The Great Barbie Makeover

The Barbies at our house got a makeover courtesy of Miss Gracie and Miss Kate. I have to say, I was initially conflicted about the whole ordeal because I really don't like mess. Barbie hair, by the way, is like dust...you clean it and 2 seconds later it's back! The part of me that supports individual creative expression though was all over this project...and of course I must admit I felt a little bit of satisfaction knowing it was Barbie's locks they were shearing.

I never really supported the whole Barbie thing to begin with. The little ladies just moved into our house around the girls' second year and I couldn't stop the influx. It started with just the Princess Barbies but then others started showing up. Soon they brought their cars and their fancy outfits. And shoes, oh the shoes. Some of them even had horses...the nerve! Well anyway, they were here to stay despite my thoughts about the potential negative impact their unrealistic, unattainable body shapes might have on my little girls' self esteem. I must state here, for whatever it's worth, that I never bought my girls a Barbie...well, except for maybe Barbie Thumbelina who looks more like a fairy...does she count?

Anyway, despite my reluctance to have them in our house, I was aware that Gracie and Kate enjoyed playing with them, dressing them, driving them around the playroom, etc. I had to change my thinking to support the dolls as tools that foster imaginative play rather than sexist cultural icons. Can we say cognitive dissonance? Needless to say, when I noticed the girls were cutting their Barbies' hair, I didn't stop them. And they were so proud of their endeavor!

Gracie said, Look Mom, we cut her hair for Locks of Love!

Kate said, We're giving Barbie a makeover!

They actually did a good job on some of the dolls...pretty stylish if you ask me.

Even Ariel got in on the action. Here she is sporting a cute little bob! I'm still finding strands of red hair in the playroom!

The girls haven't been in the Barbie bin much since this happened...kind of has me wondering if this was some type of symbolic commencement representing a new phase of play, one that doesn't involve Barbie. On the other hand, perhaps I'm thinking a bit too deeply about the whole ordeal, as I've noticed the scissors have been getting a lot of use lately.

Anthem Days

Our neighbor to the north has a great celebration every spring called Anthem Days. We've been going for 4 years now, I think. There are pony rides, train rides, bounce houses, Easter egg hunts and oh yes, a carnival. This year we went ahead and bought those expensive tickets so the girls could have the full carnival experience. Shortly after realizing that $40 worth of tickets would last us maybe 2 minutes, we noticed people wearing wrist bands. So back to the ticket line we went to buy our own bands so the girls could have unlimited, all day carny fun. And actually, it was very fun. I loved watching them go through some of the fun houses...they just looked so grown up, able to make it through fun mirrors and rope bridges without help from Mom and Dad. I'm sure someday they'll be at this carnival with their friends, too cool for Mom and Dad even to observe. For now we will enjoy every moment they want to spend with us! Here are some pics from the day:

Dad and his girls

This picture really shows the girls' personalities :)

Kate on Fangs the pony

Gracie on Charm the pony

The Carnival

Gracie checking her loose tooth's status on the ferris wheel. It's still there, Grace!

Make a silly face!

Now a nice face

Dad and girls in a bear's belly!

Shawn and his man purse

What up little girls?

Birthday Fun

Well I am over a month behind on my blogging so I figured I better get to it! I shall reminisce about the last month in the next few posts, okie doke. I had a lovely two-day birthday celebration for my 33rd. The night before the big day, my "little family" (as Gracie calls our immediate fam) went out to dinner at my favorite restaurant Abuelo's...yummy! We then made our way to the Morgan household to see our "big family" (as Gracie calls everyone else related to us), who had a little party prepared. Mom made me a special lemon cake, as I'd been craving all things lemon. I received musical birthday cards from my dad and brother which delighted the girls with their princess and Wizard of Oz tunes. I opened presents, we ate cake, played, laughed, etc. Aren't birthdays the best?!

The next day (my actual b-day) Mom and I went to see my favorite musical RENT in Tempe. Two of the original cast members were in this production which was just beyond exciting to me! It was so wonderful...you could truly feel the energy and connection in that theater. I tried to hold on to that feeling as long as possible. Thanks for a wonderful birthday gift, Mom, one I will always remember!

Our Little Family

Our Big Family

What's a party without Hula-Hoopin'

Mama and Gracie

Kate getting ready to do something naughty...love this look!

My attempt to blow out the six candles (3 tens and 3 ones = 33)

The candle fiasco! My family delighted in the fact that their runner girl couldn't muster up enough breath to blow out any of the candles. Good thing Grace and Kate were there to save the day!

Me and Mom off to see Rent!