Here are some thoughts on what the kiddos are like these days....
Mariel these days is alternately funny, inappropriate, and surprisingly thoughtful. She is a model first grader. She is missing odd teeth, thinks saying the word "booty" is hysterical, and interjects some of her many new pieces of odd knowledge randomly throughout the day. Mariel is still fascinated by fashion and the idea of clothing, and she really does sit down with Vogue and go through each magazine several times, carefully identifying which things she likes and does not like. Needless to say, she and I have some very different tastes in clothing!
Noella remains her spunky little self. She is an excellent middle child and a very amusing preschooler. Noella puts so much energy into wanting to help and wanting to take care of others that it can be overwhelming (both to her and to those targeted others). She is also increasing in her love of singing (see the future Christmas hits below) and has somehow managed to learn most of the lyrics to "Call Me Maybe" and "We are Never Ever Getting Back Together," which she enjoys belting out repeatedly. If you don't know those particular songs, you may consider yourself very lucky.
Holden continues to embrace life as a toddler. He does not walk so much as run/gallop/dance his way around... often while throwing anything resembling a ball so that he can immediately chase after it. He has been struggling a bit due to molars that are taking their slooooooow time coming in, torturing everyone in the family and at school. When he is not a grumpy monster he is a warm, snuggly, sweet boy who loves to give (snotty) kisses and yell "Thank you" to everyone he can think of.
