Sprinkle, Sprinkle- Little Squirt

While shopping at Target the other day, Audrey saw this sprinkler and just HAD to have it. Of course she needed something fun to play in the water with, so in the cart it went. It was toasty outside today, so I decided to bring out the new sprinkler that Audrey had been asking to play with all week.

Now, I knew that Audrey didn’t like water spraying or being poured in her face. She makes that well known when I wash her hair. So, I was interested to see how she would react with water spraying everywhere. Well…she reacted exactly as I predicted---she hated it. I soon figured out that if I turned the water pressure down just so a little water would come out, she would play in it. Really she just enjoyed trying to drink it.

At least it provided fun, cool entertainment. Another bonus—I had a very tired toddler on my hands at bedtime—so there was no fussing

Hot Air Balloons

Where in the world have I been? Well...still here. Just super busy. Not busy with the things that need to be blogged about...just chores. You know- trying to tackle that huge list that somehow continues to grow.

Today we decided to stop running in 10 different directions and spend the day as a family. We took Audrey to her first (and mine too) hot air balloon race. We had a long wait...the balloons/pilots took their dandy time arriving and getting set up. But, it was well worth the wait.

Audrey had a wonderful time and I was thrilled as well. What a beautiful, colorful event to take pictures of. Afterwards, we filled our bellies with some delicious seafood. It was a wonderful day.

Stickers...Everywhere!

This child LOVES stickers. It doesn't matter what kind. And we find them stuck EVERYWHERE!

Happy Birthday, Corey!

Friday, May 8th was Corey's birthday. Audrey and I made him brownies and took him out to eat at his favorite Japanese restaurant. He was also pleasantly surprised that we bought him a new hunting ground blind. (Can't go wrong with hunting gear!)
Audrey is helping to make brownies for Daddy.


She was so proud of herself.


Audrey and Daddy before we went out to eat.


Our family! (just before going to eat)

Cooling it~

Is this not the most adorable little 2 year old you've ever seen?! Well, her mommy thinks so. I just had to share this photo.

The other day we were outside playing and Audrey kept asking me for a "hot pickle". I knew she liked pickles so when I asked if that is what she wanted, and she replied "No"...I was confused. She now repeats things over and over and over if you can't understand her until you finally catch on. So she is looking at me like I am crazy saying, "hot pickle", "hot pickle", "HOT PICKLE"! I finally figure it out...this kid wants a POPSICLE! I laughed for 20 minutes after that. It was too adorable.

Audrey's Birthday Party

Because of this crazy, rat-race of a life the last couple of weeks, I haven't had time to post about Audrey's 2nd Birthday party. Finally, here it is.

We had the party at my parents' home because most of my family and friends live down there. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze to make it just perfect.
At least the weather was. Audrey was NOT into opening her gifts or telling people "thanks" or pretty much anything else we asked her to do. I guess she was so overwhelmed by all the excitement.

I was so busy trying to make sure things were going smoothly that I had very little time to take pictures. I handed off my camera (*gasp*) to a couple of people and they so kindly helped me document the day.

Blowing out her candle.


And helping herself to the icing.

The Houston Family

EG helping Audrey open her gifts.

Audrey loved the lamb that Aunt Shirley and Susanne gave her.

My best friend Anna and her boys.

Audrey and Daddy blowing bubbles.

Another buddy, WA, and Audrey

Audrey just LOVES playing with EG.

Of course, we had to do the "Dora" theme.

And... Audrey and EG, again. Isn't EG just adorable? She takes care of Audrey an acts like her big sister. Too cute~!

Audrey's Birthday- Part 2

Rise and shine after a night of rest and we were off to find some breakfast and pack. Then we headed out for the aquarium. Now I had taken to heart all the advice I got from friends and purchased tickets ahead of time. Plus I was aware that there would be a huge crowd so we opted to leave the stroller behind (I knew AK wouldn’t stay in it much anyway).

Although I was aware that there would be large crowds, I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to experience. We couldn’t even get up to a lot of the exhibits to see them because of the crowds. There were many school groups on field trips…who I’m guessing came without a teacher or chaperons…because they were going crazy!!! And here was my little toddler just wanting to see some “big fish”. We did see a few things that we knew she would enjoy. Audrey liked looking at the exhibits, but was quite fussy and I can’t say I blame her. After about 45 minutes I was ill too. Let’s just say I was disappointed, and the next aquarium trip will be somewhere else. That was just ridiculous.

Audrey kept trying to "hold" the fish.

All-in-all…we had a great time of just being together as a family and making memories.