Sister love

Old video -- from when Harper was just over 2 years old.

We found this on an old camera. So funny!

Our future School of Rocker

It was pajama day at school by the way... and I have no idea where she learned that song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gysJeccQrk4&feature=youtu.be

Hiking with Reid!

While big sister is at a play date. 

Harper's love notes

One of Harper's new things is to write us notes and she always draws lines under her words, something she picked up in school. 

A few outtakes from Acting class ... they were working on magic tricks!

Harper's acting teacher has encouraged us to get her involved in local theater and yesterday she said, "you know you have the 'alpha child,' don't you?"  Yes, yes I do know!

Harper and her bestie being silly after school

Harper and Emi are two peas in a pod. Reid likes to get in on the action too. 

Friday mornings with Reid

I take Friday morning off to have some one on one time with Reid. It is one of the best parts about being the boss- I can make my own schedule. So grateful for this time with her. Here she is with Rosie the tarantula at the Butterfly Pavilion. 

Helping make dinner rolls

There's always a large mess to clean up after I have my helpers but I know it's worth it. 

dog days of life

My stress level is through the roof. Constantly. Parenting- trying to be front & center with the girls, making them my priority- and running a business full time make a horrible combination when you have no family support. Not that I really want family support, we all know how that worked out last time we pursued living near and having a closer relationship with family.... It's so ironic, we are about to close out what we will be the biggest month in company history- in 20 years of being a company- and I can't even muster the energy to celebrate because it has been so stressful to balance it all. Unlike many of those around me, I am incapable of half-doing things. I am all in. Being all-in with this business has resulted in much higher sales and much higher stress but since I also want to pick the girls up from school, be with them as much as I can when they aren't in school, make them fresh, healthy food, keep them involved in activities, etc etc, I haven't taken much off my plate to add more on. I just have an overflowing plate. Though as a caveat, it's not "Cleveland bad." Cleveland bad is now the litmus test that I use to gauge the severity of what's going on with me. Cleveland bad is horrible, shattered, feel like going to sleep and not waking up, panic attacks, hopelessness. This has been pretty horrible but I have no had any panic attacks. I always tell the girls that they cannot rely on everyone and they should never expect other people to come through for them (sad but true and I like to tell them the truth) but they can always rely on me and Andy. We will always support them and be there for them. I will never forget that promise.

Sunflower painting

Harper's art is amazing!

First day of school at Friends School was august 26. Such an incredible opportunity for her to be a part of this school. She already loves it, has a new best friend named Emi, joined student council and is signing up for Acting as her after-school activity. It was a big decision for her to go here instead of public school but we can already tell that we couldn't have made a better choice. 

Reid and her bestie Giselle playing at open gym. Reid and I have one full day together per week while Harper is in school and she's not. So nice to have the one on one!

Seven ponytails for soccer.

Soccer!

Both girls are obsessed! Reid cried when she had to sub out. At Harper's level, some aspects of the game are starting to come together and it looks (slightly) less like a swarm of bees chasing the ball. 

Another Harper quote

Me: Harper, we need to figure out where to have your birthday party. The Butterfly Pavilion, Sunflower Farm, the rec center, what do you think?

Harper: I want to have my party at the Denver Mint.

For some background info, Harper's Montessori camp had a special visit from the Mint a few weeks ago and she's been very curious about it. But a birthday party there?? I'm guessing they probably don't host them.

Hot air balloons over our neighborhood

Reid getting her pre-bed essential oil treatment.

Harper's quote of the day.

I told Harper about the three, pre-kindergarten work assignments that her school sent for her to do. When I was done explaining them, she looked at me and said, "That's it? Can you assign me some more challenging works? I don't think those will make me ready for kindergarten."

This kid, she is so special. We love her to pieces. 

Date with my big girl- painting at Tinker Art Studio in Boulder!

This is our second time going to a "Paint With Me" art class. So much fun! Our friends Stefani and Lily joined us this time and we all went out to dinner after. Love having one on one time with Harper!

Hiking with our friends in the mountains!

Harper and Noah have been friends since they were babies and they still get along so well. Reid also really likes Noah's little brother, Evan (who is 9 months younger than Reid) even though she says, "I don't like to play with boys." and "I don't share with 2 year olds." Oh, she's so fun! :) She talks a big game but then she was her friendly, sweet self with him as usual. 

Camping in the Uncompahgre National Forest!

We took a road trip to the southwest part of the state to camp! We made one stop in our favorite little mountain town, Salida and cheated by staying in a hotel for one night there, then it was off to Ridgway for two nights of tent camping. The girls were troopers as usual, they are so much fun at these ages and get along so well. Having Reid present on any occasion is like having your own personal stand-up comedian.