The 13th Year

13. 

You are officially in your Teen Era, kid. 

Skibbiddiboopboop!

You played volleyball for two semesters with the City of La Porte Parks and Rec. They were both very different teams and you learned a lot. Underhand serving was your JAM!

You handled 6th grade like a champ! You joined the Drama Club and got to play Snow White. Art class was your favorite. You attended your first school dances. You purchased pickles at both.

With all the extra things you wanted to participate in, you made the hard decision to end your time at Taekwondo. With you getting older, it was time to move to the adult class and that was scary so you decided to hang up your belts. You did the right thing and told Mr. Barnhill in person and that was very brave.

We visited California! We had fun at Disneyland, stood in the trees and got our feet wet in the Pacific Ocean. We toured the bay, rode a steam train and shopped in San Francisco. It was a grand adventure!

We added to the family! We brought Sully home in March. We met a lot of dogs but you wanted to see the one with the little legs. And now he is ours. The two of you love playing tug of war.

This was your last summer with La Porte Parks and Rec summer camp. You had an absolute blast and were heartbroken to have to say goodbye. My hope is that you get to continue to grow with this program and eventually return as a camp counselor.

You started a new school this year. You were disappointed to not get an art class again; however, I think you landed where you needed to. You are now in theater and choir. You are staying after school almost every day for practices. You have an audition next weekend for Regional Choir. You are also on the travel One Act play crew! My little Techie!! We are so excited to watch you continue to grow.

Since you had volleyball experience, you decided to take athletics. You do regret that now. ;) You tried out for the volleyball team but didn't make it. This turned out to be a good thing because practice is at 6am and we do not do early. Gross.

You found the musical Epic on YouTube and that is your entire personality now. Bless it.

You got to attend your first concert! We say Laufey and she was WONDERFUL!

You had to get your second round of braces a week early because you threw away your retainer at school. When I told you you would need to go through the trash - you...were...scandalized.

Kid, you crack me up. We laugh SO MUCH. I hope that never changes.

We also get passionate so we now have safe words to use before things get too out of hand. We also have one for when you have big feelings but no real reason. We use these often.

You still want to be tucked in. I told you on your birthday now that you are thirteen, you don't need to be tucked in any more. You looked at me with the most teenagery face and said "I'm gonna get tucked in." 

The next few years are going to fly by and we want you to know that you are so very loved. Even when the three of us are cranky - we love each other no matter what.

I hope this year is everything you want it to be and more.

Watching you grow is our favorite thing.

We love you,

Mom & Dad

The 12th Year

Happy birthday, Alice!

Today, you are 12.

Can you believe?!

It was a busy, busy year. 

You wrapped up your 5th grade year playing an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka. Fifth grade was probably the hardest year you have had yet but you got through it! 

This summer we got to sleep in a bus! Sort of. :) We took a little trip to San Marcos and saw caves and deer and goats. It was such an adventure!

You got your braces off and now have to keep up with a retainer. You had determined baby teeth pulled and handled it like a champ!

You started 6th grade and so far, it has been a much better start than last year. We talked a lot this summer about friendships and the opportunity this provides to expanding your circle. You were way less stressed with the start of the year. You are taking art and have joined the Drama Club.

You earned your black belt in Taekwondo. You are now on the Diving Divas volleyball team and have your first game next week. 

You got a cell phone for your 11th birthday and texting with you is SO MUCH FUN.

You are growing and changing and it's such an honor to be a part of it. We tried to prepare you for as much as we can and so far you are handling it so much better than we imagined. We are proud of you. Always.

Sometimes the big feelings are a lot so we have a safe word for those times when we're both a little overly passionate and need to step away to gather our calm. It mainly just makes us laugh and confuses Dada. 

If ever your feelings are too big and you don't want to share them with me, I hope you know you are surrounded by a village of people who want nothing but the best for you. You are never alone. 

I hope this year is the best one you've ever had. 

We love you so very much, babes. 

Being 12 is SO preppy.

Slay.

Mom & Dad

Dear Sister

Tami,

I wrote you a sappy letter on the eve of your wedding so it only seems fitting I write one on the eve of your next great adventure. I promise to add some humor because when I talk about parenting I try to be brutally honest and my parenting skills are totally sketchy. Here goes....

Soon you will get a new title. 

Soon you will be daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mom.

MOM!!

That's a title you waited a long time for. A title you fought for. A title you will shine at.

Being a mom is the greatest most stressful thing ever. You have this tiny little human and it's your job to raise it and teach it and nurture it all while it is actively making your eye twitch. ALL THE EYE TWITCHING! And then this sweet little child looks at your face and smiles and NOTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD MATTERS! Nothing. Baby smiles cure almost any bad mood. Almost.

Being a mom means sleepless nights, cold coffee and mystery stains. You prefer cold coffee and you own a bunch of scarves so you're ahead of the game!

Being a mom means there will always be someone who needs you unconditionally, who loves you even when your patience is thin and your words are harsh.

When you are a first time momma, all the people will tell you all the things. Take it all in but listen to your gut - not the masses. Your Momma Heart will tell you what your baby needs so trust it.

People will say "cherish all these moments, you will miss them one day." This mumbo-jumbo is ridiculous. I wouldn't go back to a teething baby if offered all the money in the world. Nope. It is perfectly okay to not cherish every moment of motherhood. Period. 

It is also okay to fail. When things are hard and you are tired, you will scream and cry and question everything. This will make you angry with yourself and you will think you are a bad mom. But bad moments don't make you a bad mom. Call me, I'll tell you all about my bad moments. 

You will get to spend the next few years sharing firsts with your little one and that is hands down THE BEST thing about being a parent. 

First smile.

First giggle.

First time seeing Christmas lights.

First time holding your hand.

First tooth.

First steps.

Everything will be a first and watching your child experience things for the first time ever is the coolest thing. It's just so magical. 

For the first few weeks, all you will do is snuggle a sweet baby. Sleepy snuggles on the couch are fabulous.

Take lots of pictures because they grow so fast! And while there are moments I wouldn't go back to - there are a ton I would. So document everything to visit again one day. Record all the baby giggles and gibberish and the milestones that matter to you. 

I know you are going to be a fantastic mom because you have been an amazing Aunt. The way you are with Alice is so precious and watching you two these past 8 years has been a beautiful privilege. She is SO EXCITED to meet Sawyer. And we are so thankful he wasn't born on her birthday. For reals, there is only so much she is willing to forgive you for, Poopie. I mean, seriously. ;)  

I am so stinking excited for you. My heart just cannot take how ready I am to meet Baby Bean.

I know this has been a super stressful and disappointing time to have a baby but my hope is that the time you and Jon have together in the hospital, just the three of you, will make up for all the moments you didn't have. You are going in as a couple but will come out a family of three! Eeeeeeeeeeek!!!!!! 

I look forward to watching you become the Momma you've longed to be. I look forward to talking to you about mom things. I look forward to returning on the loud gifts your husband has given Alice. I have an entire Amazon list saved so prepare your heart. ;)

Congrats on your new adventure and all the sweet moments coming your way. 

Love you,

T.

Her First Rodeo

Alice has gone out to the Houston Livestock Show since she was born. She LOVES seeing the animals and going through Ag-Venture.

However, we have never taken her to the Rodeo. I felt like she was too young to sit for that long and too much explanation would be required. Plus, it's SO LOUD.

But now that's she's a bit older and is comfortable wearing her headphones, I felt like it would be a good year to take her. 

I found an artist that I didn't think would be too uncomfortable for her and Nana found tickets.

We spent some time looking at the animals and planting a sunflower and going through the farm area. Then it was show time! 

She knew all about it because her teacher had just gone and told the class about it. Alice REALLY wanted to see the bulls. 

With headphones on, she handled it really well! We got through the National Anthem and the opening fireworks. 

And then she asked for the bulls.

The first event is Tie Down roping.

First calf out of the gate, "what are they doing to the cow?!"

This might be a long night.

"They're roping him, I don't think it hurts him. He's okay."

"He yooks sad!!! Sad cow!"

And then she asked for the bulls. 

We rock along and it's Barrel Racing time. One girl knocks the barrel over and Nana gasps. Alice pats her on the arm and says, "it's okay, Nana. They'll pick it up!" 

Still, where are the bulls?!

She FINALLY got to see the bulls. The excitement last about 8 seconds. Probably more like 6 because that's how long the first cowboy managed to stay on.

Alice feels like there should be less contestants. 

She thought the children chasing the cows were not very nice and the kids riding sheep were crazy. "I NOT doing THAT!!" Preach, girl. 

Then the concert. Her first as well. I went with Leon Bridges because his music is beautiful and we enjoyed the show! 

Nana, Alice and I had a lovely Girl's Night Out at the Rodeo!

Until next time.....

Day 3 - Back to Magic Kingdom

This day started out rough. 

I didn't feel well. We were all tired. It was SOOOOOOO crowded and SOOOOOO hot. 

Most of our party had Fast Pass times for Space Mountain while Alice, Mawmaw, and I had times to meet Ariel in her grotto. 

**Pause for side story. When Alice gets nervous, she goes into Puppy Mode. (Tami and Travis thinks it looks more like a T-rex but it's a Puppy.) This means she pulls her hands up near her face like paws, hunches over a bit, and shakes her butt like she's wagging her tail. She does this ALL THE TIME. She does this almost every morning at school. When she sees family for the first time in 12 hours. When we run into people we know out in public. If ANYONE speaks to her out in public. If we encounter another child out in public. Default is always Puppy Mode.**

We get up to Ariel and her handler asks if we have an autograph book. Nope! I am not here to take up any more time than my child needs and she has ZERO desire to have anyone sign anything. And she doesn't really want to be spoken to. God bless the Princesses and their dedication to staying in character. My mother-in-law kind of eases her toward the tailed Princess but she is in full Puppy Mode and Princess Ariel is just a talking to her. Bless. Her. Heart. 

We get her to sit next her. This is how that looks....

Bless it be.

Ariel is trying her best to engage our overwhelmed child and asks, "Oh! Are you being a fish?"

And Alice barked at her.

Yep.

And again, bless Ariel, she went on talking about how she loves Prince Eric's dog without ever missing a beat. These Princesses should be making WAY MORE than whatever Santa gets paid. 

We made it through. And I have to be honest, I was discouraged and frustrated. Why can't she just smile like a 'normal' kid?! But she is normal, she's just Alice Normal. This is just the way she is, how she copes. It doesn't hurt anyone. And for now, it's fine. This was MY damage. Not hers. This was my expectations being greater than her feelings, and I'm sorry for that. She's 5 and apparently I can still have Bad Momma Moments. I can laugh at the picture.....now.

We had reservations in the castle for her birthday lunch where we got to meet ALL the Princesses. The adults enjoyed meeting them quite a bit!! Alice avoided eye contact like they were carrying Ebola. 

We skipped our afternoon Fast Pass with Belle and went back to the resort for a much needed break in the pool. It was JUST what we needed. No hustle or bustle or crowd. Just the family floating in the pool. It wasn't at all what I had on the schedule, and yet it was probably the most important part of the day.

We had plans to go back for the firework show. We got back early enough to ride the Buzz Lightyear ride and then we headed to Main Street for the Happily Ever After show.

IT WAS SO MAGICAL!! 

This is a stock photo from Disney.

Seriously. It was amazing!! If you are planning a trip, I would save this show for last because any show after this is of no comparison. So wonderful! 

After the show, my Beloved, Alice, myself, and my mom decided to stay for Extra Magic Hours. Alice didn't really have a say but she was totally game so there's that! She's totally a 'ride or die' kid. Staying up until the wee hours of the night has NEVER been a problem for our girl.

The temperature was nice and the crowds nonexistent. It turned out to be my most favorite part of the day. 

We rode several rides and caught the last showing of the Tiki Room. We got back to the room late and went straight to bed. A rough start but a perfect end to the start of year 5 with our growing girl. 

Rides Alice LOVED: The Tea Cups, the Dumbo ride, Aladdin's Magic Carpets, It's a Small World, Under the Sea, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Mickey's PhilharMagic. 

And she FINALLY rode the carousel!! When she first went as a baby, we stood in line for over an hour. As soon as we put her on the horse - she screamed like a banshee and we immediately left the ride. 

Not this time!!! 

Our meal: We ate at Cinderella's Royal Table for lunch. They wouldn't accommodate a table for a party our size so we had to sit at separate tables next to each other. The food was decent and the Princesses were nice, however, I'm not sure this is one we will do again. It requires 2 table services if you are on the dining plan and is SUPER pricey if you are not. We did a different Princess dinner in Epcot and that is the one I would probably recommend. 

Tomorrow is Animal Kingdom day!!

Her Christmas Ki-Ki

She has been heavily attached to the same blanket for years. It happens to be my old baby blanket so it came to her with quite a bit of wear already. And the years have taken its toll on her beloved "Ki-ki". I'm not sure why she started calling it that, but that is what it is. Her Ki-ki. And we do not go anywhere for the night without it. She drags it around the house all day. It is her cape, her sidekick, her security. 

And it is COMPLETELY unraveling. My Beloved has sewn large splits. This picture is actually from a few months ago. By December, the entire middle was a series of holes. She wore it like a poncho. Bless. 

We discussed the need to replace it. We even let her look at new ones. We let her go through her old ones. When it looked like she was just about to move on, she would say, "nebermind, my Ki-ki is pine." And off she goes with the poor, shredded baby blanket. 

We started looking for the materiel a while back, hoping that maybe I could make her a new one. The material is VERY specific. It's a waffle type fabric that isn't too thick and is nice and soft and cold. And completely un-findable. 

I was a complete wreck over what we were going to do. 

While Alice was at Nana's the week before Christmas, we tried the specialty fabric store near the house. It mainly focuses in quilt fabric and items so they didn't have it. They did suggest a different store. So while at dinner, I googled it. The first ad that popped up was for my baby blanket!! The right fabric, the original satin border!! IT WAS IT!! AND IT WAS AT DILLARD'S FOR $12.99!! So we went to the mall. 

HALLELUJAH!!!!!! 

Now to get Alice to accept it......

I had a BRILLIANT plan - let's make Santa do it! She had not been specific on what she wanted from Santa (besides EVERYTHING SHE HAS EVER TOUCHED EVERYWHERE) and since he brought her panties last year, we felt like this year he could help coax her into a new change. We put a lot of pressure on Father Christmas, bless him. 

I found a box and I wrote a note and we left it under the tree. 

When she was ready for presents, we read the note and she grabbed her new Ki-ki.

And she hasn't let go since. 

She drags the new one all over. It is her cape, her sidekick, her security. And I am so relieved. 

I am so thankful for Google and Dillard's and Meyers the Elf and Santa. I'm thankful we finally found a replacement. I'm thankful she loves it. 

The old ki-ki is in the box with the note from Santa where it will remain for safe keeping. It served me and Alice really well and it deserves a little rest. 

Until next time....

Welcome to 35

I turned 35 this past weekend. I thought about having a meltdown but I was so sick that I couldn't muster up the drama for an effective tantrum. I know, right. It was bad! Alice missed school the first week of April due to the plague (not really) and then proceeded to pass it to her parents because she's such a loving child and misery loves company. So last week I was absolutely miserable. I couldn't breathe through my nose at all no matter what I took and I still can't really taste anything. We had a wedding to go to on my birthday (the 16th) in Louisiana and I was still unsure by Thursday night if we were going. It was the worst birthday week ever. 

But we rallied and we went and it was fun! Before the wedding we toured the Tabasco factory on Avery Island. It was neat! I have a new found respect for the hot sauce. 

That night we attended my cousin's wedding. Alice was super cranky but we looked simply smashing!

Overall, it was a perfectly lovely birthday. It was no fuss, no pressure, and I discovered my cute new dress has pockets!!! Y'all!! It was like Christmas!! 

And I've thought a lot about being 35. 35 just seems so close to 40 and I cannot imagine 40. At all. There is NO WAY I can be close to 40 - I still don't know how to do my own makeup. But on the other hand, there are some things I do know:

1. I am much more committed to my own opinions and I am working on worrying less about meeting the approval of others. I'm grown. It's time.
2. I am not anywhere near where I thought I would be at 35 but I can't imagine being anywhere else. I am where I should be.
3. I can't blow my nose. It's just.....gross. Nope. 
4. I occasionally say 4-letter words. I didn't start this until much later in life, however breaking the habit has been challenging. 
5. I now have red lipstick! I'm not really sure how to apply it but I have it!! 
6. I will never be over my fear of roaches. Ever. And this is not a fear I have any desire to face or overcome. Period. 
7. I say "I'm sorry" a lot. Like, all the time. For everything. Lately Alice has started saying it too for reasons she has nothing to be sorry for. I do not want this for her. I have to adjust how I speak. 
8. I am 20 pounds lighter than I was last year. I am so very proud of us and how hard we are working to be healthier. 
9. I miss bread.
10. And buttered noodles.
11. I NEVER thought I would like gardening and yet our garden is just so neat! I cooked with basil out of our own garden last night. It was fun! 
12. If I don't want to do something, I just say 'no'. If it doesn't make my heart sing, I'm out. Ain't nobody got time for that. 
13. Friendships are easier now. We're grown and less worried about being better than the other one. Let's just talk and vent and reminisce and laugh. There is no need for added pressure.
14. I still call my mom every day. 
15. It doesn't matter how old I get, I want to see the magic Alice sees. I want her imagination to thrive and her sparkle to never dull. That is my ultimate goal.

And that's what I know for now. 

So I'm just going to pretend 35 is no different than 34 and I'll save the meltdown for next year.

Until then, this is 35.

Until next time......

Sassy Speaks

We are in so much trouble. Period. While Alice might not have an expansive vocabulary, the words and phrases she is comfortable with are worrisome. 

A few weeks ago, after asking her teacher to chase her and being turned down, she told her "you're kiyying me!" (You're killing me.) This is my fault. I was convinced her first sentences would be either "you're killing me" or "pull yourself together, baby" because I said them to her over and over and over again. 

If I had a dollar for every time she said, 'I told you, Momma!' - I would have a lot of dollars. Like, a lot, a lot. This phrase, spoken often, instantly makes my eyebrows retreat to my hairline. Instantly. 

I'm not sure who taught her, "yeah, guess so" but we hear that a lot too. 
"Alice, do you want to eat?"
"Yeah, guess so."

"Alice, do you love (insert name here)."
"Yeah, guess so" with a shoulder shrug because complete indifference is totally in right now.

She also has no sense of time, yet she thinks "not yet" and "in a minute" and "almost time" are appropriate responses to direct orders. Y'all. 

She's all "I a big girl" until it's clean up time. Then it's, "I too yittle. I cian't do it." Uh huh.

Don't even get me started on her backseat driving! 

You hit a bump - "careful, Momma, careful!"

You're sitting in traffic - "GO!! Just go, Momma!"

You stop at a red light - "Why you stop?! GO!"
"The light is RED! We can't go until it's GREEN!"
*annoyed sigh* "Pine!" (fine)

When you pull out of the driveway - "Not dis way!! DAT way!" while pointing to complete opposite direction. 

She's 3. Do you know how many years of backseat driving we have left to look forward to?! I'm not actually doing the math on that because it might make me throw up. 

She's a 100% drama all of the time. I know this is karma because she is such a mini-me, it's terrifying. I call and apologize to my mother daily. 

She'll ask for something and I'll say she can have it. Then she says, "you go get it" Ummm.....no ma'am. Your legs work. 

She also says some pretty sweet stuff. She 'wubs' everything and things are her most 'paborite'. She LOVES picking 'powers' in the backyard. She says "this is so awesome!" frequently. She says 'yook' for 'look', 'pind' for 'find, and 'pone' for 'phone'. These are getting better every day which is a little bit bittersweet. Our growing Little Bitty.

She says "sweet dreams, Momma" before bed and no matter how much drama the day has had or how frustrating bedtime has been, I smile. Because it's precious.

And we 'wub' her so, drama and all.

Until next time.....

A Very Merry Christmas

Every Christmas since Alice has been around has been just so magical. This year was no exception. This is the first Christmas that Alice really understood what was going on. She was excited to decorate, she loved the Christmas lights, and the anticipation of presents was palpable. (We spent so many days going to different houses for presents that now every time we are set to go somewhere, she asks, "I get presents?!" Not this time, kid.)

Christmas Eve, we were at mom's for the candlelight service and our family gift exchange. It was a ball, as usual! While at Nana's, she received a cash register and a little wooden make-up set that she ADORES. Now we are either being made over or getting a "keck up". 

We usually spend the night at mom's, however, this year, we came home and brought Aunt Tami and Uncle Travis with us. (My mom works Christmas day - babies don't know it's a holiday.) We got up, found what Santa brought, ate breakfast and opened presents. It was lovely. This was also the first year that Alice showed any interest in opening presents and every present, she reacted with, "oh wow!! I wub it!!" and hugged it to her. So precious.

Santa brought her lots of Play Doh, panties (her reaction was priceless), a turtle toothbrush holder, a Frozen microphone, a pink book, and Dada made her a lap desk.

Everything but the panties were her most "paborite EVER!" 

Christmas day, we headed up to Huntsville for Christmas with Papa and Mawmaw. She gave everyone a make-over with her new play make up set and we talked to Uncle David's goats.

We had a fantastic Christmas with the ones we love. We hope you did too.

Until next time.....

Monkeys, 'Mingos, and a Kitty

Before we decided to send Alice back to school, I mentioned to her uncle that we should take her to the Zoo before he headed to Spain. (He is currently in Spain for an Architecture class and was only home for a few days between the end of the semester and him leaving and I wanted them to have some time with her before he left.) I thought it might be less crowded with schools not being out yet and the weather wouldn't be too hot. So we picked a Thursday and invited the aunt too.

Only we sent her back to school. But it's okay, we just went after school! She wouldn't last an entire day there so a few hours would be perfect. There was no rain in the forecast for the day so of course, a storm blew in. Whatever. We were determined! She wanted to see the MONKEYS!!! 

Mom called when we were on the way in and asked if we were still planning on going. She could hear Alice in the backseat chanting, "monkeys, monkeys, monkeys!" and I said, "yes - the child wants monkeys."

We drive through scary skies and make it to the zoo in a light sprinkle. And while it rained heavy on us twice, we took shelter until it stopped and it was fine! The park was practically empty and the animals were entertaining. 

We stopped at the Red Panda first. Alice wasn't impressed. Only a monkey will do. We also stopped to talk to the Meerkats. They're so cute and just watching us. And then a bumblebee landed in their habitat and Meerkats came out of the ground and POUNCED on it. Yeesh.

We saw Elephants and Rhinos and Giraffes and so much more! And every time we did - she asked where the monkeys were. 

Double yeesh.

We finally found the primates. She waved to every one. Our zoo has done a fantastic job of creating an environment that's very wild. It doesn't look like animals in a cage. It doesn't feel like the animals are uncomfortable. And it's also very easy to get lost. They give you a map but thanks to JK Rowling, I always expect to see our bubble letting us know where we are at all times. I mean, seriously. 

We spent lots of time at the tiger habitat. Alice kept saying, 'here, kitty kitty!" And he was extremely willing to stop for a photo.

Uncle Travis and Alice got to visit the zoo last year around the same time. I took a picture then and I took another one this trip. I think it'll be a new yearly tradition. 

We saw Zebras and Flamingos and Triumph, the Bald Eagle and a really ugly turkey. The zoo is also full of bunny rabbits and chickens. We skipped the bug house. Nope. And the reptile house. Double nope. 

It was a great day. She talked about monkeys and mingos (flamingos) and elephants all night and first thing the next day. And that makes the rain totally worth it. She won't remember the rain or the having to wait out the storm. All she remembers is talking to the lion for a little bit longer and getting to spend time with the people she loves. And that's the point. 

Until next time....

And just like that....she's 2

So....we attempted a Sheep picture for month 24 (that's 2 years, folks!). They ALL look like this.....

Yep. This year might be a little exhausting.

Today, we celebrated. We decided to keep things very small. We had dinner and cupcakes and some family. And it was perfect. We splashed in the pool. We LAUGHED. We played. We opened presents. We ate cupcakes.

And we loved on a little girl who brings us so much joy. A little girl who lights up a room with her little grin. A little girl who waves bye bye when she leaves a room. A little girl who LOVES animals and marshmallows and books and colors.

She had our complete attention for the entire day. And that's what it should be about.

Two was a little bittersweet. One was exciting! It's the FIRST! But two means she's growing! And while I am SO proud of that, I miss the tiny little thing we brought home. However, I am SO excited to see what this next year holds for our girl. And it's an honor to call her ours.

Can you believe she's 2?! Yeesh.

Until next time....

Zoo day!

A few weeks ago, Uncle Travis came to town before he had to start his summer classes. I mentioned I wanted to take Alice to the zoo and he jumped at the chance to go. I felt she was old enough to really see the animals and enjoy the visit. And I thought it would be a treat for Travis to go with her for her first trip to the zoo. He's missed so many firsts, this one would be fun.

So we packed up and headed to the zoo. On a tip from the zoo website, we waited until later in the afternoon to go and we missed most of the school crowds. 

It was so much fun!

She walked almost everywhere. And she LOVED finding the animals.

She would duck down to see under or stand on her tippy toes to see over.

And for some reason, the zoo has free roaming chickens. And Alice LOVES her some chickens.

"CHICKENS!!!!!"

It was fun to watch Travis have fun with her. She's finally old enough that can he play with her without fear of hurting her. 

And they both had a great time!

We even got to feed some Giraffes!!!

It was a perfectly lovely day. A little hot! But still lovely.

And magical. To see her find an animal and the excitement on her face was worth the heat. And the memories are priceless. 

Until next time....

Sticks and Stools

A few weekends ago, we spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa's. Her Uncle David has a few magic dogs. They LOVE to fetch. They will bring you stick after stick and fetch every one until they pass out. The grown ups are on to them so we can ignore their attempts to engage. 

But now there's Alice. 

And she LOVES dogs. And while she can't throw very far - they didn't seem to care. Bud would pick it up and move it to her feet again. 

Her giggle is so precious.

We were back up there for Father's day and she got to play again.

This girl.

A few weeks ago, I mentioned to my father in law that I would like a kitchen stool for Alice so while I'm cooking, she can be entertained while not standing on my feet. I sent him a few DIY posts I found on pinterest and he got to work. 

He had it finished when we arrived and it's perfect. He brought it to the house the next day and we've used it every night since then. She's still unsure on how to get in by herself and she still needs help getting out - but it's great! It's adjustable so it will grow with her and she's safe and out of the way. Simply wonderful!

Until next time.....

All Good Things

Good news, the computer arrived home today! It has a brand new screen and seems to be doing better. 

Now for the fun.

Aunt Tami came in this past weekend.

Yep. All the best stories start this way.

We were set to attend a wedding on Saturday night so Friday night while my Beloved was working and the baby was napping, Tami asked me to spray tan her. She'd been out the weekend before and had some very uneven tan lines. So she gets in her bathing suit and we head to the tub. 

I spray her and she says it's fine, all she needs is a magic eraser for her feet and I start dinner.

A few minutes later she comes running in to the kitchen saying "all good things, all good things! BUT I might have turned your tub green. Apparently your tub is real and not plastic so now it's green! I can't scrub it because it'll wash my tan off!"

This child. 

So I leave my onions to go scrub the bathtub. 

She had been at the house all of 2 hours. That's it. It only takes Tami 2 hours to shake a house up. 

I walk in to the bathroom and it looks like we've spray painted the tub green. Green is EVERYWHERE. She says "maybe Daniel won't notice." Yeah, that's doubtful. 

As I'm scrubbing the bathtub with her bouncing over my shoulder looking for other green spots on the toilet and such to clean, she says "well, maybe it's good - when was the last time you cleaned the tub?" I'm pretty sure my response was less than nice. It's a miracle we didn't wake the baby. 

I get the tub scrubbed and the green is ALMOST gone so I go back to cooking dinner. When Alice finally gets up, there's a meltdown because we won't allow her to tear up the floor and carry it around with her. She wouldn't stop crying so I told Tami to pick her up. 

Here, Tami is telling her "don't cry tears! You'll ruin my tan!" 

Oh my.

Aunt Tami is a HOT. MESS! 

The next morning, Tami got up to get her more coffee so Alice seized the opportunity to reclaim her spot on the couch. 

Aunt Tami won only because she has upper body strength and can lift babies. Although, Alice quickly climbed in her lap and proceeded to jab her bony baby elbow in to her chest until in defeat, she jumped up and said "fine! Take the spot!"

I'm pretty sure Alice smiled.

Until next time...

Happy Easter!

This is the only picture I have of her in her pretty Easter dress that isn't blurry. Our girl doesn't believe in holding still. At all.

We spent Easter Sunday with family. We went to church with Mamaw and then had lunch. Mamaw tried her best to get Alice to hunt for eggs.

But all Alice has eyes for are sticks. Yeesh. If you look really close - she does have the Nana's heartburn medicine with her. A girl must have her priorities and be prepared for anything. 

Isn't she cute?

We had a perfectly lovely day!

Until next time....