Sugar and Spice (and Reptiles are Nice)

 I walked into Norah's room one afternoon to discover all of her Disney Princesses sitting demurely in a row.  It made me giggle to see such order,  in a room, which more often than not, can be described as "lived in" at best.

I was quickly informed by the head-mistress that the princesses were attending "Manners Lessons", which would account for their orderly conduct.

 

 Lest my readers get the wrong impression that sweet Norah is all "sugar and spice", I had to post some photos that can attest to her inner-tomboy.  

Jason caught a tiny, baby frog one evening while watering the vines in the backyard (which, I'm pleased to report are still alive, and growing!) 

This was as close as she cared to get to holding it that night.  However, she caught him, and a couple of his  baby brothers, unassisted in the back yard a few nights later (Yes, I washed her hands when she came in.  No, she hasn't developed any warts)

But that was just the beginning.  About a month later, she caught THIS! And she even managed to keep from breaking it's tail.  Would I touch it?  Um....no. 

I thought the photo really captured her essence: a perfect balance of femininity and a sense of adventure.  (Please note the dainty grip her nail-polished, bracelet-adorned hand has on the ferocious reptile)

I suppose this balance was attained through the influences of a great daddy, and a sweet brother who love to embark on adventures together, and don't mind if the girls tag along.

Of course...the door swings both ways.  Eli has recently acquired some fantastic ballet partnering skills!  (I need to get this on video to post, because when they "dance ballet" together, it is hilarious.  Norah always requests "classical music", and Eli basically just follows her around with his hands lightly cupped around her waist, while Norah leads him into a series of pirouettes and leaps.)