A Week of Firsts

Here are the pictures I promised to post including the girls' first flight to Detroit, the girls' first visit to The Arch, Ella's first Cards game, and Adelyn's first trip to the circus with her buddy, Jackson. I'm saving Ella's first haircut for another post so I can include before/after shots. Besides, it's totally worthy of having its own post. ;)

Also during our recent trip to MI/OH with Daddy, we visited the Toledo Zoo as well as an island that we took a ferry over to called Put-In Bay where everyone drove around on golf carts and the girls were able to dip their feet in Lake Erie for the first time. On the island, we also went mining for gemstones and visited a really cool (no pun intended) cave. I should also note that there are a couple 'hotel pics' of Ella raiding the refrigerator and our infamous bed jumping contests. (Yes, that's jumping... not wetting.) We obviously spent a lot of time at the hotel and took full advantage of the pool, too. We also took advantage of some gorgeous Michigan parks where a couple of the pics were taken. I really think we made the most of one of Daddy's work trips- so much so that we are planning another trip there in a couple weeks and will be visiting Cedar Point... a themepark where I rode the tallest rollercoaster in the world. We also look forward to meeting up with old friends since we have planning time.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We celebrated Andrew's grandparents' 50th yesterday in Springfield (God Bless them!) and I managed to leave my camera behind. I'm seizing the opportunity to catch up during some idle time. ;) We have little plans for this week besides a few trips to the pool... a neighbor has been gracious enough to let us use theirs. We look forward also to the grand 4th of July firework display in STL.

Further Posting Procrastination

I've got so many pictures to share from the last week that I really don't even know where to begin. Seriously, the accumulation of pictures has become a bit intimidating. I just wanted to put something out there to let you know that I haven't totally forgotten about this little blogging hobby of mine. It's just been put on the back burner so we can enjoy what the summertime has to offer... and while my memory card on my camera continues to get even fuller.

Recently, we made a trip out to Michigan/Ohio with Andrew and did some exploring there. I totally miss living so close to all of the lakes in Michigan. Not only was it the first flight for the girls, but we also had our first trip to The Arch, Ella's first Cardinals ballgame, and Ella's momumental first haircut over the last few days. Oh, Adelyn also had her first installment of summer camps at the local children's museum called "Creative Artists" and it left us looking forward to the next "Make Believe" summer camp in July. Seems like we've been super, super busy with those happenings as well as the usual tee-ball, ballet, and opportunities to swim. Did I mention before how much Ella LOVES the water?? Adelyn was just a bit older when we started her in swim lessons so I wanted to wait with Ella as well but I totally regret that decision. She is SO ready! We utilized the hotel pool while we were on our trip last week.

Speaking of firsts, I will be riding a motorcycle for the first time with Andrew this evening. His Father's Day gift includes parts necessary for me to ride along... something he's been begging me to do. I still don't have a desire for it but you never know- maybe I might enjoy it!

Sorry for the post without pictures... I know that some of you only log on for the pictures but for those of you who are actually reading this, thank you!! :) Hope you're enjoying your weekend and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, Andrew, Grandpa Tom, Grandpa Scott, Great Grandpa Gene, and Great Grandpa Jim! We love you all!!!!

Six Flags!

Adelyn and I met up with my family at Six Flags for my mom's birthday last weekend after Ad's tee ball game. Ella didn't go since she's not old enough to enjoy a full day at the theme park. I was actually concerned that Adelyn wouldn't be able to take advantage of the theme park either... but I was pleasantly surprised! She absolutely loved it and had no fear. We rode the log flume a couple times, the Scobby Doo tunnel ride, the ferris wheel, and all of the rides within the Bugs Bunny National Park. Oh, and Adelyn had a blast riding the train with Grandma and Grandpa. It was a gorgeous day and we had a blast. Here's a picture of Adelyn with some of her cousins and new Looney Tune friends! ;)

Twinkle Toes & Bathing Beauties

Adelyn LOVED her first ballet class last night. I was only able to sneek one picture of her bouncing around like a bunny rabbit during class... I didn't want to distract the dancers and none of the other parents were armed with cameras. Plus, Ella was trying desperately to join the class so I had to keep an eye on her. Today, we were practicing some of the dance positions and Adelyn informed me that I was doing it all wrong... what a quick learner!

I also wanted to include pictures from our couple days of swimming out in the new kiddie pool. We bought the same pool that my parents purchased for my neice's birthday and it's perfect for the girls right now... Adelyn especially likes the slide and sprinklers and so do some neighbors and friends who came over to break it in. I think we'll get some great use out of it as long as the dog stays out. (She's already taken a dip.)

Hope everyone has a great week. Daddy gets back from Toledo tomorrow--- YAY!!!!

Hanging with the Boys

Adelyn had her first tee ball practice and game last week and she did great! She is on a team full of boys and she fits right in... well, with her pink bat, pink glove, and pink helmet of course. ;) Ella sat on the sidelines with Grandma and Grandpa to watch her sister play for the first time. We look forward to Adelyn's first ballet class tonight where she'll have a chance to hang with the girls for a change!

Adelyn's Preschool End-of-Year Program

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Hope you enjoy the slideshow. Andrew, Ella, Grandpa Scott, and Grandma June were there with me to see Adelyn's first performance on stage... and she did an incredible job! It was a hula themed night and she did some surfing and hula dancing with her classmates before receiving her 2 yr old program completion certificate. We also received a darling scrapbook and 'progress report.'

I am so proud of how well Adelyn has adjusted to a new school. She started mid-year but didn't miss a beat. I'm so happy that we enrolled her at an early age because she tends to thrive in social environments and her growth just over the last few months is amazing. Her teachers had nothing but positive things to say about Adelyn's behavior and willingness to learn and you could definitely tell as she sang and danced on stage in front of a large crowd!

We have Adelyn enrolled at the same learning center (3 yr old program) for 3 mornings a week next Fall and in the meantime, I am doing an at-home preschool program to keep her fresh this summer. I'm hoping to stick with it!

Liar, Liar- Pants on Fire!

I'm starting to feel the heat from some of the stories I tell Adelyn when she DEMANDS an answer for everything. Take this for instance:

Adelyn: "Mommy, there's a police man."
Mommy: "Yes, hunny... that's a police man."
Adelyn [with a very concerned look on her face]: "Mommy- is he going to put me in a cage?"
Mommy: "Oh, no, hunny... why would you say that?"
Adelyn: "Mommy- you told me last time that if I was being a bad girl, the police man would put me in a cage."
Mommy [with a very guilty look on her face]: "No, sweetie... police men put naughty boys and girls in JAIL when they do something really bad. Sweet girls like you don't go to jail."
{Policeman waves and smiles to Baby Ella as he passes.}
Adelyn: "Mommy- Baby Ella is a good girl, too, so she doesn't have to live in a cage!"

Um, yeah...

Oh, and I just MIGHT have SORT OF told Adelyn that if she runs away from me in the store, someone will steal her and take her home to do their chores. Hey- don't judge till you have an ever inquiring 3 yr old who wasn't born with a healthy fear of strangers... not even policemen.

Our Week Without Daddy

Here's a quick count of how we stayed busy while Daddy was out of town last week.

• 3 trips to the park
• 1 trip to the zoo
• 1 trip to Monkey Joe's
• 1 princess birthday party
• 2 trips to the Y for 'nasty class' (gymnastics class)
• 1 Rodeo Day at preschool
• 4 grandmothers we saw Mother's Day weekend
• 2 trips to the grocery store
• 1 trip to McD's Playland
• 3 loads of laundry between the 3 of us (Is that right?!)
• 4 boo boo's (nothing major)
• 2 new words in Ella's vocabulary (countless more in Adelyn's)
• 0 potty accidents
• 3 dance parties
• 1 princess popcorn party (eating popcorn while watching princess movies)
• 6 times Mommy read 'Bear Hunt' to the girls
• 2 attempts at hitting a pinata (one at a graduation party; one at a birthday party)
• 4 rolly pollies Adelyn caught in the yard
• 2 times Mommy thought she was going off the deep end with no help
• 2 shopping trips plus one on-line etsy purchase (retail therapy!)
• 1 trip to 'get Daddy off the airplane and back home'.... AND
• 2 little girls who missed their daddy like crazy!

Lil' ' Oney's Foods Store

Adelyn received some awesome gifts for her birthday in honor of her great grandfather's chain of grocery stores- Oney's Foods. See-- when Ad got a new kitchen for her playroom a couple Christmases ago, we decided to call it Lil' Oney's Foods Store and we would play grocery store with a cash register, etc. So, now our store is complete with a logoed apron, bags, and (as of last week when we were up for Mother's Day) a real miniature grocery cart! I'm sure Ella will love this, too, when she gets older. Geesh- I cannot IMAGINE having these things as a child. I just hope my girls are able to appreciate these things and realize how special they are to have them! More importantly, they are SO special to have such an awesome family to give them such cool things like this.

If you notice, the pictures I included aren't taken in the playroom. This is because the playroom looks like a tornado went through it. Ad LOVES to demolish it as soon as it's clean... which in itself is a rare occurence!

Mommy Hobby Pt 2

I think I'm already getting better! ;)

Mommy Hobby

I've been performing some basic photoshopping on pictures for a while now and recently started to play around a bit with backgrounds, borders, elements, etc. When my sister mentioned a ladybug themed birthday party for her soon-to-be 1 yr old, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to see how creative I could get with designing our little Kenna Bug's invitation... complete with a picture of the pretty birthday girl herself. Here's how it turned out:

I guess it's not bad for a beginner? (They're much cuter in person printed on nice quality card stock.) So, now I've decided to get creative and design some sample invites in case I ever have the opportunity to design more (like future Christmas cards, etc.) Doesn't hurt to practice, right? Here are a couple that I whipped up tonight using some of my own personal style.

Yes, I do have PLENTY of girly, pink graphics to use but I wanted to switch it up a bit and go for the greens and blues. I suppose they didn't turn out too bad. But as someone who can be a perfectionist, I'm not sure I will ever be totally satisifed anyway. More practice.... much more practice to come. And at the very least, it's fun to do and pulls some creativity out of me!

Sidenote: We had a super busy Mother's Day weekend... I had the opportunity to see my own wonderful mother after a wedding shower in Poplar Bluff on Saturday. Then we traveled to both of Andrew's grandparents' homes in Illinois so Adelyn and Ella could see them on their special day. I was pampered all day Friday since Andrew had to fly out to Toledo for a week on Sunday. ;) I already feel like I have the best gifts ever... two spectacular little girls who are the light in my life! Happy Belated Mother's Day to all of you awesome mommies out there!!

You Know You're a Mom of Girls When...

• you spend more time browsing cute hair accessories on etsy.com than you do checking your e-mail.
• you respond to the butcher's meat packaging as, "Oh, how cute... it's wrapped in white paper."
• you feel the need to buy stock in the Disney Princess line.
• you've discovered that there are a thousand shades of pink.
• you regularly hold tea parties at home.
• you often think about all of the cute dresses/pinafore tops you could make if you owned a sewing machine.
• you know the difference between a tutu and petticoat.
• you know fabric lines by name. (Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, and Michael Miller are my faves!)
• you randomly buy cute ribbon just because it's... well, cute!
• you sometimes look like a throwback to the 80's because your girls' favorite make-up colors are blue and purple.
• you don't blame Daddy for wanting to get out of the house with so much estrogen in one place.
• you accidentally refer to a friend's little boy as 'sister.'
• you're cleaning out your purse and find 4 bows and 3 mini hairbrushes.
• you're cleaning out the car and find 4 purses and baby shoes you forgot you had.
• your husband is wearing a 'Hello Kitty' band-aid.
• you feel like your life has been enriched with a deeper appreciation of all of the beautiful, whimsical, fashionable, sweet, loving, sensitive, compassionate, emotional, magical, and well- GIRLY things that a little girl brings. Hmmm... I'll take 2 please! :)