Addy's 2nd birthday

Yesterday morning we gave Madeleine her gifts before John went to work. Papa Neal gave Addy her very own leappad and James tried to show her how to play with it. But she has been watching James play with his for the past year, so she didn't need his help and promptly shoved him away and told him to "stay" like she tells the dogs.

 

James helped pick out several dress up princess things for her, including a tiara and little princess plastic shoes. She wore those shoes until her feet hurt so bad that with every step she was saying "ow" and I had to hide them. She loves dressing up!



 

Our wonderful friend Brooke also has the same birthday and brought over birthday donuts for everyone! It was an awesome fun breakfast play date :)



 

The birthday girls!



 

We invited over two of our closest family friends over for dinner and cupcakes. The kids all ran around outside and had a blast - can't ask for much more than that!



 

Madeleine kept checking everyone else out to make sure it was ok to be this messy - we usually try to correct her when she eats like a crazy person... but there really isn't any other way to eat a huge cupcake! 

 

 

James got just as messy - but I'm pretty sure he did his on purpose.



 

After we got all cleaned up, the kids were on a major sugar high - but that resulted in lots of giggling and hugs! Can't go wrong with an ending like that :) It was a sweet little 2nd birthday, just like her.



My Addy Sue

People always say how time goes so quickly with children. They remind us, as parents, to savor the moments. I've found that while this is true, it doesn't help to slow the time down. So, here we are. Age 2. And I'm having a hard time emotionally letting go of this first year, because you were supposed to be my baby girl. It's a challenging thing as a parent, to hold onto the days when you were small, and not feel a sadness that we wont see that time again. But I love witnessing your little life. I love how you have grown into a toddler. I love how our relationship has changed. You see me and you love me. It's an incredible gift.

You entered year 1 walking, and you are finishing it at a full run. You are now constantly trying to keep up with your brother. You are becoming more independent with each passing day, and with that comes the frustrations of not always being able to accomplish what you set out to do. You have however kept the tantrums to a minimum, so I thank you for that. Even though you're moving through life at rocket speed, you often just let me hold you. I love that you climb on to my lap while we read books and sing songs. I love that you will snuggle and still fall asleep in my arms. My most treasured moments are in your hugs and cuddles. They are magical.

You are my sidekick, my partner in crime. Always dressing up in my clothes and asking to have our nails painted the same color. I take you everywhere with me, and you love it. I love our special time together, even if its just going to the grocery store or Target. Your brother is your best friend. Everyday when we picked him up from preschool you rushed to him with open arms shrieking his name in happiness. You give him daily hugs and kisses. You look to him to show you how to do anything and everything. He reads you books and brushes your hair. You are his best friend too.

I hope your second year continues to fill you with happiness and that you continue to learn and grow from all the blessings that surround us. Continue being this smart and sassy little girl and I have no doubt you will grow with the strength to move mountains.

I love you. So deeply and immeasurably. Happy Birthday, my sweet girl.

Summer is busy!

June has flown by! It has been a crazy but so much fun filled month with lots of friends and family.

 

James went to his first movie at the theatre! It was for his friend CiCi's birthday, and they went to see How to Train Your Dragon 2. CiCi's mom made them viking hats to wear - which was a total hit!



 

Later that same day, we hosted a diaper shower/big sister party for our good friends - they are having their second girl in August and their first daughter, Parker, and James are really good friends... so of course we had to make it a whole family sort of party. Madeleine and her bff, Sydney, staked out the food table as usual.



 

Our awesome new playhouse! Really helped keep all the kids entertained.

 

 

Most of the moms from our group of friends - notice how at 5'2" Im almost the tallest?? AWESOME!



 

John planted new grass seed a week before we were having 40+ people over... so I made him put up the orange fence so we wouldn't have to police the kids from running in that area!



 

We've been going to the parks a lot! Especially the ones which are shaded :)



 

James went to a gardening camp earlier in June, and the seeds that he planted are ready to plant! So we went to the store and got some pots and spent the morning painting them - they turned out super cute and look great on the porch with James' flowers.



 

James and Parker taking a break at the pool :)



 

Ms. Madeleine playing with her doll house in her tutu and viking hat - because, why not?



 

June was a lot of fun! 

John was traveling for work the first two weeks of June but during the first week my Dad came to visit and then the second week my awesome friend Leanna and her two boys came to visit! So those two weeks went by fast and we all had a great time.





 

We have a lot of popsicles after dinner now :)



 

In between our visitors we had to make a quick trip to the store and it was so early the only way I could get James to go was if he wore his PJs... totally ok with me!



 

Leanna's oldest son, Max, is only 5 weeks older than James - they had the absolute best time. They were inseparable.



 

Madeleine was the odd girl out, but she did not seem to mind at all! She was right there with them no matter what they were doing. It was a truly awesome visit.



Memorial Day Weekend

We had a very busy weekend packed full of activities. Both of the kids love art in any form and so I try to take them to the kids museum whenever possible where they have a huge art room and they can paint and glue and use whatever kind of material they can find - and I don't have to scrub the floor afterwards! Its a win win for everyone :)
 

 

James has gotten really good at making his art look (most of the time) like whatever he is trying to make. Here he colored me a sunflower because he said it was almost as pretty as me... and then he promptly asked me for a Lego set that he has been eyeing at the store. Smart kid.



 

Friday was graduation at James' school. James has one more year, but since he is in a multiage class he wanted to see his friends graduate. He made us all dress up and Madeleine was more than happy to comply. Any excuse to wear a hat is fantastic to her.



 

Friday night we had some neighbors over for a cookout while the kids ran and played. Its still so hot that if we are outside - the water is on.



 

Saturday morning we went strawberry picking. I bet the kids ate more than we picked - and we picked a huge basket full!



 

 

 

Then I rushed the kids to a birthday party at the park. This is James and his good friend Kai from school. They get along wonderfully... when they aren't getting in trouble together!



 

This picture was taken before the cake was sliced and passed out... does he think I cant tell he snuck a taste or two?? At least most of the other kids had blue mustaches as well, including the birthday boy, so no one was too upset.



Sunday morning we hit the pool for the first time. Our neighborhood pool has been open for several weeks, but it was way too cold for me to even think about getting near it. Now it is still cold but it feels pretty good against the heat. Our kids love jumping in and getting tossed around - they have no fear!



 

Sunday afternoon we had out 3rd annual street party! We blocked off our street and let the kids run crazy while we all just hung around :) Between all the backyards, swing sets, sprinklers, bikes and scooters - the kids has a blast. When we finally dragged them home, they were wiped.  



 

Monday we went back to the pool in the morning and then spent the rest of the day recuperating and getting ready for the rest of the week. It was a fantastic weekend, but I hope we dont have another one like it for awhile! I think it will take us all week to get back to normal!