I think I'll get a snack

Rio,

Tonight after dinner I watched you deliberately go to the kitchen and open/close a few cabinets looking for the food cabinet.  Once you found the right one, you stopped, looked at me and smiled.  Then you proceeded to get out the goldfish and eat them.  I am convinced that you knew exactly what you were doing all along.  Lily is 3 now and has never once gotten her own snack.  This is going to get interesting.  

Fun

Dear Lily and Rio,

There has been a change between the two of you recently.  You have been laughing and playing together like you have never done before.  I don't know if it's because Rio you are older now or that Lily has finally accepted that Rio is part of the family.  Lily, you have been including Rio in all your games.  You share, you help out with him, and are genuinely concerned about his safety.  Lily, you are taking your job as a big sister very carefully and Rio clearly loves you for it.  

Even though it's almost July and summer has not quite arrived in Seattle, much fruit in our backyard is starting to appear.  This tree is full of cherries but it won't be for much longer if you two keep eating them at the current pace. 

Rio you love, love, love this ball toy you got for your birthday:

We have been having fun practicing our silly faces:

And our smile faces:

Yes, you are cute:

Love, 

Your proud Mama