Ready to Go!

          In a few days, the girls and I are going to take a little trip (well, it's actually long since the drive takes 12 hours) to Gram and Pa's house.  We're going to spend most of our summer in Missouri!  Audrey is beyond excited to see more family.  This morning, I told Audrey that after nap she could help pick out a few toys to take with us to Missouri.  "Nap" was really just time in her room today. She did not sleep.  She did decide to pack, though.  When she came out of her room at the end of her rest time, she told me she had packed a few things for Gram and Pa's house.
          I was busy taking care of Claire, so I did not immediately look in Audrey's room.  A few hours later, I walk in to her room and initially think Audrey has made a huge mess.  When I look closer, though, I realize that I'm looking directly at the product of her packing.  It's actually not bad.  She has filled her little pink bag with clothes.  (I peek in her drawers and see that she's picked EVERYTHING from every drawer except her pajamas!)  She has a neat stack of books next to all her ponies (which are lined up).  She has piled her stuffed animals next to her clothes.  Blankets sit by the animals.  Her shoes are stacked next to her bag, too.  I was most impressed that she actually chose certain items to stay and certain items to go.  For example, several stuffed animals didn't make the cut - they were still piled in her basket at the foot of her bed.  (She has way too many stuffed animals). She also picked out a half dozen books from her shelves filled with stories!  One book she chose is a compilation with tons of stories.  She also picked her bible and a few of her current favorites.
          Obviously, I'll have to finish up her packing job, but her efforts actually helped me!  I was touched by her effort and amazed at what a big girl I now have on my hands.  I just love my girls.

Audrey's packing effort

Audrey shows off the hat she made at school!

That's right...