Cora's first haircut

For the past month or so, Cora had been mentioning that she wants to cut her hair. She would tell us one day that she wants to cut it short, then a few days later she would change her mind and say she wanted to grow it "as long as Rapunzel's!"

Since I am of the long haired persuasion, I was a bit reluctant to cut her hair super short (read: chin length), but I have always said that I will not force her to keep her hair long. I will let her be her own person and make her own decisions.

Before, looking like a beach girl out in the sun!

I know, it might sound strange to talk about letting an almost-4 year old make her own hairstyle choices, but Cora is very strong willed and definitely knows what she wants! So on Saturday we took her to get her very first real haircut. I say real, because although I have trimmed it a couple of times and once cut some bangs for her, she had never been to a professional.

In preparation we looked through some pictures of her cousins and of her when she was younger to try and decide how she wanted it. Then we compromised, because I insist that we keep it long enough to put in a ponytail. Mama really does know best about some things, and with summer just around the corner, a ponytail will be essential very soon!

Sitting nice and still for the stylist.

Cora sat very still the whole time, and did a great job! We started just taking off a couple of inches, but Cora wanted it shorter, so we cut off about 4 or 5 inches total. Then she said she wanted bangs (another thing she had wavered on throughout the day), so bangs were cut!

Oh, she was so happy!

Cheese!

A little braiding from the stylist and some spray-in glitter made her even happier!

So excited she could hardly stand still.

Of course, every day of pampering at the salon needs to be followed by frozen yogurt.

Post-pampering frozen yogurt.

As you can see, she is thrilled with her new 'do. She requested to wear it down for school today so that she could show it off to all her friends and teachers. Several of them commented on it as soon as they saw her, which made Cora even happier!

The next day, with her hair down, being super silly.

Does she look older now to you too?

As a side note, Rhys had a haircut on Saturday as well. I believe it was his 6th.

Growing up

I personally don't think I will ever be a "grownup"—not sure I want to be one to be honest—but today we feel more grown up than ever. We signed a contract on our very first house!

Our soon-to-be new home! Door will match the shutters, and posts will match the white trim.

Corn maze!

Now, I know we are way behind on posting about all our travels and family visits this summer. Maybe one day I will put up some pictures from this summer, but this is not that post. This is actually a post about something we did recently. Like, less than a month ago. I know, it's a miracle.

So a few weekends ago we went to a local farm for a corn maze/pumpkin patch/kids free for all play area. It was a blast! There was so much to do and I think we wound up spending almost 3 hours there playing all the games, going down the slides, jumping on the bounce houses, and picking our pumpkins.

Pumpkin heads

Happy (extremely late) birthday, Cora!

Dear Cora,

Ok. I know. Your birthday was over 2 weeks ago, and I am just getting around to writing you. I can't help it. I procrastinate. You probably inherited this quality. Sorry about that.

Say cheese? No, say Cupcake!

Dear Rhys, on your first birthday

Dear Rhys,

Friday was your first birthday! I can't believe you've been with us for an entire year. What a year it has been. You are full of joy and energy and never give us a dull moment. 

At 10 months you took your first shaky steps. By 11 months you were walking on your own but still crawling some. Now you don't bother crawling. Ever. However, you're a big ol' mama's boy and want me to carry you around a good amount of the time. Not that I mind.

Who needs a swimsuit? Clothes are just fine.