First trip to the dentist

The girls had their first dentist appointment a few weeks ago. We were all thrilled and surprised that they had no cavities. The dentist told us the sad part about most kids growing up in the developing world is they don't eat often enough to get cavities. She said kids in the US get cavities because they are always snacking and eating. The girls did very well, especially Chloe who laid still with her mouth open for over 30 minutes. The dentist reminded us that that is not typical behavior for a three year old's first trip to the dentist, but we didn't tell Chloe that. The hygenists were able to get much of the staining off the girls teeth as well, which has thrilled the girls. They greeted Grandma and Grandpa that night with big smiles and said, "Look!"

Chloe getting ready for x-rays

Essie with her "too cool" glasses

Chloe getting her cleaning

Essie's turn in x-ray

Quote of the Day

Essie: "I have a big mouth!"
Mommy (trying to contain her laughter): "You have no idea, Honey."

Chloe: "Look, Mom, it's Bo Poop."
Mommy (laughing her head off): "That would be Little Bo Peep, Honey."

Conquering the tricycles

We've had tricycles for the girls since they came home, but they've been a might too little to be able to peddle them by themselves. They've had fun pushing each other around but today, Chloe conquered her tricycle and peddled herself around. Essie is a bit smaller and therefore a bit slower to conquer but she gave it her all.

Mommy, I can't see you!

Um...that's why they call it a blindfold, honey.

Look Mommy, Spots!

Indeed they are spots. Who knew old yard sale stickers could be so fun.

Beauty Parlor

So we are a bit behind in our blog posts. Last week was very busy and this week looks just as busy. I did want to post pictures of the girls' first real hairdo. Our neighbor, Theresa, is a beautician and came over last week and offered to do the girls hair. It took her over an hour to do each of the girls hair and a ton of product, but it looked really cute when it was done. I don't have a picture of Theresa because she hadn't done her hair that day and being a beautician, she was adamant I did not take her picture.

Chloe being distracted by food.

Essie

Finally done

Essie

Essie being silly

Showing off their new looks

The Kinnell Girls Big Adventure-Part 2

Who knew that a couple of girls from the arid regions of Ethiopia would be such fish in the water. They have only been swimming in a big pool once before our trip to NY. After two swims at my Aunt and Uncle's pool, they were treading water and jumping in without us having to catch them.

Chloe jumping off the raft to Grandpa

Cousin Hunter playing the shark, trying to get Essie & Aunt Jen

Aunt Laurie giving a piggy back ride to Chloe

The Kinnell Girls Big Adventure-Part 1

So I should have gotten these photos up a week ago, but I didn't, so here they are now.

After spending a weekend with Matt at campmeeting in IL, Amy and the girls headed to Grandpa and Memaw Neild's house. There, we joined Grandpa and Memaw, Aunt Jen and cousin Hunter on an 11 1/2 hour trip to upstate NY to meet Amy's extended family. That's right, 3 three-year-olds and 4 adults in a van for 11 1/2 hours. The kids actually did amazingly well in the van (thanks to the miraculous invention of the portable DVD machine).

Catching a ride in Uncle Kris' Artic Cat

Pretending to drive Uncle Kevin's 4 wheeler

Grandpa with all 3 grandkids

Driving Uncle Kevin's Farmall tractor

There is no place Hunter would rather be than on a tractor

Kid power

Pretty Sunday Dresses

Go Cats!

With a little encouragement from their father (but not too much!), the girls have become infatuated with the Kentucky Wildcats. (It's hard to avoid here in Kentucky.) Everytime they see a "K", they say "Go Cats!" It makes their father proud. So, we thought we'd go to the UK Football Fan Day on Saturday evening.

All dressed up in our best blue and white

Aunt Buffy

Essie tries on Ababa's football jersey

Essie & Buffy inside the stadium

Chloe waiting for the team to come out

Lil' autograph seekers

Meeting Tristian Johnson

Posing with Coach Joker Phillips

Getting an autograph from Qua Huzzie

The twins and Qua Huzzie

Enjoying a fun evening on the field in Commonwealth Stadium

Matt visits with the "Voice of the Wildcats" Tom Leach

Giving Tom Leach their best "Go Cats!"

A Trip to Mt. Carmel

Saturday was the big Homecoming Picnic down at Mt. Carmel, so Matt took the girls down to show them where he grew up.

Meeting the Hindman Side of the Family

Meeting Gigi and Great-Grandpa Hindman for the first time

Chloe plays with Cousin Rachel's husband Jonathan

Playing with Aunt Daphne

Balloons!

Eating lunch at the Hindman house - three generations of kids have sat at that little red card table

Lunch from KFC

Cute backpacks that Aunt Buffy knitted for the girls

Rachel, Chloe, Essie, and Buffy

Playing dominoes with Rachel

Playing with Aunt Buffy's phone

Great-Grandma Hindman (Gigi)

Great-Grandpa Hindman

Chasing Jonathan

Chloe & Jonathan

Essie loves playing football

Essie

Playing ball with Jonathan

Jonathan and the girls show off some cash