Tales From the South

Last night Sarah and Mary Claire went with our parents to the Starving Artist Cafe to hear memoirs from various Southerners in "Tales From the South." The show is recorded live at the cafe to be broadcasted in a worldwide radio show. The three authors each read their own stories: one a mom explaining death to her children for the first time, the second a WWII veteran relaying a day in the freezing German snow, the last a Political Science professor describing why he believes the number three to be very unlucky, especially when a mule is involved.

It was a lovely night.

The Girls

Orientations

This was the week of orientations. The twins are going to separate colleges, thus the family is doubly orientated. Anna's orientation was first. She sums it up in one word--home. Anna, Mom and Dad took Anna's college by storm.

Next was a trip to Sarah's and now Elizabeth's college. But before orientation began there was one event where we had to make an appearance. While Mom and Dad were at a wedding, the girls (minus Anna, who was babysitting) went to a pageant. Just like any good pageant, this pageant was overflowing with talents and hairspray. We laughed and laughed through the elimination rounds, and rejoiced as our favorite contestant took the crown. Sarah's roommate, Hannah (a pageant pro), was our stand in for Anna. This pageant provided us with hours of entertainment and a few grimaces (maybe a few contestants needed more vocal coaching...shhhhh).

Luckily, Hannah advised us to bring blankets and we were glad that she did. Who knew pageants could be so cold?

Elizabeth's orientation went off without a hitch. She sums hers up in one word-- momentous. Can't wait for next year when we orientate our last sister!

Library Run

Today was a great day, although Anna is off being immersed in college life at her orientation. The three remaining sisters began our day with a water aerobics class. Our first water aerobics class was wonderful, mostly because the established group of ladies (mostly grandmothers) welcomed us with open arms. Surprisingly enough water aerobics makes one very hungry, thus we traveled to a burger place. Because Sarah's thirst was insatiable, or because sweet tea calls for water and burgers call for shakes, Sarah had three drinks at one time (as pictured below).

(And no, Sarah is not drinking through her nose)

Then, the three of us went on a library run to our childhood library. We were looking for Bram Stoker's Dracula, but the copy we found had a hideous and terrifying picture on the cover. We decided that looking at that for a few days would be more than we could handle, so we put it back for a braver reader. Also, there were creepy illustrations. But our visit to the library was not a waste. We wandered into the children's section and relived the happy days there, and the wonderful books we used to check out. Our favorites were the Little House on the Prairie books and Nancy Drew books. Also, we loved the Boxcar Children books. We highly recommend all of these series for those of you with children. Or without.

Our 5th Sister

Before we begin telling you about our separate stories, we feel compelled to tell you about our 5th sister. She never has an unkind word, but that is mostly because she is a dog. Tucker Louise is our cockapoo (cocker spaniel/poodle mix). Tucker is the perfect dog. Although "Tucker" may sound like a boy-name, she is all girl. Do not let her various names confuse you. You may hear one of us (probably Anna) refer to her as any of the following: Mrs. P, Pizzy Baby, Pizzy Pants, Little P, Snuggles, or The P-meister. She is not allowed to step one paw on the floor (while Dad is around), because Dad is allergic to our hypo-allergenic dog. She spends her days either on a window seat, in our backyard, or in various bins around the house (ex. recycling bins and laundry baskets). This dog is either very content or just a bit dull. Either way, she fits in perfectly around here. Tucker is our family mascot and the perfect way to begin our blog.

The Girls