Green Room Girls

This year Dillon has really started to turn into a dancer. She's learning more in her classes and enjoy the social aspect of dance as well. I love this photo of all the girls gathered around a smartphone, watching a video, in the green room.

(Dillon is on the armrest)

Climber's Loop

Dillon is turning into a great little hiker. After she summited Cowles, I decided to take her to Climber's Loop--a short hike, with a steep beginning. She did a great job and got several handfuls of M&Ms along the way...

Admiring the view.

Fun rock scrambles.

After that, we hiked down to the river...

...which was roaring due to some recent rains.

Hiking selfie!

You're My Popsicle

There is a local popsicle shop that Dillon is crazy about--and with good reason. All the pops (or paletas if you prefer) are so tasty and there are lots of unique flavors. Quinn recently enjoyed her first taste and I swear she didn't have it for more than two seconds before it seems to have melted all over her face. Yup, I think she loved it.

Do I have something on my face?

Here's a super quick video to go along. [Song is "Popsicle" by New Kids on the Block. YES! I finally incorporated an NKOTB song into the blog! #BucketList]

Red Nose Day (2015)

Dillon has her own camera and every now and again she picks it up and takes secret pictures. Craig recently uploaded the images to our computer and here are some that are probably about 2 years old. Dillon loves to goofball around!

Nose on foot.

Nose on nose.

Nose over tongue.

Nose by finger.

Nose on dad.

Salt and Straw and St. Phalle

A new ice cream shop opened up in Little Italy and we just HAD to check it out. We rode the trolley downtown, had some super delish scoops, and then headed to the waterfront park to check out some funky sculptures by Niki de St. Phalle (see more of his work here and here).

Waiting for the scoops!

Cutest ice cream patron ever.

Cool ceramic art in Little Italy.

Glowing!

Mosaic selfie.

The girls loved the reflections from the sculpture.

Crates for Kiwis

Aunt Julie got Dillon an awesome subscription to Kiwi Crate, a fun box that combines engineering and science in easy experiments. Here's a box that focuses on light and color.

I read her directions and she assembles.

Setting up the lightbox.

Making a light carousel.

 And some video...

Dillon Being Dillon

One of Dillon's greatest talents is her unbridled creativity. She often builds or draws something that amazes me. Including her own paper guitar and a grocery list necklace (don't want to lose it, you know).

Lollipops, smoothies, marshmallows and fresh vegetable.

Joan Jett: origin story.

Zoo Mash-up

A random smattering of our zoo escapades...

Dillon loved meeting these characters. Quinn? Not so much.

Most fashionable zoo guest!

Quinn wanted to be a big kid.

She was attacked by a wild red panda.

The two newest zookeepers!

Birthday Party Round-Up: Maya and Claire

Dillon's good friend, Maya, turned five and had a princess tea party. All the guests dressed up in their favorite ball gowns to paint cups, drink tea, and run around like crazy people. In other words, the perfect way for a six-year-old girl to spend the morning.

Everyone decorated crowns.

What a good hostess!

Love this one of the girls running wild in ball gowns.

Enjoying a nosh.

Did Cinderella ever wear a halter top?

Claire is one of Dillon's BFFs from school. To celebrate her 5th birthday, they went to the zoo with 3rd BFF Maeve where everyone got face paint, watched the peacocks, and ate burgers.

With the birthday girl. Yes, shirt worn inside out on purpose.

The three amigos.