"Practice standing"

Look closely - can you tell that Anna's not holding on in this picture of the 2 of them?

I'm trying to get them ready to walk. They've been pulling up to stand since before 6 months, and lately have been starting to try to stand unsupported. To encourage this, every day we "practice standing" (what I say to get them to participate instead of playing), where I let go and we see how long they can stand unsupported. I've gotten Anna to take steps 3-4 times now (just 1 step each time), and she can stand for a really long time. She usually falls over because she gets excited and starts flapping her arms. :) Kara is a little less interested, but is getting better. She laughs the whole time we practice - and always gets the hugest smile any time we give her praise. She's a sweetheart. (Anna, you are too, don't worry).