The Girls do Things

While in Indiana, the girls slept by each other on nap mats. One night, they were on top of each other!

Ella likes this really soft blanket!

The first picture Ella has ever drawn of a person--her Daddy!

Walking around Fordham University

Big sofa, little ladies

Faces in a fan.

Ella's first family picture

Ella decided "Mama is cold and needs a coat". :)

Recent Family Photos

Aunt Natalie, Nana, Grandma Richards, cousin Lincoln

Ella & Nana

A Richards family reunion in Avilla, Indiana. These are the children of my cousins. We are expanding exponentially!

Ella

Andrew.

Link--the most photogenic person ever.

Uncle Matt & Daddy

Nora

Cousins! Lincoln and Ella

My cousin, Chantel also has twins--boys!

Chatting with my cousin Matt

   My dad (Grandpa Richards; top left) and his brothers: Jim, Paul, Don,                                                                                          then cousin Richard, sisters Caroline, Mary Jane, and Patty

Silly family photo

Ella. rocks.

Nora. slide.

Ella & Nora

The old school metal slide. I took a turn on it!

Our Little Artists

Nora has been drawing like mad. She really likes to draw people. And circles. She is becoming quiet the creative artist! Ella draws occasionally, but just does not seem as interested in her artistry. Her latest attempts are done on the rug so she gets some texture in her strokes. Here are examples from today.

Nora's

Nora's "The Big Bird"

Nora's "Circles"

Nora's "Dad". Mama drew the hand at her request. Nora did not like her attempt (on the right), which is why she scribbled it out with black crayon.

Nora's

Ella's "Zig Zag"

This was Nora's attempt to write her name from memory!

Nora's

Ella's

Summertime Photos

it was hot outside!

they aren't supposed to stand that close to the tv

Bedtime story

Helping toss the salad

Andrew's birthday celebration

the look says it all

Andrew got a bow tie from a friend

The CA Gaubs sing "happy birthday" via webcam

Nora in her dress up shoes

Ella, coloring at the counter. She looks so small!

Nora got inside a bassinet that is meant for baby dolls

Ella dutifully put blankets on her

I made my first batch of homemade linguini (it was yummy)

Some people from across the street were throwing this cabinet out. The girls volunteered to help me paint it.

They took their work very seriously...and it was seriously cute.

Nora is an expert at tracing letters.

Daddy and Ella check out some water fowl at the zoo.

Checking out a bear at the zoo: Troy, Ella, Nora, Andrew