Quite a Day

Amelia's day care is closed on all federal holidays, so today, Veteran's Day, I took the day off to spend with her.  We had quite a day planned.  We started by getting pedicures with her big sister Meghan.  (Amelia also talked them into painting her fingers as well.  With a little flower.  And a rhinestone.)  I am pretty sure I was in my 20's before I had my first pedicure.  Meghan seems to recall she was a Senior in high school.  So here we are with four year old Amelia, starting her young....

Waiting for her polish to dry with her big sister...

After lunch and a nap, Amelia requested that we make pumpkin bread.  She's been asking for it all week and fortunately we had the ingredients to make this recipe, with mini-chocolate chips added to the batter.  It is delish!  Amelia is a very good helper!

I love how Orbit follows patches of sun around all day...

While Amelia and I were enjoying a day of pampering and cooking, Ava was busy hosting Senator Tom Harkin on a visit to her school.  I got an email from a friend of mine who works as the Communications Director for the Des Moines Public Schools saying, "Ava is doing an excellent job hosting Senator Harkin."  I thought my heart might burst right out of my chest. Later in the day he sent these pictures - Love!  Is this setting her on the path to be a political staffer?  I'm not sure, but I am proud of her poise.  It was very kind of my friend to take and send these photos with an eye toward capturing Ava.  My family has a long history with Senator Harkin and they mean more than he could possibly know....