Allowance

Ruth and Mary each get $5 a week to spend, and $5 a week to save. They earn a dollar every week day for work done around the house, school work completed, training the dog etc.
Yesterday, I was at church for youth group, and Matt took the kids out to Border's book store.
The girls found these matching dogs (photo courtesy of Mary), and they ended up being on sale for half price.
The thing that impressed Matt the most was that the girls figured up the prices, allowance needed (they had saved for two weeks so they had enough to pay for them), and were even going to use a coupon.
They are now the new favorites, and it was a great money lesson for the kids, as well as a super deal.

Mary's favorite past time

Talking to Grandma Chris on the phone.

And then there is Ruth

Who is about as uncomplicated as they get. Very mellow, loves to sit and read or watch movies. Doesn't really like to be bothered, just pretty chill. Oh, and her favorite color is blue.
She is pretty much the opposite of her sister.

The two faces of Mary

Here is the first one. Very pink, girly, loves baby dolls and little kids.

Here she is as she is normally. Goofy, silly, and hanging around.

One more park picture

This is the #1 reason I love New Mexico. In January you can scooter ride to the park with only a sweater on and play for an hour before the sun goes down and it gets cold.

Tricky dog

Dash has a new skill where he runs up the playground steps
and jumps off from about three feet up.
He's done this numerous times, but today he
did it all on his own with us just calling him.

Dogs love the park too

The park was kid free this afternoon,
so Dash was able to go down the slide.
Here is on his second run with Ruth.
Dad wasn't fast enough with the camera to
get him on film with Mary.

I wouldn't say he loves the slide,
but he'll do anything for the girls.