I usually equate fun activities with “family days” (i.e. days that I don’t work and the girls are off school), but when it comes to little kids, fun times can be had at the most random of times (and places). On the drive home from school the other day, for example, the girls and I stopped at a water reservoir near our house. The girls have long been intrigued by the pretty white building and surrounding grassy area (which looks like a big park), and so we got out of our car to explore, run, and pick flowers. It wasn’t a planned, or long, stop – but running around in the sun with them made my day and served as reminder that even a boring Tuesday can be made special.

-M

A few months ago, we used a small amount of gift money to open a bank account for Zoe, and we occasionally allow her to withdraw a few dollars to buy something for herself. Fast forward to this weekend, when we were at a toy store and Avery became enchanted by one of those mechanical puppies that walk and bark. After watching her sister play and pet the little dog for awhile, Zoe walked away for a moment and then reappeared holding the box in which the dog came in. “How much is this, Daddy?” she asked Q with big eyes. “I’d like to use some of my money to buy this for Avery.” It was such a sweet gesture, and Q and I looked at each other in astonishment.

We ultimately didn’t get the dog (we explained to Zoe that as thoughtful as the idea was, Avery already has so many toys), but I won’t soon forget Zoe’s face as she asked us if she could buy it. On my darkest parenting days, I can think of this and remind myself that we’re doing something right.

-M

It has happened before: Clothes of Zoe’s that I swore I just stored away (or didn’t even have a chance to store away) now fit Avery. The most recent example is a beloved grey-striped dress that Safta bought for Zoe a few years ago; I put it on Avery the other day and, sure enough, it fit perfectly!

It’s emotional for this mom to see her baby wearing”big girl” clothes, but there’s a silver lining in the gap closing between the girls’ sizes: Soon they can share all their clothes!

-M

And here are my more recent faves…

-M

Like last year, I’m working on a yearbook for the preschool, and I’ve had the opportunity to sift through lots of photos of Avery’s class. Here is my first batch of favorites, in chronological order.

-M

After a long day of work recently, I was feeling (and obviously looking) tired and down. As I put Zoe to bed, she inquired about what was wrong and then asked, “Do you miss your mommy?” I always miss my mom, I told her, but that wasn’t why I was feeling sad at that particular moment. “Do you miss having a baby?” she asked and then went on to encourage me to “think about things that make you happy. Like being in a swimming pool.”

So. Sweet.

-M

A little video of the girls from the other day. And, yes, I was freaked out over how high they were swinging!

-M

Speaking of playdates, Zoe and Avery are still each other’s favorite playmates. Look how happy they were swinging together over the weekend.

-M

The girls were playing together one lazy weekend morning when we heard Zoe suddenly (and loudly) reprimand her sister. Perfectly capturing in her words the difference in personalities between responsible Zoe and naughty Avery, Zoe called out, “Ave-uh-REE! You are NOT allowed to throw library books!”

-M

Zoe doesn’t get to see her old friend Zander very much anymore (long gone are the days in which we would get together every Friday), but she recently met up with him for a playdate at the park. Felt like old times!

-M

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A good friend of ours (the mom of Zoe’s bestie) is sick, and I offered to do a few loads of her family’s laundry. While helping me sort clothes yesterday afternoon, Zoe picked up one of the pieces of laundry, drew in her breath and cried out, “Oh my goodness gracious! Zachary has Star Wars underpants.”

-M

One of Avery’s favorite parts of her classroom is the “sensory area,” where the kids can, among other things, stomp around and pop bubble wrap. I love how much fun she’s having in the first pic (which was snapped by a teacher).

-M

Last night, I showed the post below to Avery. Seeing the bunny she said, “There’s my friend!”

-M

Avery’s school had a Purim party over the weekend, and – reminscent of Halloween – we took along Darth Vader and a princess. There was the usual kid stuff there – bouncy house, face-painting, etc. – but Princess Avery seemed to have the most fun at the petting zoo, where she made a little friend.

-M

After being told one day that something she wanted to get (Pixie, a software program she uses in school and loves) cost money, Zoe sighed and said she wished she was a grown-up so she could have her own money. “Can kids get jobs?” she asked me, before describing what she was qualified to do. “I can write, though I have to ask for help sometimes, and I can draw well – though my animals aren’t perfect. Oh, I can also help people when they’re sick.”

If any readers know of any job openings, please let Zoe know!

-M