Happy Birthday Tyler!

On Saturday, our friends from church (the Fryers) had a birthday party for their little boy, Tyler. Tyler was turning 2, as Josie will soon be doing. I knew he was getting a swing set for this birthday, and I was anxious to see how Josie would enjoy it. We've been thinking of getting her one, too. She just loves to be outside! (And I love giving her an outlet for all that bottled up energy!!!!)
I think this was one of the funnest birthday parties I'd ever been to! When we got there, we were ushered out to the backyard and it was like a carnival for toddlers! There was a bubble machine blowing bubbles all over the yard. Besides the new swing set, Tyler also got a new sandbox with a picnic table attached and a John Deere wagon. Our other little friends Zoey, Nathan, and Natalie were all there and they all had the BEST time!!!! It was so much fun to watch them play and enjoy everything!
I'm pretty sure Josie is going to be a tomboy like her Mommy. She LOVED the sandbox! I finally gave up on keeping her out of it and let her plop down right in the middle of it! (When I took her shoes off later, sand went everywhere!!!!) She did a great job climbing up the ladder for the slide. She still needs a little help, but it won't be long before she can do it all by herself! She also loved the wagon rides and the swing, of course. By the time we left to head home, she was all tuckered out! It was a challenge to keep her awake until we got home for her nap!
So, now we are shopping for a swing set for Josie's birthday!

Picnic

The "Housecleaning Crew" came today, so we had to get out for a bit. The kids typically nap from 9-11, and eat lunch at 11. The cleaning crew was scheduled to come at 10:30, so I was nervous about where we were going to eat lunch and also how the kids were going to do "off-schedule." We left the house right at 10:30 and went to Wal-Mart for a bit.

By the way, save yourself some misery and do NOT go to Pearland Wal-Mart for ANY reason! Luckily, we weren't really shopping, just walking around. They've got it all torn apart. It looks like they are moving everything that was in the back of the store up to the front, and the front to the back. Seriously, nothing is where it should be! There are random aisles here and there. It's awful!

We left there about 11:20 and headed home. The kids had not had lunch yet, but no one was complaining! When we got home, the cleaning crew was still here. Being the genius that I am, I quickly developed a plan to set up a picnic in the garage! (It was too sunny in the backyard.) And that is what we did! It was actually fun! I still can't believe no one had a melt-down. They all love to be outside! We might have to "schedule" picnics more often!

The Zoo, Bluebonnets, and Bubbles, Too!

We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit with Nana and Papa (my parents). They got here Thursday night right after we got home from work. On Friday we went to the zoo. Josie really enjoyed seeing the animals. This was the second time we've taken her to the zoo and I think she appreciated it more this trip. She couldn't really see the smaller animals, but she loved seeing the lions, giraffes, bears, tigers, zebras, and elephants! She was NOT a fan of the petting zoo! As you entered the petting zoo area, they gave you a brush to use on the goats. Another toddler was using his to beat the poor things! Josie was not interested and a little timid. Can't say that I blame her. I've never been the biggest fan of petting zoos, either!

Today we went shopping for flowers. While Josie was napping, Mom helped me plant them. We got some Azaleas to go around a tree in the front and some Zinnia and Petunias to go in a bed in the back. I don't have the greatest track record in keeping things alive, but I'm determined this go 'round will be different! I really do enjoy digging in the dirt. And there's such a sense of achievement to watch something you planted and took care of grow and bloom. Gardening really is a hobby I'm hoping to get better at. I love having a beautiful, colorful yard!

We took Mom and Dad to eat at Salt Grass Steakhouse tonight, which was FANTASTIC! When we got back we took Josie for a walk. There are a cluster of bluebonnets (state flower of Texas) growing on a corner in our neighborhood. We got some great Josie pictures! Before we went back inside, we played with bubbles in the yard. What a fun day!

My Little Chef

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Today was the first day I let Josie "help" me in the kitchen. She's going to be 2 years old soon, so she can start helping more. Nana and Papa (my parents) are coming to visit us before they leave from Galveston on a cruise on Sunday. We haven't seen them since Christmas, so we are really excited about their visit! So, Josie and I made some healthy Banana Oatmeal cookies as a special treat while they are here. Josie was a very good helper! I measured the ingredients and then she dumped them in the bowl. She was especially good at stirring (only a little bit flew out of the bowl!) and she LOVED the mixer! Throughout our "lesson" she was really more interested in playing with the dishes on the drying rack on the counter. And I was scared to death she was going to fall off the chair I had her standing on to reach the counter. I had to keep reminding her of what we were doing. After finally getting the cookies all mixed together, her attention was completely gone. So, I had to put them on the baking sheets myself. But overall, our first cooking lesson went very well! (And the cookies are delicious!)

Easter 2010

We had a laid-back, leisurely Easter this year. After worship services, we gathered all of the younger kiddos upstairs (we had planned for the playground, but it was wet outside) for an egg hunt. I must say, Josie surprised me. I didn't think she would be interested or have a clue what to do, but she ran all over that room finding eggs and bringing them back to her basket! I hate that I didn't think to get a good picture of her in her dress. She looked so pretty!!! Next time she wears it, I'll try to remember to take a better picture.
The Easter bunny brought Josie this little Elmo, which she loves! She was even sharing her "o's" with him, which is saying a lot!