Monkey Puzzle

Brenna has begun to "read".  We are absolutely amazed at her ability to remember stories.  As Ellen learns to spell, Brenna has also taken an interest in writing. Although her letters are merely squiggles, they are a good indication at her future interest in learning.  Tonight Jeff captured Brenna reading the book Money Puzzle.

Ohio - Day 1

"O-H-I-O!", the girls shouted as they excitedly skipped around the baggage claim area at the Columbus airport yesterday afternoon.  Our trip "across the pond" was quite easy considering we were travelling with a 4- and 2-year-old, but we were all VERY happy when we landed in Columbus.  Ellen ran up to the security gate at the airport where Mom and Norm were waiting; Brenna followed close behind.  There were long-awaited hugs and kissies for Gramma and Palon.  Dad and Barry met us in the baggage claim, and then we went to Champps for supper with two very tired girls.  It was wonderful to step outside and finally feel some HEAT!

Today we spent the day playing and organizing.  While Mom and I went to the mall to exchange some clothes I had ordered online, the girls enjoyed played in the paddling pool.

 Fun in the paddling pool

Brenna plays with the princess clip-clop horses with Gramma

Race for Life

I'll post about this another night...

Popping Bubbles!

This video was taken on Sunday, the 8th of May.  The girls loved running around the garden/yard popping bubbles in their cute dresses.

Country Dancing

Ellen has been taking Diddi Dance at nursery this term. So far she's really enjoyed it and came home on Friday excited to show me the country dancing she learned that morning.  It was so cute that I had her do it again so I could take a video of it.  Of course, Brenna had to have a turn, too :o)

Farm on Wheels

A lot has happened in the past month, including Mom's two-week visit, Brenna's 2nd birthday, Easter and Ellen and my birthdays; however, I'll start with our visit today to the Farm on Wheels organised by our neighborhood management team.  A trailer pulled up carrying a donkey, three rabbits, 2 lambs, the most gorgeous grey hen and her four fluffy chicks and Sandy the rat.

Up close with the rabbits

 Petting one of the sweet chicks

 I love Brenna's excitement in this picture.

 Mommy Hen and her babies.

 The girls got to feed the hen and chicks.

 Brenna loved feeding the lamb. Ellen chose not to... no surprise.

 

 Brenna confidently petted the lamb and, after a little persuasion, Ellen did, too.

 Both girls were happy to pet Sandy the rat.

 Sandy had a little climb on both girls!

 We played on the nearby playground until I deemed it too cold to continue playing.

Pancake Day

Today is Shrove Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday, but in the Bolton house, it's simply Pancake Day!  Unfortunately, Jeff missed out on a delicious pancake breakfast due to being away for work for a few days.  Ellen always enjoys helping me make pancakes and enjoys eating them, too.  Brenna wasn't interested in actually eating the pancake, just dipping a piece in the maple syrup and licking it over and over... *sigh*.

I was asked a couple times today whether we ate traditional English pancakes or American pancakes.  Light, fluffy American pancakes, of course!  Britons like to make thin pancakes (crepes) and top it with lemon and sugar... uh, no.  Give me a drizzle of maple syrup any day!