I apologize for the delays in my posts lately.. My intentions are good.. Follow through.. not so much! Jeff and Ruby have been sick the last 24 hours, so the "Resident Nurse" here is praying that the rest of us don't get it! Praying they both wake up tomorrow feeling so much better!

Last week "The Middles" were part of a very fun "Book Week" at their school! The culmination was the sweetest little parade I have ever seen. Each child dressed up like one of their favorite books. My two little "Fancy Nancy" fans were so excited! When I tucked them in tonight they begged me to let them read together for a while... It's amazing to watch them truly reading! I am so proud of them!!! It was Sienna's turn to bring Ruby her homework today.. She made sure Ruby got it all done too! They are quite the pair!

Here are a few pics from their sweet Friday!

March will be the two year anniversary of this crazy two-some becoming sisters... You may recall it was not an easy road.. It was a journey of twists and turns, highs and lows, loving and forgiveness. It is a reminder that the best things in life are worth fighting for..

Yesterday I took these pictures.. The girls had been invited to a last minute play date with a school friend. They were so excited.. I asked if I could take their picture.. They ran out on the porch (it feels like spring in MN) and snuggled into each other... What I love about this picture is it's not posed... It is a capture of two little girls that love each other very much... Friends, roommates, and most of all sisters! Answered prayer!

Any doubts we had about putting them in Kindergarten together have been erased. They are doing so well in the same class... Their teacher told us they take care of each other, pray for each other, and play well with the other children too. Quite honestly like twins, I think they would be lost without the other one... I am so proud of them...

I don't want you all to ever think it is perfect over here... Ha Ha!! It is LOUD!!! But, this relationship is one that I honestly have been on my knees about many times... And, I truly see them growing closer each day. It's a special bond that was created by a red thread.. And as the saying goes, it may twist and tangle.. But, no one is ever going to break it!! They are pretty special together!!! One sensitive and sweet, one tough and tender. The perfect couple! :)

One week ago, Sienna and Ruby were invited to a birthday party for a little boy in their class. When the Mom called me she said it's a pirate theme... Here is my conversation with the girls when I told them about the party...

Me: "You have been invited to Josiah's birthday party next Saturday!"

The Girls: "We know that!"

Me: "I talked to Josiah's Mom, and she told me it's a pirate theme and all of the kid's are dressing up..."

Ruby: "I am NOT dressing up as a Pirate" "I am not going...."

Sienna: "Mama, I will dress up as a Pirate.. I just LOVE birthday parties!"

Me: "Well Ruby you will be going, since you were graciously invited.."

Ruby: "I am not going...."

Me: "Ruby, you could dress up at Tinkerbelle, or Izzy from the Disney Pirate show.. She's an adorable pirate..."

Ruby: "No that's OK.. I will just stay home!" :)

Well the conversation went on where we had a little etiquette discussion, and a talk about the importance of supporting your friends, etc... I am happy to report that Ruby IS going to the birthday party! And, with any luck at all, she will be a Pirate for Halloween too.. I think they are adorable in these costumes!!! (Purchased at Party America.) Rumor has it, Jack Sparrow or Captain Hook may be available for trick-or-treating if she does!!!! :) Oh, and let's talk about how cute Emme Jade was in an eye patch last night.. Too bad she's not invited! My guess is Ruby will have a great time at this party.. She's never been one to miss out! Especially when there is cake and ice cream involved!

The "Middles" decided to take time from their busy schedule to take a few photos yesterday! They are practicing for Katie and Mike's wedding! I am happy to report that they love Kindergarten! Next week they have pink day.. I think I can guess what they are going to wear!!

Wednesday night Jeff and I had one of those proud parent moments.... Sienna and Ruby participated in their first progressive gymnastics meet. This post is not meant to boast about our little girls. Yes, they did their best and had fun.. But, it was a lot more than that! It was about sisters cheering each other on, parents being surprised by results, and the reminder of how very far Sienna Grace has come physically in just one year!

You see, we have always known Ruby was born to be an athlete! She is a little muscle machine! We know she has the potential to do well in sports. Most likely it will be about her picking her favorite to excel in. She has improved a lot in gymnastics this year. I will admit she does have one rocking running cartwheel!! This was her first meet, and she did so well! She had fun, and she did her best. She also won the floor routine in her group, and placed 4th overall... Ruby was invited to join the "Tiny Team" this summer, where she will practice 3 hours a week. She is excited to learn more!

But, I will admit, the biggest surprise of the night, was her sister. When Sienna came home her spleen was so large, we couldn't even let her do summersaults on the bars. And, due to the size of her spleen, she struggled to run, and she walked with a slow gait. We even had her hips X-rayed because we thought she had dysplasia.. Well, she showed all of us last night... What we learned about Sienna Grace is she is a tough competitor. We've always known her to be strong and brave... We can now add to that list, "Gamer!" She put on her game face, did the best we have ever seen her do, she also placed 1st in her floor routine, and she placed 1st overall in in her team of 10!!! Her sweet coach, Connie, came over with tears in her eyes.. She was so proud of her!

It's been fun to watch Sienna blossom athletically lately. She just started swimming, and our little water bug loves it!!! Perhaps swim team is in her future!

It was a special night... We will never forget our first gymnastics meet!

Another blessing in the night... Daddy was there. He as able to leave New York early to meet us at the gym. I am so thankful. I never could have put into words what the night was like!