KidFaire

This weekend we went to an event called, KidFaire. It was supposed to be a fun, community wide event that had lots of stuff going on for younger kids, so we headed out! My mom and step-dad decided to join us, for what was surely going to be a fun day of excitement for both Ava and Emma. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the MAIN REASON we even went was because the princesses were supposed to be there (the real Disney princesses, that is). Ava LOVES the princessess now days... so we wanted to facilitate their introduction!

When we arrived, we should have just turned around and left. What we found was a mob scene of parents and strollers, some of which were using their strollers as bumper cars! Yikes! We waited in line for about 30 minutes just to get the tickets, and then made our way inside.

Once on the bottom floor (it was on the ground level of the local football stadium) we were finally able to figure out where to go to see the princesses. After wandering around for about 20 minutes we find "the princess headquarters". Let me just tell you, that all the "princess headquarters" entailed were some paper crowns, nail polish and paper wands for kids to glue. All fun things for a little girl - but the Cinderalla encounter we were hoping for was not going to happen. We were bummed.

We were able to have some fun walking around, the girls met Larry and Bob from VeggiTales, jumped in a bouncy and Ava even did the bungee jump (in the picture) although, I’m not sure she was too thrilled! In my defense, I didn't force her to do it, she asked to. :) Just felt the need to throw that out there!

Emma was able to see a camel for the first time, at which she said, "Whoa" as it approached! Too cute. All in all, if you could get past the stroller nazis it was an eventful morning. Will we go again next year - probably not. But hey, when you pay $5/person to get into something you have to make the best of it!

Staycation = Potty Training Success!

This last week has been amazing! Michael and I took 8 consecutive days off of work and have just stayed home. No plans. No agenda. Just good, old fashioned, quality time.

Steve and Tammy (his mother and step-father) came into town to visit for a few days. We were able to play catch up with them, and just relax. It was really nice. We went to Scottsdale with them for a few nights, relaxed by the pool and of course they enjoyed some golf.

While on our vacation, we took on a challenge. Quite possibly the biggest parenting challenge we have had to tackle thus far...potty training. We were (I was) determined. Thursday night when we got home from work, the switch took place. From then until the present, she has been in panties! There was a lot of laundry done the first 48 hours, but after that it clicked for her. It's now been 14 days for her and she's only had a handful of accidents! Thank you, Jesus!

We also had our follow up appointment with the surgeon for her umbilical hernia. The surgeon would like to operate soon because the size isn't decreasing, so her surgery will be on Sept. 8th. Please pray for her. It's a simple procedure - outpatient - but she will still be required to go under anesthesia. The recovery will be approximately 2 days at home with no climbing or heavy lifting.

Emma officially hit the 9 month marker, is off the bottle and on table foods. Can't believe it. She's growing up so incredibly fast, it doesn't seem fair.

All is well in our home. We love being a family and love the time we get to spend together.

Exciting Times

So a lot of things have happened this week, here is a list of just a few.

1. Emma started clapping, and she loves to do it!
2. Emma started crawling! It seriously happened overnight.
3. Emma can now say, "ma-ma" and "da-da".
4. Ava finished another semester at The Little Gym.
5. Ava told us for the first time BEFORE she had to go potty, and held it until we could get to the restroom in the store! Huge accomplishment!
6. I ran my first 5K - which was not a flat course at all - in case anyone cares.

It's been an exciting week, just wanted to share it with everyone.

Christmas Presents and New Year's Resolutions

The one thing I asked my sister to give me last year for Christmas/New Year's was more quality time with our families together. We live 15 minutes away from each other, but until this year have only seen each other on special occasions and/or holidays. This year, I wanted that to be different. I wanted it to be different for me, because I want a closer relationship with her. But I also wanted it to be different for the kids - I want Ava and Emma to know their cousins and be able to spend time with them on a consistent basis.

We both knew that this would take intention on our part, and we would have to make time in our already hectic schedules, but somehow this New Year's resolution has been one that has already come to fruition.

Other things that have yet to come to fruition in the first half of 2009:
1. Life insurance/Will
2. Retirement Fund Started

We still have time...right?!

4th of July

The fourth of July for us is usually marked by a
family BBQ, time in the sun and time in the pool (or fountains, or hose!). This year though, it landed on a Saturday night, which for Michael and I translates into being at the church. This meant our quality time as a family needed to happen before the 2:00 call time.

Keeping all of that in mind, we woke up early and spent the morning in the pool and sun just relaxing! After lunch and naps, we made our way to the church. They did a great job at offering an experience of free food, water bouncies for the kids and a section of the parking lot blocked off to sit and watch the fireworks from the nearby Surprise Stadium. So after two services, we made our way outside to join in the fun.

One of the water bouncies was a giant slip and slide. Michael thought it would be fun to throw Ava down the slide (since she is too small to get the running start like the bigger kids) and this scared the living daylights out of her. She screamed bloody murder! Needless to say we went back to just the regular bouncy!

Not too long after the bouncy experience the fireworks started and we enjoyed the 30 minute show. Ava loved the fireworks. She said, "I want to eat the fireworks Daddy!" I'm not sure Emma noticed them until we got to the grand finale and then her eyes were fixated on the colors.

It was a great day - lots of quality time - and lots of fun!!