Dentist

Today was Gianna's first dentist appointment. I thought we were off to a great start since David was able to attend the visit. Here is Gianna getting a snuggle from daddy while waiting.
She decided to play with toys while Gemma and Spencer watched a movie.

And once Gianna's name was called....it quickly went downhill. She cried and covered her mouth. The hygienist said this was very normal for a child her age (2 1/2). That made me feel a little better. Gianna calmed down long enough to watch Gemma and Spencer get their teeth cleaned and then even had a "show and tell" with the hygienist. Hopefully in 6 months - she'll be more cooperative!

Even though she didn't have an exam, she was able to pick out a prize. I think this was the high-light of her visit!

Gianna was feeling very generous - she gave me this lovely ring!

A Really Good Day

Today, I had lunch with ALL of my favorite people.

That's what I call a really good day!

Family

Today we spent the day at Edmee's house. My nephew Stephen and his wife and daughter were visiting from Kansas.This is Harley or it might be Jake - they are both red labs, so it's hard for me to tell. Anyway, both of the dogs were out running around and enjoying the fresh air. Gianna was shrieking with delight as the dogs would run past almost knocking her down. Stephen was able to grab Jake/Harley for her to pet him. She decided to enjoy him from a distance!

I love this picture of Gianna and Edmee. This was during the dog craze. Gianna squeezed in between Edmee and Amanda (Stephen's wife) and couldn't stop laughing!

Spencer decided to spend some "quiet" time on the new tire swing.

I was able to get a quick photo of Gemma before she ran off again.

Amanda arranged an egg hunt for the kids. Gianna is getting a little help from her Titi Edmee getting an egg from the tree.

Amarra (my great niece) was "reading" a book to Gemma. I thought it was so cute! Amarra is 4 and this story has been read to her so many times she has it memorized. She loved playing with Gemma - they spent the whole day running around together.

Easter Lunch

Today the kids, Bamma and I went to have lunch with the Easter bunny. (We did this last year too.)

The kids participated in an egg hunt and won really fun prizes.

Jumped in a bounce house. (Gianna did not!)

Watched a magic show.

Had their faces painted. (This is Gemma with her friend Kate.)

Made a bunny in the craft room.

And ate lunch too!

The River

After school today, the kids and I went to Sonic during happy hour (1/2 price drinks!) and then decided to visit a park not too far from the Mississippi River. As a bonus, I was able to get some cute photos of the kids too!
It was a very windy afternoon, but the kids were troopers and had fun walking around and just enjoying the spring weather. About 15 minutes after arriving at the park, Gianna decided she needed her stroller. Honestly, I can't blame her - it's an extremely hilly park.
We also were able to see how high the river is right now. I believe it's supposed to crest in the next day or two.
After about an hour of exploration, we decided to call it an afternoon. It was a fun and the kids really enjoyed checking out the different surroundings. I'll have to make a point of doing things like this more often.

New Friend

Today Gianna and I went to the Children's Museum.

Out of habit and convenience, I've always gone to McDonald's for lunch after visiting the museum. (You have to walk past it to get to the parking garage.) Today, I decided to "break" the cycle. I actually packed a little lunch and we ate in the "lunch room" at the museum.

After eating all of her lunch, it was time to leave. However, that meant we would be walking right past McDonald's. I wasn't sure how she was going to react. I was imagining Gianna screaming for french fries as I dragged her along the way.

Well, imagine my surprise when this happened instead.

Gianna climbed up on the bench with Ronald and wanted her picture taken! She then slid off the bench, waved good-bye and we headed out to the car. Let's hope the next trip is just as easy!

I should note - this is the first time Gianna has actually wanted to sit next to Ronald. She usually waves to him from a distance.

35

I'm 35 years old today. However, I still feel like I did when I was 17...I think that's a good thing.

Friday, I received yet another surprise in the mail.....a cake! Leave it to David! :)

By the way - it was delicious!

Yesterday, Edmee and I went out for sushi (she and I are the only ones that enjoy it. the rest of the family is too wimpy!).

I took a photo of our food, but Edmee asked I leave her out. She was actually looking rather cute that day - she should have let me include her!

After our yummy lunch, we went to the mall while Evelyn and mom kept the kids. Going to the mall on a Saturday is not my idea of fun - however, since I was child-free - I didn't care how crowded it was. I bought the girls their new spring coats, two Star Wars t-shirts for Spencer and a few other odds and ends for summer. I even managed to find a few things for me. BUT, knowing me, I'm sure I'll end up returning something.

The weather was great today, so the kids and I went to a park for a little while. We played in the backyard too, but sometimes a change of scenery is a good thing.

After the park, we had lunch and Gianna took a nice long nap. In the evening we met up with Grandpa and Nonna for ice cream. (I will never turn down ice cream!)

And that was my birthday.

As for David's absence....that's the Navy for you. It is what it is....

Two Surprises!

On Wednesday, I received a lovely delivery of flowers. To my surprise, the flowers were from Spencer! My birthday is on Sunday, and when David asked what he wanted to get me, he said mommy's favorite flowers. How sweet and thoughtful!

Then today, I received yet another delivery. I guess David didn't want to be outdone by his son! ; )

ps - thanks to Bamma for helping Spencer!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

3:24 am

Pardon the quality of this photo - it was taken with my Mac book.....at 3:24 am!!!!!!!

Gianna woke up around 1:15 this morning and was just awake. Not crying or upset or angry. Just awake. She would play quietly for a while and then call for me. I changed her diaper, refilled her sippy cup, covered her with blankets, wiped her "sticky" hands, removed her socks.

Then around 3:15 she announced she was "hungy" - which means hungry. So we came downstairs and I made her a nutella sandwich, which explains the mess you see on her little face. My laptop was on the table, so I decided I had to take a picture to remember the moment.

After Gianna ate her sandwich, we went back to bed. However, it was 4:30 by the time she went back to sleep. She and I were going to the Children's Museum today.....I think we'll save that for tomorrow!

Spring Has Sprung

The kids decided to enjoy a beautiful spring day outside. It was actually 65' this afternoon!!!
Yes, that is Spencer with the storm trooper mask. The kids were playing Star Wars....shocker!

Spring has sprung!

(Snow is in the forecast for next Sunday)

Coffee Time

David and I are not coffee drinkers.

However, Gianna has enjoyed a sip or two with Titi Evelyn on occasion. (Truth be told, she has her own little cup at my mom's house.)

This morning, Gianna decided to go into her kitchen and make some coffee for us.

I must say, she was a wonderful hostess. My coffee cup never emptied! I think she refilled my cup at least 10 times!

Art Class

Gianna and I started her art class a few weeks ago. She has so much fun and looks forward to it each week. Painting is one of her favorite activities, but she decided to start with beading today. I love how you can see the concentration on her face...too cute!
After a few minutes of beading, Gianna did manage to go over to the painting table. After painting she made a bird with a clothes pin and feathers (I forgot it at class), played in the tub of rice and then back to beading. The class is an hour long - but it is the fastest hour of our day.
I love that she gets to try so many different activities - and I don't have to clean them up!