This is it: Orly has now completed two whole years of life! Today was the birthday party; we combined a few classics — balloons, games, cake — with a few new experiences.

First, some friends:

Then a game of television inspiration: DORA (yes, Dora!) called us to warn that Swipper the Fox had swipped the birthday balloons!! The kids, with some help from Backpack, had to go on an adventure to find the missing balloons.

They started by asking the Map for directions, then Backpack gave them some horns to go into the musical tunnel (made of sheets around our bed, hehe):

Then, a stop by the lake, to do some fishing:

Finally, Backpack gave out flashlights to the kiddos, who said “Open” to enter the dark bedroom:

The balloons were found!

Add in some games…

Some cries… (see Xavier, ouch!)

Cake…

…and there you have it, Orléane is all partied up! Congratulations, my big girlie!

PS. Here’s a last one we took during the week, on her anniversary day:

Xavier, before this morning:

Xavier, after meeting the clipper:

I know!! It’s real short. But oh well, we have to experiment. I like, however, how much it brings out his eyes:

It’s even more overwhelming in person. What’s more, well, it’ll buy him a break from all the haircutting he hates.

As for Orly, it’s quite the opposite: at long last, her hair is starting to grow a little! Now I can fix two pigtails on her.

I’m spending the day here with a couple of pirates. Have fun today, everyone!

De Hiver2009

PS. Salut papa!