Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart,

We celebrated your birthday today with your family and friends. It was a fun day. Even though they had predicated rain for today all week, it stayed dry for your party. You had so much fun playing with your cousins and your friends. What a difference a year makes. Last year you were content with playing on your own; this year you were right in the thick of all the "big kids". At times you were even being a bit of a bully, picking on them and coloring on their chalk drawings. I think you were testing to see what you could get away with.

It has been amazing watching you grow this past year. You are a very sweet child and concerned with others, especially your sister Amelia. You can be cautious in your ways but you are starting to become more adventurous. You love to help me and your Dad around the house; however it is on your own terms. You don’t want to pick up toys after you are done playing, but you would gladly help in the kitchen when making lunch or dinner.

If you were allowed you would be very content sitting on the couch watching your shows all afternoon long. However, you do like to work on your puzzles and look at your books. We also discovered this week that you love to play “Duck, Duck, Goose.” I just wish I didn’t always end up as the Goose.

Allison, there are no words to describe how much I love you. Sometimes I look at you in amazement and wonder how your Dad and I became so blessed to be your parents. You are what keeps me grounded. No matter what happens during the day, at the end of it, I get to read you books and put you to bed. And for that, I thank you for being my daughter.

Love,

Mom

Another Wonderful 4th of July

Another 4th of July has come and gone. In keeping up with tradition, we went to visit my family. We started off the day with a parade. Allison was very into the parade this year, especially collecting candy. That was a huge hit. After the parade we went back to my sister's house for lunch, games, and swimming.  Both girls had a great time and were completely beat by the time we left. Amelia was conked out before we even hit the expressway.

Ice Cream For All

A few weeks ago the girls and I were visiting my family for the weekend.  My Mom was watching several of the grandkids the day we arrived so the girls were able to play with their cousins. Later in the afternoon the ice cream truck came rolling through their condo complex. The kids heard the music from the truck but commented that it wouldn't be coming through the neighborhood, when lo and behold we saw it turn on my parent's cul-de-sac.

My Mom came rushing out of the house with her "change jar" and the kids quickly lined up.  Allison had no clue what was going on, but she saw the other kids gather around, so she hung off to the side. It was when I pointed to the pictures of the treats that Allison's eyes began to light up and she had the tough task of picking the one she wanted.

I don't know who was more excited - the kids or my Mom, since the ice cream truck doesn't usually venture through the complex. It was a real treat to my Mom that she could treat the kids to ice cream.

The kids got a kick out of Allison's popsicle; they said it was a big as she was.  Amelia got a push up and was content sitting on the patio eating it.

It was sweet watching the kids enjoy their ice cream. I know it is something the older kids will talk about for a long time...."remember that day when the ice cream truck came through Nana's and she bought us ice cream." Who knew so many memories could be collected in a "change jar?"

"Happy Dad's Day"

I'm a little behind on my blog posts, however I wanted to share what we did for Father's Day.

In the morning we treated Brian to homemade waffles for breakfast. While we were making breakfast, I had the girls practice saying "Happy Dad's Day!", so Allison was all excited when Brian came downstairs and she could say it.

Later that morning we headed to Millennium Park here in town. The girls had fun playing on the different play sets and Amelia really enjoyed walking along the boardwalk and watching another family feed the fish in the lake. She was fascinated by that.

During their naps, I treated Brian to lunch. I made some kabobs using some skewers I had given him for Christmas last year. It was nice being able to eat in peace.

After naps, the kids played in their pool, which seems to be turning into a Father's Day tradition. The first time both Allison and Amelia used the pool had been on Father's Day the past two years. This year, however, there was no crying. 

After playing in the pool, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner.

It was a nice day and the kids really got into making it a special day for their Dad. While at the park, I turned to Brian and said "This is only our third Mother's Day and Father's Day and look how much has happened in that short time."  We are so blessed to have these two little girls in our lives.

Even though it was Father's Day, I was treated to some snuggles myself.

Speaking of using Christmas presents, I had given Brian a gift certificate to get a tattoo. He had wanted to get something with the girls names on it. He thought it was only fitting that he get it done on Father's Day weekend.