Coffee Cat

"But I thought these were *my* flip flops!"

"Ugh, why is Annabelle such a coffee cat?!?!" Mabes yelled, exasperated, one day. I think she meant copy cat. I can see how it could get old but frankly, it's adorable. Annabelle LOVES Mabes. Mabes started school a couple of weeks ago, and it was really hard on Annabelle. Last year was no big deal--Annabelle was young enough that she didn't really notice. Annabelle is old enough that they can play really well together (when they're not screaming and fighting, of course), and suddenly her buddy is gone 7 hours a day now.

Ready for her first day of 1st grade

After the dropping Mabes off on the first day of school, Annabelle whimpered, "Mae...Mae...Mae..." the whole way home. The next day at Trader Joe's, she randomly started saying it again, complete with elbows bent, palms upturned shrugs. And then I foolishly drove home past the school, which of course made Annabelle cry and yell for Mabes. I didn't think she'd recognize the area.

Mabes yelled at me to come watch her fly. She didn't realize
than Annabelle was copying her.

Chillin' on the couch

Playing in boxes. We have real toys. I promise. You can see them scattered
in the background. They just prefer boxes.

Playing dress-up

And while Mabes occasionally gets frustrated that Annabelle copies her so much, she mostly loves it. Mabes gets the constant attention and adoration she needs, and Annabelle gets blanket rides around the house. Everybody wins!