Feb 23, 2013

President's Day with the Dinosaurs

On President's day we went to the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. The girls and I had been there with my parents but this was Jim's first visit. We had a fun day exploring the museum.

Here are some pictures from the day...

Measuring dinosaur footprints...




Checking out fossils...


Abby's favorite spot at the museum...an underwater sea shell.


Water table fun...
 

 Break for picnic lunch...


Then, off to Mars...
 
 
...and other parts of outer space.


Finally, it was a bit more time with the dinosaurs.

Uncovering fossils...
 


Fun morning!
 

Feb 17, 2013

Valentine's Day

Valentine's was fun this year! The girls, especially Abby, were very into the holiday. To help them understand and enjoy the day even more we did a few holiday crafts...



Jim and I also added hearts to their doors starting on Feb 1st thru the 14th...

Kera's Door
We love...
 
...your silliness!
...how excited you get!
...how you take such good care of your baby dolls!
...that you make us want to be better people!
...when you play nice with your sister!
...that you make us smile everyday!
...how much you cheer for the Steelers!
...your smile!
..your love of animals!
...when you try to be a big girl like your sister and do what she does!
...that you like to do crafts!
...that you defend Abby!
...when you  say "yove" us!
...YOU

Abby's Door
 
We love...
 
...that you make us smile everyday!
...your cuddles!
...how you play and pretend!
...your singing!
...that you are a good friend!
...that you like reading!
...that you like to do crafts!
...when you play nice with your sister!
...that you like to draw and color!
...that you make us want to be better people!
...how much you cheer for the Steelers!
...when you practice your dance moves for us!
...how you tell us you love us! "Papa I love you FOREVER"!
...YOU!
 


Abby helped me make Valentine's for her classmates and other friends...



Valentine's was on a Thursday so, a normally busy day was even busier. In the morning Jim and I gave the girls a few treats, chocolates and valentine's.


Abby had school where she had a very fun Valentine's day party. She came home with a lot of fun Valentine's day treats and cards.


While Abby was at school Kera and I went out for a treat of our own...


Later in the afternoon Abby had dance class...with more valentine's to hand out. When Abby gets dressed up for dance class Kera likes to wear dance clothes too. This time she even let me put her hair up! ADORABLE!




After dance it was time for takeout dinner, I didn't have to cook, and some time with my Valentine's. I am VERY lucky!

My First Born...Billy

I can't believe that Billy turned 14 last July! I got Billy when I was in college so, he has grown-up and seen a lot with me. For example, he has lived in 10 different places with me. Billy has always been a big spunky cat but this last move (Las Vegas to Maryland) has really slowed him down. I don't want to think about the day Billy won't be with us but unfortunately, that day is coming.


Update: I took Billy to the vet a few days after this post and fortunately all of his blood work came back fine but...my poor boy is almost completely blind. I had suspected this but the vet confirmed it..he can only see out of a small spot in his right eye.

Feb 9, 2013

Mix-N-Match

Lately I have let Kera decide what she would like to wear and she has come up with some interesting outfits.

For example, wearing her swim suit bowling...


...or, the other day she decided to wear her Christmas one piece pajamas that at a size to small.

Today she picked out this ensemble...



...well, at least she has clothes on and there is something to be said for originality.

Feb 7, 2013

New Bed for Kera!

With Abby getting her new bed for her birthday it was time to transition Kera out of her crib and into the toddler bed.
 
After sprucing the bed up a bit with some paint we put it into Kera's room on Monday and she couldn't have been more excited.


Abby was excited for her too.


When bed time rolled around Kera eagerly went up to bed and slept soundly in her new bed.



Nap time was a bit harder the next day but, night time has been an extremely smooth transition. Our little girl is growing up...no more babies in this house!

Feb 5, 2013

Abby's 4th Birthday Party

Abby decided that this year she wanted a Tangled princess party for her birthday. As always, I love a theme! It started with the invitations...




We invited 7 kids (all but 1 were girls) and to Abby's delight all but one of her friends were able to come.

During the week before her party I slowly decorated and by the time Saturday came around we only had to do a few finishing touches.

traditional birthday sign

balloon chandelier

floating lanterns

party favors...water colors, small canvas, and a pretty bracelet

party craft...decorating felt crowns

a wall designated for our little artists
Our little princesses were ready to party..

 
Last thing to get ready before the other princesses, and one prince, arrived was to get the food in order.
 
 
 
Let the festivities begin!
 

fitting Giada with her crown
Madeline, Abby, and Gisele watching tangled


mmmmmm snacks
 
Jack (co-worker of Jim's family) in the castle

Iris' turn, friend from our neighborhood

Princess Gisele, Giada, Abby, and Madeline
 
Of course there was cake...purple cupcakes.
 


Madeline, Abby's best friend at school

Gisele, friend from out neighborhood and dance class

 
And presents...
 

 
It was a lot of work but a good time was had by all.

Feb 2, 2013

On Friday the 1st we had Abby's 4 year well check and here are her stats...

Height: 42 inches (89%)
Weight: 36.4 lbs (62%)

We LOVE our little princess!