Elsa, subdued

We have it on good authority that Elsa returned home from a trip to the doctor's office with not one, but two ear infections. She decides to stay home from daycare to mope around the house (and show off her ability to sit up on her own).

Here she is, in subdued form...

Well, almost sit up...

What's black and white and Per all over?

Before we unveil Per's 2010 Halloween costume, let's harken back to last October (insert back-in-time harp chords here). Ahhh, yes, how could we forget Per's one-year old physique?

This year, Per decides that black and white are indeed flattering colors ("slimming", to use Per's words), but decides to go with a more upbeat theme. Introducing "Happy Feet-Bergman".

Per's black and white obsession also extends to his Halloween possé.

Per's usual level of exuberance (augmented by sugar)

Per's exclusive black and white affair is touched by a shade of grey.

Per decides to make a break for it.

Tune in next Halloween when Per dons a Ding Dong costume...

Thomas-O-Lantern

Per picks the theme for this year's pumpkin...

Per turns two

Yes, Per is now two years old (if one were to ask his parents, they might say that they can't believe he's ONLY two, given the time that seems to have passed since the day of his birth).

With the usual cast of characters gathered for his pancake party, Per blows out his candles. All seems to be going well until Per really gets rowdy towards the end of the party...

Apple Picking

Although no actual apples were picked on this day, Per and Elsa enjoyed a cool, crisp September morning out of doors at Wiard's Orchards. Unbeknownst to their parents, a carnival separated the front gate from the orchards. So, rather than photos of pony rides, blow-up bouncy houses, and fun slides (none of which showcase what the day was supposed to be all about), here are two rather subdued snaps from later in the day (post snow-cones)...

(With no signs of upper or lower incisors, Elsa is dubious about the whole apple-picking adventure)

Dreams really do come true...

One can only wonder whether the Per-to-Thomas ratio in the first photograph is the same as the Thomas-to-Per ratio in the second....

Mug shots

It's now been brought to our attention that Prickly Pair viewers not only want more Elsa, but they want more of her with Per. With an infant that still doesn't sit and a toddler that doesn't sit still (see "Bouncing around the room" post), the logistics of this become more and more difficult, but hopefully these pics will do for now.

That's why I wish again...

Every August Per packs up his family and travels across the state to spend some leisurely time on Lake Michigan. And this August was no different. While the rest of the family takes in some much needed R&R, Per works on his sand dykes and levees. Add to the mix Grandma Jane and Aunt Kari (a.k.a. "Kiwi"), and Per has a small (but very attentive) audience.

Taking a booze cruise on the Kalamazoo...

Back at the condo feeding self and feeding ducks...

Swimming with Pops...

Taking in the city life of Saugatuck (Per notes the horses in Saugatuck smell better than they do in Colorado)...

Once again, Elsa hogs the spotlight.

Or Elsa...

The staff writers at "The Prickly Pair" have been receiving complaints that Elsa has not been featured enough in the newer entries. So, to assuage viewer anxiety, we are running a prominent piece starring Elsa only.

Her classic flirtatious look

Working on her sad face

Despite the high level of emotion in the previous snaps, Elsa spends the lion's share of her time staring off into space - watching her brother perform.