The Big Surprise!

After months and months of planning and anticipation, Abi's birthday arrived and we finally got to tell her about her big surprise gift...a trip to DISNEYLAND to celebrate her 4th birthday!!!

To tell her, Josh and I created a Tinkerbell scavenger hunt with clues and fairy figurines hidden throughout the house.

And with the first clue, the fun begins...

The last clue led her to the garage where a big wrapped box was waiting...

The big present contained a Disneyland castle balloon!

Checking out videos of Disneyland

Playing with her fun, new scooter!

-Lunch at Red Robin-

Not sure what to think about everyone singing happy birthday!

Sharing with Daddy

-Cake Time-

Princess Aurora Cake (Abi has been talking about this cake for the last 6 months!)

Blowing Out the Candles

We ended the day with Movie Night (Princess and the Frog, of course!)

Happy 4th Birthday Abi!

On Monday, we are flying to Arizona and a few days later, Josh, Abi and I are driving to Disneyland. Brady is going to be spending some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa. After Disney, we are headed back to Arizona for some sun and (hopefully) relaxation!

Let the birthday celebrations begin!

Today Abi celebrated her birthday at preschool. Because it was her birthday, she got to bring snack today and decided that all her friends needed chocolate donuts. I am sure the other moms loved when their kids came home from school on a sugar high!

Abi and I have been talking a lot lately about potential plans for her birthday. I have been asking her what she wants to eat, where she would go (if she could go anywhere), etc. Tonight she told Josh and I that she had a plan:

For breakfast, she wants "Toaster Scrudel" (aka. Toaster Strudel)
For lunch, she would like to go to Subway
For dinner, she wants a Lunchable (but only the ones that have cookies)
And she would also like to go "some place that has toys, like maybe the YMCA"

Little does she know of the big surprise that is awaiting her....

Creativity At Its Best

After Abi's quiet time today, she showed me a new game she created called "Toot Belly". I didn't even want to ask her how she came up with the name! In case you can't see from the video, she is putting one of her necklaces around her stomach and pushing out her stomach until the plastic clasp opens and the necklace pops off.

I often wonder what keeps her busy in her room during quiet time - maybe I don't want to know...

Party!

On Saturday, we had a party to celebrate Brady's birthday. Unfortunately, our last week was filled with sick kids and doctors' appointments. Abi came down with a horrible cold and double ear infections and Brady followed suit and got sick just a few days before his party...poor guy! Despite a little cough and a runny nose, the party went off without a hitch (a big thanks to ferryboat Grandma and Grandpa for all your help!)

Opening Presents (with my two little helpers)

Brady, Abi & Colby playing with one of his new toys

Adventures with a Cupcake...

"Happy Birthday To You"

Diggin' In...

It's a Two-Handed Job


Yummmy....cupcake, frosting and a little bit of snot!


Oh no, not the hair!


Big Mess

SO thirsty after all that chocolate!

Our Happy Clean Boy

Happy 1st Birthday Brady!

Today is my little boy's first birthday. In some respects, it seems like he was just born yesterday but then again, it is hard to remember our life without him. His little giggle and smile is precious and it honestly melts my heart when he says "mama". Some of my favorite moments happen after his late night feedings when it is just the two of us. After he eats, he puts his head on my shoulder and cuddles while we sit in the rocking chair. We usually only sit for a few minutes but on most days, this is the only alone time I get with him so I do my best to appreciate these moments because I know they won't last forever.

For Brady's birthday, I thought it would be fun to document his day in pictures.

Brady started off his day by playing with some toys...

Before long, it was nap time (with his "giraffie" of course)

Sweet sleeping baby

Re-energized and ready to go!

No one said he was dainty eater! :)

Brady always carries around things in his mouth (probably so he can have his hands free to get into even more trouble!)

Bumping his head AGAIN.

A path of disaster follows Brady from room to room

Dinner Time

Ready for dessert...

He was very excited about the candle!

Talking to Dad about how to blow out the candle

Trying to take it all in one bite

Finger-lickin' good!!!

...and he ate every last bite!

-Present Time-

Doehne's version of Rockband

-Bed Time-

...and this is the little face I get to say goodnight to every night. I am one lucky Mom!