Memorial Day Weekend

Despite the yucky weather this weekend, we have truly enjoyed this holiday. Friday night, we had family movie night due to the rain. We were supposed to be attending our neighborhood movie night, but it was cancelled.

Saturday, I got up and finished my last long run. Then we spent the rest of the day outside. Around 4 our friends the Barretts came over for a bbq. Sophia just adored playing with Bryce. Bryce loved all of the toys. It was so nice to spend time with my best friend and have our families together.


The kids had a great time playing in Sophia's new tunnel tent that she got from her birthday. Sophia would crawl through and then Bryce would follow.


After a ton of fun, it was time for the Barretts to head home. Sophia went up to bed and then we started playing Yahtzee. We knew Sophia wasn't very tired, so we decided to get her up and let her stay up late. She helped roll the dice for Yahtzee.

Then we went out to a bonfire with our neighbors. Hathaway and Delaney played so nicely with Sophia.

Yesterday we spent the day running errands. Then Sophia went to her Papa and Nanas. Hal mowed the lawn and I went on a run. I also got my flower planted. Then it was date night. We went out for Mexican and came home to watch the movie Country Strong. After that it was off to bed.

Today we are headed out to the MOA for some more adventures. After the mall we are going over to my parents for dinner.

Only a couple more days left of school. I can hardly wait!

Four Year Pictures

So I took Sophia on a mini-photo session this week. I am not quite satisfied with the pictures, but wanted to share two of them that I like so far. Another session this weekend! Hopefully I will like these pictures much better.

Four already??!!

Dear Sophia,
I can hardly believe that you are four years old today. You are growing and changing each and every day. I take my eyes off of you for just a second and you are already doing something new.

You have truly shown me that being a mother and a parent is the most amazing job anyone can have. I love the way you snuggle with me and hold your blankey close to my face. I love the way you giggle when we tickle you. Your smile and laughter can light up a room.

Some day I think you might be a doctor. You are incredibly caring and are so genuinely concerned when people or animals get hurt. I want you to reach for whatever dream you have and don't stop until you get there.

I love you very much and am looking forward to watching you grow into a beautiful young woman. Thank you for giving me the most special gift possible.

Love, Mommy

Sophia's Ariel Party

This past weekend we celebrated Sophia's Fourth Birthday with an Ariel themed party. The weather was not so wonderful, so it was great that the party was inside. Perfect weather for a movie!!

The kids arrived and we did a small craft with pipe cleaners. Sophia is easily entertained with a pack of these for hours, so I knew that they would be a big hit.

Sophia showing her friend Ryan her pipecleaner spider

After the arts and crafts project, the kids headed down to the movie theater to watch "The Little Mermaid". The kids adored having the popcorn while watching the movie.


They finished up the movie and then went back upstairs to the party room for lunch. Lunch was a big hit too. Sophia's favorite: uncrustables, carrots with ranch dip, and juice boxes. Everyone ate a great lunch and then it was time for presents.

She got so many lovely things. What a lucky little girl. This picture I could not resist posting for the pure happiness that is showing on her face:

Her very own Ariel and Prince Eric dolls

I made at her request an Ariel cake and I am pretty excited at how it turned out. I just loved the whole cake table!


She had such a fun birthday party and it was over in a whirl wind of only a few hours. After the party we went home to relax and have family movie night with pizza. I can hardly believe that in a few short days we will have a four year old. Time flies by so quickly!

Mother's Day 2011

Today we spent Mother's Day at the Como Zoo. Hal is gone in Las Vegas so I thought it would be fun to do something special with Sophia. Luckily the weather held out for us. It wasn't too cold or too windy. I was kind of hoping for a repeat day of yesterday. The weather was gorgeous and we spent the whole day outside. Oh well, nothing can be as planned.

The zoo was packed! We were incredibly lucky to find a parking spot. We spent most of the time looking at the animals. Some of the animals weren't out yet due to the fact that the weather isn't exactly warm yet.

We only got the statues of the giraffes. The real ones weren't out yet.

After seeing all of the animals I let Sophia go on some rides. She just loves rides. She chose the magic carpet ride....similar to Aladdin.

Here she is on the ride.

When we finished the rides we went over to the conservatory part to check out the Sunken Gardens and the spring flower display. It was just beautiful. I got some wonderful photos.

Tonight we are going to head out for dinner. Then it's back to the regular week of busy. Next weekend we are having Sophia's fourth birthday party. I can hardly believe she is almost four.