress sandwich. Then a week ago Sophia and I transplanted the tomato and carrot plants into our flower box in the garden. I'm doing my best (with part-time supervision from Sophia), but I don't have my father's green thumbs (or fingers, as they say in the UK). I think some of the carrots may have been a bit small to put in the ground, but if we actually manage to produce a vegetable, we'll be sure to let you know.

 

Thanks for the Memories...

Some more photos I like from my parents' visit a few weeks ago (courtesy of my dad)...

 Alathea's in love with sunglasses at the moment.

 Alathea was unimpressed with our local sandpit.

 But Sophia loves it.

 Our mutual friend, Sarah, visited us all.

 This one will have to feature in Sophia's "walk down memory lane" wedding slide show.

 In transit to visit one of the churches at which Wes has applied for a job.

 

 Wes preaching.

 

 I love this profile!

 Enjoying a hamburger.

 Grandpa said Sophia could take a walk with him in exactly what she had on.

Twinkies again, courtesy of Grandma.

Grandma = Presents

My parents are visiting, and when Grandma H comes, so do lots of presents! Grandma brought several matching outfits for the girls, as well as tutus from Aunt Sarah. Here are videos and pictures of the girls sporting some of their new looks (Facebookers, see http://wbsenglish.blogspot.com for videos):

 

Sophia opens present from Aunt Sarah above.

 Alathea in tutu from Aunt Sarah below.

 

 

Above: "The bow completes my look. 

Thanks, Grandma!"

 Below: Sophia performs The Nutcracker 

in her new duds.

 "You're right, Grandma. We go together like cupcakes and ice cream!"

 Easter outfits (just a bit early)...