Thalia is talking more

Many times a day we hear this from Thalia: "I am not ready yet. In four minutes!"

She and Sophia both have a very active imagination and they play games pretending to be babies and monsters and cats and dogs and princesses. Now, Thalia has started making up stories. Just yesterday at dinner she made up an elaborate story, movie actually, about two monsters who wanted to chase her babies. They found a cave where they could be safe and the monsters couldn't open the cave door.

She has developed an impressive vocabulary already at 2-1/2.

Discipline

Steve and I are still figuring out our best strategy when it comes to disciplining the girls. Right now I am a little insecure about Steve being the "fun" parent while I am the "mean" one. I am fun, too :*) Sophia has recently started giving me the "silent treatment" when I don't allow her to do what she wants to do.

Fortunately, most of the time, she is very affectionate with me and sweet. One of my favorite time of day to spend with her is at bedtime when she wants to fall asleep next to me (Steve and I take turns laying next to Sophia or Thalia each night as they fall asleep).

Thalia watches everything Sophia does and is starting to copy even the not-so-good behavior. I know, it is all part of growing up. Sophia is exerting her independence. You don't know how often I hear her say "I am four, so I am old enough to do that."

Colette, the newest member of our family

Sophia is very excited about her first pet, a goldfish she named Colette. Her persistence over the course of the last 10 days paid off and we took her to the pet store yesterday to purchase equipment and let her choose her favorite fish. So far she has been very responsible.

Borax Museum in Death Valley

More from my birthday

More from Zabriskie Point

My birthday at Zabriskie Point

We spent part of my birthday at this lookout point in Death Valley. A spectacular view of the valley.

Moon

We enjoyed seeing the full moon rise from behind the mountains the night before my birthday, taken at the hotel in Death Valley.

Artist's Palette

On my birthday we visited Artist's Palette in Death Valley. This was my favorite spot, especially the turquoise color that was so prevalent in the rocks. We did a little hike with the girls.

Lowest Point in the USA

Here we are exploring the salty rocks that lay on the lowest point in the USA, at the bottom of Death Valley. Its called the Devil's Playground. Thalia took the second photo.

Dante's Peak in Death Valley

And now for some scenic shots. Here we are in Dante's Peak looking over Death Valley. It was mighty cold up here and we did not stay very long but the view took our breath away. Below you see the salty bottom of a lake that disappeared 2000 years ago. We are standing at 5000 feet and the lake below is -120 feet, the lowest altitude in the USA.

Our resident comedian

It was great to be able to spend so much time with my family. This extra time with Thalia has confirmed that she is the resident comedian. Not only does she have the most infectious laugh, but she also makes us laugh. She is funny. And she laughs at funny situations. Much moreso than her older sister does. Here you can see a little glimpse of her personality.

More performing shots

Here are some more photos from that same performance in Death Valley, taken on my birthday. Maybe she was singing for my birthday.

Just Singing in the Desert

We are back from our travels. Death Valley is an unbelievably beautiful place. I plan to go back many times. Las Vegas was wonderful, too. My favorite spot in Vegas is a place called Red Rock Canyon, which is about a 30-minute drive from Las Vegas.

These two girls still love to sing. Here they are performing for us at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley. Sophia told us where to sit and they stood in front of us and sang together. I had my camera ready!