Bike Riding

The rain decided to let up a little bit this weekend, so Lily was more than excited to wear her new "helmet for her head" and hop on her bike. We raised her seat a little bit, and she's scooting along like a pro.

There's a good chance that this could be the last bike ride of the year.

Fall is Here!

It's raining. It's 60 degrees and I'm okay with that. Don't get me wrong, I love summer. I love the sunshine, the long days. But with those first fall days comes a sense of coziness. Those days when I can pull out and dust off my much loved sweaters is one of my favorite times of the year. Along with about 500 other favorite times, of course. I can finally see out my dining room window again because the air condition and the large board that blocks the window is long gone. I can light candles without the wind from the fan blowing on them and making them burn crooked. I can make dinner on the stovetop and not have to strip down as much as possible to survive the extra heat. I can make soup again!

But along with these nice cool, rainy fall days has come those dreaded "Terrible Two's". Man, I swear Little Miss was the sweetest little girl, always up for a hug or a kiss, always saying "I love you Mommy" then BAM! Sweet Little Miss is sweet no longer. Sure there are still times where she's just a doll, and I'm almost positive that those moments outnumber the bad, but holy cow! She has discovered an independent streak within herself.

"Lily, please eat 2 more bites of burger." "NO! I don't WANT to eat more burger!" Cue pounding of hand on table. "Mommy put my shoes on RIGHT NOW!" Cue pounding of hand on couch. Lily, I need to go to work, I'll see you later." "NO! You don't WANT to go to work!" Cue hand gesture midair. (okay, she's got that one correct, I'd MUCH rather stay home with her. But I also like having a roof over our heads). Where did she get this demanding, independent little attitude? **looks around** Anybody? (No comments Mom!)

Thursday we start the Love and Logic Parenting class at our church. It couldn't have come at a better time, in my opinion! I'm excited to start, to hear that our kid isnt the only one that is going through/went through this stage. I'm excited to hear new strategies for nipping this newfound attitude, because let's face it, mine aren't working out so hot.

But even with all that sassiness, my kiddo is the most perfect kid in my world. I love that little girl more than words. And honestly, wouldn't life be boring without a little bit of attitude here and there? At least that's what I'm going to keep telling myself...

Fun in the Sun

Since it has been so hot lately, we've been spending a little more time at Wilsonville Memorial Park.

Notice there is one (ONE!) kid in the background. Ok, granted it was about 10:30am, but it was still at least in the 80's. It was great! We also remembered to bring a cup for Lily to play with in the water. Last time, she really wanted to play with the other kids' cups, buckets, whatever. I highly suggest bringing a cup or something to play in the water with. She just used the cup from her Dutch Bros. "smoovie".

There have been some days where we couldn't go all the way to Wilsonville just to play in the water, so we made our own fountain. Our first attempt with the old sprinkler failed as it was cracked and broken and just shot water out the end. Not very conducive to sprinkler running.

So after a quick trip to Fred's, we got it set up and were off and running.

And running...

And running.

Birthday Party! Yay!

Lily's second birthday and party was a success. She got a new kitchen from Grammy & Papa so of course she needed new cookware. (I'm still getting "'paghetti" every night for "dinner")
Then it was time to make/decorate the cake. Lily was a huge help.

Finished product #1

Finished Product #2

(ignore the fingerprints in the frosting)

(and ignore the letter special-ness. The frosting was too warm and melty to cooperate. But it still tasted pretty dang good!)

After we finished up the cake, we tried to find Daddy, but he was nowhere to be found. Neither were my flip-flops.

Found him!

Finally got her to sit still long enough for a picture. Of course, she can't look at the camera, why would she want to do that?? That'd be silly!

Oh, I was wrong. She sat still one other time. When she was waiting for me to bring out her presents.

She really got into the opening presents thing.

(And she loves her "golfball" game! Thanks Jason, Patty & Lauren!!)

And of course, Uncle Oscar had to buy her a real Seahawks jersey. It'll make a great nightgown until she's about 12.

All in all, we had a very successful party for a very popular 2 year old. I guesstimated that there were over 30 people in our little house helping us celebrate her birthday. And they did a great job!

Ack!

I'm failing already! New post tomorrow! Promise!

In the mean time:

Happy Birthday Liliana!

Friday was Lily's big #2! No, not that #2. But she'd get an M&M for that!

I can't believe my baby is 2. Wasn't she just born? Wasn't I just leaving the hospital yesterday with a tiny little life?

Well now that tiny little life is a little bit bigger, goofier, and an amazing little smarty-pants.



She obviously takes after her mom in the cuteness department, dontcha think?

We filled her room with balloons on Thursday night after she went to bed. Scared her when she woke up. Oops! This is after she decided that the balloons were okay and fun to play with.


Then we went to Memorial Park in Wilsonville to play in their awesome water feature. If you havent been there and you have kids, go there. Take them. They'll sleep well.




Grammy & Papa got her a new kitchen for her birthday. We gave it to her on Saturday before her party. She loves it. I get dinner made for me every night. A little plasticky though...

I think she's trying to cool off in the fridge.


I haven't been able to download party pictures yet, but there arent many. Our awesome camera sat on the charger all day to be ready, then when it's big moment came, it freaked and said the battery was dead. What a drama camera.

I'll post those later.

Lily did get to play with her new fingerpaints last night. A little messy and kind of stinky. They smelled like pumpkin? But she had fun and the paints didnt stain the table (Love that!). That's what matters.

This whole birthday/party stuff really wore Chica out. I think she might still be passed out.