We went to the George Ranch today. Of course. What better way to spend a sunny day? We visited the horses and Carmen was so happy to see them that she blew them kisses. Then she asked, in sign, where were the cat and sheep? The Big Red Barn has cats and sheep. After spending time with the horses and cattle (and no cats or sheep to be found), Carmen then asked for the dog and pig, so we walked to the 1830's stock farm, the place with Rosie the pig and Henry the dog and too many chickens.

Of course it's probably not a good idea to give a toddler everything she wants, but Matt and I are so happy to see her sign her little wishes and desires that we are more than happy to grant them.

After we acquainted ourselves with the local fauna, C&D climbed into and out of a small bowl dug into the earth, sometimes rolling in the thick grass. Topography of any kind is a wonder for a toddler native to Houston.

Some visitors came to see the farm (after all, it's a historical exhibit, not the babes' ranch house) and David wandered amongst them for a while, happy for the company. They spoke French, but David didn't seem to notice. He's become quite the sociable fellow.

And he doesn't mind pig-licks, dog-sniffs, and horse-snorts, unlike his sister.

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Carmen's new ASL words recently include juice, farm, flower, bath, shirt, pants, chicken, and a host of others.

David signs horse, bath, shirt, water, more, banana, socks, shoes, book . . . he's working hard to catch up!

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Other highlights of the weekend:

• Fiona came to visit. She signed to Carmen and Carmen tried to sign back by twirling her hands and waving them around. It reminded me of the time when I, at maybe about four years old, tried to talk to the neighbor children in Spanish. "Ocho, ocho, ocho," I said, hanging on the chain link fence and giving them my best at polite Spanish-language conversation. They laughed, but not too hard.
• David and Carmen have each made a habit of going shopping with Matt on the weekends. The trips are generally short, and Matt only takes one out at a time (usually while the other is napping). The highlight of the expedition is always that the babes get to hold Matt's hand and help shop.
• David can now not only slide down the slide, but climb up onto it, too. All by himself. Smart, brave boy!
• Carmen is trying to learn how to fall asleep without the rocking chair. We're on our sixth. I'm not sure which is worse, rocking all night or watching her squirm?
  

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The washing machine repairman was at our house this week. Matt reminded me that since the babies have been born, we have replaced:
one dishwasher
four rocking chairs
one washing machine
one washing machine transmission
one computer
one car (I told Matt that Saturn wasn't going to work!)

and I'm sure I could think of something else. This is why having children is expensive. But those giggles? Priceless. Happy Mother's Day.