Midweek Randoms

I have to say that we've been pretty fortunate that Sophia doesn't really get into too many cupboards or drawers in our house.  I think that the biggest reason for that is that Samantha and I keep her pretty occupied.  Plus, she has a decent amount of room to roam in this house and therefore does not get bored as easily. 

Last week, I did catch her doing this, though:

She entertained herself by opening the door and putting her milk sippee in there.

And then she moved onto a completely harmless drawer.

Followed by a quick spin around the family room on her car (backwards, because she still isn't sure how to go forward on it yet).

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We had a picnic outside for lunch last week.  I think that it is quite possibly one of Samantha's most favorite things to do.  It almost doesn't even matter WHAT we are having for the meal; I just need to spread a blanket out and call it a picnic and she is thrilled.


Having a juice box just only adds to her excitement:

And Pringles are a close second:

Sophia is content with graham crackers:

Within minutes, Sam has her shoes and socks off so that she can enjoy the rays of sunshine:

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We've also spent a lot of time outside blowing bubbles.  Sophia "tries" -- oh, how she tries! 

Often, she will just give up and try something else, like reading a book:

Or she'll climb on her four-wheeler and take off -- pausing to see if anyone is watching:

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Grandpa Lapinski picked up some Lincoln Logs at a garage sale last weekend, and they have been Sam's favorite thing to play with lately ... if Daddy helps her.  I think that I have witnessed the construction of a house, barn, garage and even an outhouse now!

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Sophia LOVES this piggy bank.  It was Sam's when she was little and it sings while you put the coins in it.  Occasionally, Sophia will have a small meltdown when the coin won't go in the slot, but she sure works hard to get it in there.

My girls (note the casual pose that Sophia took):

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This scene just tickles me to death!  Both girls standing at the kitchen set, hard at work preparing something for me on Mother's Day:

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Sophia wants to do EVERYTHING that Sam does. 

She puts on her bracelets:

She even takes her headbands and puts them on her own head -- by herself.  What can I say, my girl knows how to wear a headband!!

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We made cookies to take to my mom for Mother's Day, along with her other gifts and cards.  I made the flower-shaped cookies while Sam was napping.  And then, with the left-over dough, I surprised Sam by making some dinosaur cookies.  She got to decorate them when she got up from her nap.

She takes her job very seriously:

Her "assistant" in the background serves as the taste-tester, obviously:

We love sprinkles!

Yeah, the "assistant" takes her role just as seriously:

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Last night, Sam took her sister for a ride in the jeep.  Sophia was strapped in (don't worry!).  They both had a blast!



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Steve did a science experiment with Samantha last night, and I am happy to say that we might have a future scientist on our hands!  That makes this Momma (and chemist) so thrilled, to say the least!

Pouring vinegar on baking soda:

Watching the chemical reaction take place:

Getting her hands dirty:

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And finally, I just never seem to get tired of taking pictures of either of my girls taking time to smell the flowers: