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.

An Ice Cream Tasting

Let me sample it....

I think I like it....

I REALLY REALLY LIKE IT!

You have got to try it! This vanilla ice cream is the BEST!

Could These Faces Get Any Cuter?

A few weeks we went downtown to the Festival of the Arts. It is an annual event held downtown where they have several stages for entertainment, food booths, art, and children's activities. Allison made a head band and afterwards the girls had their faces painted. They both looked so serious when the girl was painting their face. It really made for some cute pictures. Afterwards, we went to one of the stages to watch our next door neighbor who plays in a band. We also gave the girls some cotton candy for the first time. That also made for some cute pictures....too bad I didn't have the memory card in the camera. Whoops!

Luckily our neighbor took some with her phone and shared them with us.

We also took some pictures when got home. As soon as we walked in the front door, Allison and Amelia wanted to try the headband on Ozzie.

Happy Father's Day

Dear Dad,

I wanted to wish you a Happy Father's Day a few days early. I figured since you were stuck at work today, I would give you something to brighten your day.

I can't wait until Sunday when we can spend the day together. I think we should do something fun together like go to the zoo or park. Then maybe when I take my nap you can rest your eyes a bit too.

You are a great dad and I really want to say thanks for:

Spoiling me with juice and snacks after we come home from daycare. Your juice mixes are much better than mom's. Hers are pretty watered down.

Taking me to the mall play area.

Taking good care of my clothes and working extra hard to get all the stains out. Sorry for all the messes I've been making lately.

Telling Mom that I can watch Dora before we start our bedtime routine. Thumbs up on that one.

For making us smoothies, milk shakes, and ice cream cones!!!

I love you very much!

Love,

Allison

Dear Dad,

Happy Father's Day to an awesome Dad! Thanks for:

Picking us up treats when you go to the store. I love the Dora ball you got us.

Chasing me up the stairs and roaring like a monster. I think it is funny everytime.

Pretending to find me when I'm sitting right in front of you covering my eyes...."If I can't see you, you can't see me. Right?"

Rocking me at night when Mom has lost every ounce of patience with me.

Taming my curls.

Giving me lots of kisses.

Love,

Amelia

Planes, Hills, and Fences?

A few weeks ago, we met Brian after work at the airport viewing area for a picnic dinner. The last time we had been there, Allison spotted the bigger kids rolling down the hill, so she had to try it out herself this time around. She had so much fun rolling down the hill. Amelia tried rolling too, but hers was more of a squat and slide down the hill. When they got to the bottom of the hill, they enjoyed watching the planes come in and playing with the gravel by the gate.

Penalty Box

Amelia in the "sin bin" after receiving "five minutes for high sticking".... ok, not really. On Memorial Day, while Brian was cleaning up the aftermath of our tree, I was trying to keep the kids entertained. Amelia decided to climb in one of the toy boxes. I figured it would make for a cute picture. I didn't realize what a little brute she looked like until I loaded the pictures on the computer. The bruised nose is compliments of the baby gate.