January 27th 2010
Celebrations for Mommy
Zoë and Abby were just so excited this year to celebrate my birthday. For days they've been saying, "I still don't know what to get you for your birthday." I kept telling them that just helping Daddy with the cake and the cards they already made me were enough. They took every opportunity to jump out and shout "Happy Birthday!" to me, I think every time I walked around a corner there they were.
Reanna and Elijah came over for a little bit this morning before Reanna had to go to work - she had the morning off - and Reanna helped the girls with some of their spelling work, while I played with the boys. Shortly after they left, we got ready to go out for lunch. We went to Shio and had some tasty food, and this time I remembered to bring Enzo's soup sippy and his bowl so he really was able to have "miso in his sippy cup and tofu in his bowl" (we have a sushi board book with this line) and he also had some terriyaki salmon and rice and such too. Apparently while I had one of the girls in the bathroom, Chris mentioned that it was my Birthday and asked if they did anything special. At the end of our meal, as I was ready to take Enzo to walk around, out came the staff with a dish of ice cream with cherries and a candle... and fruit loops. They sang and thoroughly embarrassed me and the girls got to enjoy some ice cream and cherries as well. Enzo thought the fruit loops were a nice touch.
Once at home I opened the package from Grandma Cindy that had been waiting for me at the post office. I could barely even get into it with the kids all crowding and trying to pull things out. It was the same way with the gifts from Nonna. Even Enzo was whining if it wasn't him ripping off the wrapping paper. We cut into the cake that Daddy had put together later in the afternoon. Thanks for a special Birthday all of you.
Reanna and Elijah came over for a little bit this morning before Reanna had to go to work - she had the morning off - and Reanna helped the girls with some of their spelling work, while I played with the boys. Shortly after they left, we got ready to go out for lunch. We went to Shio and had some tasty food, and this time I remembered to bring Enzo's soup sippy and his bowl so he really was able to have "miso in his sippy cup and tofu in his bowl" (we have a sushi board book with this line) and he also had some terriyaki salmon and rice and such too. Apparently while I had one of the girls in the bathroom, Chris mentioned that it was my Birthday and asked if they did anything special. At the end of our meal, as I was ready to take Enzo to walk around, out came the staff with a dish of ice cream with cherries and a candle... and fruit loops. They sang and thoroughly embarrassed me and the girls got to enjoy some ice cream and cherries as well. Enzo thought the fruit loops were a nice touch.
Once at home I opened the package from Grandma Cindy that had been waiting for me at the post office. I could barely even get into it with the kids all crowding and trying to pull things out. It was the same way with the gifts from Nonna. Even Enzo was whining if it wasn't him ripping off the wrapping paper. We cut into the cake that Daddy had put together later in the afternoon. Thanks for a special Birthday all of you.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 13 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 13 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 4 days
Special Occasions posted by Laura at 8:07 PM | 
Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
HAppy Birthday!! Love you!!
December 14th 2009
Zoë and Abby Turn Six
Once everyone was downstairs this morning, I gave the girls their gifts from Great Grandma Ehlers and from Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin. They were pleased to find more aprons as well as socks from Emmy the great, but even more excited to open digital cameras with cases from Matt and Caitlin!
Unfortunately we had to start the day with grocery shopping while the snow tires got put on the car, luckily the girls like shopping. We browsed the toy aisle and they got samples. We then went to Newick's for their birthday lunch, followed by Coldstone ice cream. Abby picked out raspberry sorbet with gummy bears for her mix in (ugh!), Zoë picked out candy cane ice cream with graham cracker pie crust mixed in.
I guess, when we were at Walmart, Abby told Daddy that she was feeling a little queezy, but when he mentioned that maybe we should go home and rest instead of out to eat, she suddenly felt better. That didn't last too long though, she got sick in the bathroom this afternoon and then excused herself from dinner to go to bed early without even eating any chocolate cake.
Unfortunately we had to start the day with grocery shopping while the snow tires got put on the car, luckily the girls like shopping. We browsed the toy aisle and they got samples. We then went to Newick's for their birthday lunch, followed by Coldstone ice cream. Abby picked out raspberry sorbet with gummy bears for her mix in (ugh!), Zoë picked out candy cane ice cream with graham cracker pie crust mixed in.
I guess, when we were at Walmart, Abby told Daddy that she was feeling a little queezy, but when he mentioned that maybe we should go home and rest instead of out to eat, she suddenly felt better. That didn't last too long though, she got sick in the bathroom this afternoon and then excused herself from dinner to go to bed early without even eating any chocolate cake.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 20 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 6:58 PM | Comment
December 12th 2009
Birthday Cupcakes with Auntie Reanna
After the build at Lowe's, we went to the Valley's, where there was fun in store for the girls. Since Reanna won't be seeing them on their birthday, she said that she'd make and decorate cupcakes with them while I entertained Enzo and Elijah. She also gave them their birthday presents from her and Uncle Corey (and Elijah of course) They got new sketch pads, different colored pens with glitter ink, some wipe off letter practice pages complete with their own wipe off markers, some sticky notes, and a book.
I let the girls have one of their aprons that Emmy the Great made for them (they don't know that they each have a second one from her as well) for their birthdays and boy was that a good thing because they were a mess! I had suggested making the cupcakes and frosting from scratch so there would be more for the girls to help with, which was a lot of fun for them. The frosting tunred out really yummy - we've made it before, but Reanna hadn't - and we had plenty of extra to bring home.
I let the girls have one of their aprons that Emmy the Great made for them (they don't know that they each have a second one from her as well) for their birthdays and boy was that a good thing because they were a mess! I had suggested making the cupcakes and frosting from scratch so there would be more for the girls to help with, which was a lot of fun for them. The frosting tunred out really yummy - we've made it before, but Reanna hadn't - and we had plenty of extra to bring home.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 18 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 1:56 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Abby and Zoe you are very lucky little girls!! xxoo
October 25th 2009
Choir Singing and Birthday Party
We had a full day today. I had the girls to church early so they could rehearse to sing during the service. Grampy joined us to visit and see Zoë and Abby sing. They sang two songs with the kids choir: Like a River and Down in my Heart.
After church the girls had some time to visit with Grampy and then they got into their costumes to go to a halloween themed birthday party. It was held in the kids room at Families First, so all three of the kids felt right at home. There was a craft and a couple of games, snacks and cupcakes. Also the kids were able to play on the little playground right outside the room.
After church the girls had some time to visit with Grampy and then they got into their costumes to go to a halloween themed birthday party. It was held in the kids room at Families First, so all three of the kids felt right at home. There was a craft and a couple of games, snacks and cupcakes. Also the kids were able to play on the little playground right outside the room.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 10 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 10 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 1 day Special Occasions posted by Laura at 3:37 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
I wish I could have come to your choir singing and listened to your beautiful voices. Maybe you can sing a couple of songs and put them on the journal
What a fun filled day!!
October 3rd 2009
Kate and Ryan's Wedding
It was a long, busy, exciting day for us today. First, while Daddy and the girls did their Home Depot building, Enzo and I picked some things up at the store for Kate's wedding. Next we dropped Daddy at home and the kids and I went to the wedding location to meet the rest of the wedding party. We did a few last minute touches and then all headed back to Sarah's house to get ready. Luckily in between getting the girls ready and doing other things, they were able to play in the play room so that kept them entertained. Enzo on the other hand was quite interested in everything us ladies were doing.
Once everyone was ready we headed out back to the ceremony/reception site. It was a beautiful location at the home of friends Kate's family. Luckily there were tents set up and a 'barn' for the food area, as it was raining. It ended up not being too cold though, which was nice since Kate, Sarah, and I were all in strapless dresses. I had anticipated it being pretty chilly so I put thermal tops under the girls dresses. They were so thrilled to be able to be flower girls again, even re-using the dresses from Matt and Caitlin's wedding. Instead of actually throwing flowers, thier job was to hold Kate's train as she walked from the house through the grass and then on the way back out. We had practiced at home with a blanket tied around my waist and they briefly practiced at Sarah's house after Kate put her dress on. They were super excited to have this very important job.
After the ceremony was the receiving line and photos, which Zoë and Abby did really for. By the end of the photo taking though they were ready to eat. Auntie helped us get some food and drinks and we went up to the second level of the 'barn' and stood with Uncle Tommy, Liz, and Grampy to eat. Enzo was happy to hang out eating a roll with Grampy holding him and I was happy too because that meant I could eat and help the girls with their stuff.
After the toasts and cake cutting, Zoë and Abby got special cupcakes with flowers (fake) on top that matched the wedding cake. They stayed out of the way for the boquet toss, though they were pretty interested in watching Kate toss the flowers and in seeing who would catch them. They got balloon animals and plenty of tasty food and time with Uncles, Aunt, Grampy as well as other doting adults. Kate's mom Julia is always very sweet to them and helpful with the kids. Enzo takes to her well and waves and reaches for her when we see her. Zoë was stuck to Kate's side for a lot of the evening and I had to pull her away on several occasions so that all of Kate and Ryan's wedding photos don't have my little darling in them. Finally it was time to get my tired kids home and boy were they out as soon as Daddy had their teeth brushed and ushered them to bed.
Once everyone was ready we headed out back to the ceremony/reception site. It was a beautiful location at the home of friends Kate's family. Luckily there were tents set up and a 'barn' for the food area, as it was raining. It ended up not being too cold though, which was nice since Kate, Sarah, and I were all in strapless dresses. I had anticipated it being pretty chilly so I put thermal tops under the girls dresses. They were so thrilled to be able to be flower girls again, even re-using the dresses from Matt and Caitlin's wedding. Instead of actually throwing flowers, thier job was to hold Kate's train as she walked from the house through the grass and then on the way back out. We had practiced at home with a blanket tied around my waist and they briefly practiced at Sarah's house after Kate put her dress on. They were super excited to have this very important job.
After the ceremony was the receiving line and photos, which Zoë and Abby did really for. By the end of the photo taking though they were ready to eat. Auntie helped us get some food and drinks and we went up to the second level of the 'barn' and stood with Uncle Tommy, Liz, and Grampy to eat. Enzo was happy to hang out eating a roll with Grampy holding him and I was happy too because that meant I could eat and help the girls with their stuff.
After the toasts and cake cutting, Zoë and Abby got special cupcakes with flowers (fake) on top that matched the wedding cake. They stayed out of the way for the boquet toss, though they were pretty interested in watching Kate toss the flowers and in seeing who would catch them. They got balloon animals and plenty of tasty food and time with Uncles, Aunt, Grampy as well as other doting adults. Kate's mom Julia is always very sweet to them and helpful with the kids. Enzo takes to her well and waves and reaches for her when we see her. Zoë was stuck to Kate's side for a lot of the evening and I had to pull her away on several occasions so that all of Kate and Ryan's wedding photos don't have my little darling in them. Finally it was time to get my tired kids home and boy were they out as soon as Daddy had their teeth brushed and ushered them to bed.
Abby @ 5 years, 9 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 9 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 10 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 8:40 PM | Comment
September 26th 2009
Gifts from Nonno
Nonno brought some gifts for Enzo, as well as the rest of us, up with him. Enzo got some shoes, cozy feetsie jammies, food, and a really neat puzzle that he carried around with him all over the house for the rest of the morning. The girls got some clothes, food, and candies as well as some other specials to share with Mommy and Daddy.
Abby @ 5 years, 9 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 9 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 8:20 AM | Comment
September 24th 2009
Cake Time
Yes, we really are doing a seperate entry for every single event today... that's just how we roll. :)
Here are a few pictures, plus the video of Enzo's first birthday cake celebration tonight. The cake normally would've been $6.00 but we got it free for the first birthday. Despite the photos, we didn't actually let him eat any. It took so many takes to get the video right (i.e. no one picking noses or frowning) that I finally just let him stick his hands in the darn cake. Not only that, but I totally mispronounced a couple of words by the end, however there was no way we were taking another video. Inevitably he did taste a bit of the frosting on his fingers before I wiped it all off, but he actually attempted to spit it out... it was that good. We decided I'd sing the song in Portuguese while doing the cake, as you can see in the video.
Here are the words and translation for the song...
Parabéns pra você
Nesta data querida
Muitas Felicidades
Muitos anos de vida!
Which translates to:
Happy birthday to you,
on this mery date,
lots of happiness
and years to come.
Here are a few pictures, plus the video of Enzo's first birthday cake celebration tonight. The cake normally would've been $6.00 but we got it free for the first birthday. Despite the photos, we didn't actually let him eat any. It took so many takes to get the video right (i.e. no one picking noses or frowning) that I finally just let him stick his hands in the darn cake. Not only that, but I totally mispronounced a couple of words by the end, however there was no way we were taking another video. Inevitably he did taste a bit of the frosting on his fingers before I wiped it all off, but he actually attempted to spit it out... it was that good. We decided I'd sing the song in Portuguese while doing the cake, as you can see in the video.
Here are the words and translation for the song...
Parabéns pra você
Nesta data querida
Muitas Felicidades
Muitos anos de vida!
Which translates to:
Happy birthday to you,
on this mery date,
lots of happiness
and years to come.
Abby @ 5 years, 9 months, 10 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 9 months, 10 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 day Special Occasions posted by Laura at 9:05 PM | Comment
Enzo's First Birthday
We started the day off with blueberry oatmeal at home and then went over to see Auntie Reanna and Cousin Elijah, as Reanna didn't have to go into work until 11:00. We stayed there for a while since the diapers were washing and drying, Enzo took his nap in Elijah's crib and once he was up we headed out to Newick's for a late lunch/early dinner, to take advantage of the birthday discount. On the way home we stopped and picked up Enzo's free first birthday cake at Shaw's, which I ordered a couple of days ago.
While we didn't get the chance to this year, we want to start a tradition of having a Brazilian food every year on Enzo's birthday as a way of celebrating his birth in Brazil and being a Brazilian citizen. This afternoon I did chat a little while with Raissa and she gave me the words for how they sing the happy birthday song in Portuguese, so that will be our Brazilian inclusion this year.
While we didn't get the chance to this year, we want to start a tradition of having a Brazilian food every year on Enzo's birthday as a way of celebrating his birth in Brazil and being a Brazilian citizen. This afternoon I did chat a little while with Raissa and she gave me the words for how they sing the happy birthday song in Portuguese, so that will be our Brazilian inclusion this year.
Abby @ 5 years, 9 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 9 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 year Special Occasions posted by Laura at 5:58 PM | Comment
12 Months Old - Meu menino brasileiro faz um ano hoje
So here it is, the big one. I can't believe I'm writing the 12 month post, it doesn't seem possible. On this day one year ago, our son was born at 8:45 a.m. I've been going back and reading the accounts of that day and all of the updates Daddy wrote and the pictures and everyone's comments, and did I say the pictures? I'm feeling a little nostalgic and a little weepy.
At ONE YEAR(!) old you are doing so much. It just seems that all of your skills have exploded at once. Your walking progress it tremendous for one. Not only are you a very confident walker, you're beginning to try running already! And then there's the climbing, you are definitely a little climber like your sisters were. You're so curious and pick up on new things so quickly these days. You're signing so many words these days and even vocalizing the words along with it. Tree, again, water, and sister are just some of your new signs.
You are so sweet and so happy and really funny too! You make us laugh, and repeat whatever we think is funny, because you know you'll get a response from us. You're very independent but at the same time love to run to us with a huge smile on your face and arms outstretched to give big hugs. Oh, your hugs. It's wonderful when I pick you up after a nap and you lay your head on my shoulder and wrap your arms around my neck and play with my hair, these hugs are the sweetest. You are a big hugger in general. Whenever your sisters are sitting on the floor you just have to go over and give them hugs and you also love to wake them up from their nap. Daddy gets a different style hug, but I think it's because you're avoiding his scruffy face. You'll put your head on his and rub his head with both hands.
At one year old you have three teeth, two on the bottom and one on top, and a second top tooth is getting ready to come through any day now. We'll know for sure in about a week how tall you are and how much you weigh. You're in 12 or 18 month clothes, even some 24 month things, and you wear a size four shoe, which you actually do need to wear with all of the walking you insist on doing out and about. Your sisters first walking shoes were a size four as well, but they were 15 months old when they were wearing them.
Daddy has been telling me that you're not a baby anymore, you're a toddler, and I know he's right, you are definitely a toddler... but you're still my baby boy.
At ONE YEAR(!) old you are doing so much. It just seems that all of your skills have exploded at once. Your walking progress it tremendous for one. Not only are you a very confident walker, you're beginning to try running already! And then there's the climbing, you are definitely a little climber like your sisters were. You're so curious and pick up on new things so quickly these days. You're signing so many words these days and even vocalizing the words along with it. Tree, again, water, and sister are just some of your new signs.
You are so sweet and so happy and really funny too! You make us laugh, and repeat whatever we think is funny, because you know you'll get a response from us. You're very independent but at the same time love to run to us with a huge smile on your face and arms outstretched to give big hugs. Oh, your hugs. It's wonderful when I pick you up after a nap and you lay your head on my shoulder and wrap your arms around my neck and play with my hair, these hugs are the sweetest. You are a big hugger in general. Whenever your sisters are sitting on the floor you just have to go over and give them hugs and you also love to wake them up from their nap. Daddy gets a different style hug, but I think it's because you're avoiding his scruffy face. You'll put your head on his and rub his head with both hands.
At one year old you have three teeth, two on the bottom and one on top, and a second top tooth is getting ready to come through any day now. We'll know for sure in about a week how tall you are and how much you weigh. You're in 12 or 18 month clothes, even some 24 month things, and you wear a size four shoe, which you actually do need to wear with all of the walking you insist on doing out and about. Your sisters first walking shoes were a size four as well, but they were 15 months old when they were wearing them.
Daddy has been telling me that you're not a baby anymore, you're a toddler, and I know he's right, you are definitely a toddler... but you're still my baby boy.
Abby @ 5 years, 9 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 9 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 year Special Occasions posted by Laura at 8:45 AM | Comments ( 3 )
Comments:
Happy Birthday, Enzo!!!!
uauu.. Eu adorei o vídeo, and the singing too, Laura.
I love babies, particulary those I had the chance to hold in my arms for a littlle while, which is enzo´s case. I wrote the birthday message on the right day,
but somehow I had the 26th on my head.
Kisses
Irene
Happy Birthday, Enzo! Love you xxoo
September 22nd 2009
Enzo's First Coldstone
We recently got the coupon for Enzo's free birthday ice cream from Coldstone and tonight just Enzo and I went to redeem it. I was kind of an impromptu decision, while the girls geared up to play a game with Chris and I pulled curious Enzo away from the power tools time and time again. I had planned on saving the coupon until we all went out to celebrate it together but then tonight I thought, (not only is he not eating the ice cream) it was just he and I when he came into this world, we can have one birthday celebration just the two of us. :) I did actually let him have a taste too, can you believe it? A very small taste of the mint ice cream with a little taster spoon. He loved holding that mini spoon. We did bring some home to share with everyone else, which I thought was nice of us.
Abby @ 5 years, 9 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 9 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 29 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 8:51 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Awe, that is so sweet Laura : )
September 21st 2009
Gifts for Enzo
The birthday gifts have begun for Enzo. And lucky for him, since it's the first birthday, no one is making him wait to open them! The first thing to arrive was from Nonna and Auntie Elizabeth on Friday afternoon. He got two really cute outfits (he wore the dress clothes to church on Sunday - he was so handsome!) and a nice zip up fleece. Zoë and Abby were so eager to 'help' Enzo open his gifts that I'm not sure he knew they were there until I was checking things for fitting.
Nonna also sent the girls money to get Enzo a birthday gift, $5 each, and we thought we knew just what to get him. When we were at the Children's Orchard (the re-sale shop) we had seen one of those rugs that looks like a little town with the road to drive the cars on. It was in great condition - looked brand new - and was marked for $10. Zoë and Abby concluded that they could put their money together and get it for him since he likes driving his cars around these days. Unfortunately when we went back on Saturday (for their fill-a-bag sale) it was gone.
We stopped back in today to pick up snow boots for Enzo that I'd put on hold and saw outside a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn home. The girls spotted it before I did actually and ran right over to it to check it out. This item is normally $80 new so I figured it wouldn't be something for us but told the girls that if it was the right price they could go ahead and get it as their gift to Enzo. When I saw the price sticker I was surprised to see it at $13. After I said the price Abby looked at me and pleaded "Could you please put in three dollars?" Even though I would've said yes anyhow, we did a little shopping life lesson. I told them that the boots I'd put on hold were $10 so we would look around the store and see if we could find a pair in the size he'll need for three dollars less, then that would make up the price difference. Sure enough I found a nice pair of Children's Place boots for $7. We tried them on and he was able to walk in them so we made our purchases and left.
The girls are so excited because they remember (from pictures) that they had one of these when they were around a year old. Of course now there's all these additions you can get like the learning kitchen, mailbox, tea set, tool bench, heck they even have a farm! Back when the girls had this Nonno Ernie had bought them the little phone that has a place on the base of the 'home' and we kept it and Enzo's been using it so now it has a space of its own. The girls reasoned that we didn't have anywhere to hide it until Enzo's birthday so they wanted to just give it to him as soon as we got home. He loves it and spent time working all of the little gizmos... his favorite seems to be the light switch. I was cracking up laughing watching (and listening) to him playing with it. Of course the girls love 'helping' Enzo play with it and are having just as much fun with it now as they did when they were toddlers.
Nonna also sent the girls money to get Enzo a birthday gift, $5 each, and we thought we knew just what to get him. When we were at the Children's Orchard (the re-sale shop) we had seen one of those rugs that looks like a little town with the road to drive the cars on. It was in great condition - looked brand new - and was marked for $10. Zoë and Abby concluded that they could put their money together and get it for him since he likes driving his cars around these days. Unfortunately when we went back on Saturday (for their fill-a-bag sale) it was gone.
We stopped back in today to pick up snow boots for Enzo that I'd put on hold and saw outside a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn home. The girls spotted it before I did actually and ran right over to it to check it out. This item is normally $80 new so I figured it wouldn't be something for us but told the girls that if it was the right price they could go ahead and get it as their gift to Enzo. When I saw the price sticker I was surprised to see it at $13. After I said the price Abby looked at me and pleaded "Could you please put in three dollars?" Even though I would've said yes anyhow, we did a little shopping life lesson. I told them that the boots I'd put on hold were $10 so we would look around the store and see if we could find a pair in the size he'll need for three dollars less, then that would make up the price difference. Sure enough I found a nice pair of Children's Place boots for $7. We tried them on and he was able to walk in them so we made our purchases and left.
The girls are so excited because they remember (from pictures) that they had one of these when they were around a year old. Of course now there's all these additions you can get like the learning kitchen, mailbox, tea set, tool bench, heck they even have a farm! Back when the girls had this Nonno Ernie had bought them the little phone that has a place on the base of the 'home' and we kept it and Enzo's been using it so now it has a space of its own. The girls reasoned that we didn't have anywhere to hide it until Enzo's birthday so they wanted to just give it to him as soon as we got home. He loves it and spent time working all of the little gizmos... his favorite seems to be the light switch. I was cracking up laughing watching (and listening) to him playing with it. Of course the girls love 'helping' Enzo play with it and are having just as much fun with it now as they did when they were toddlers.
Abby @ 5 years, 9 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 9 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 28 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 9:11 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I love how you parent and use every situation to teach your girls. I never would have came up with that idea about the difference in price from the boots. You rock Laura, you really do.
September 14th 2009
Bead Party
I dropped Zoë and Abby off at Anna Claire's house this afternoon for a bead party. (You read that right, I dropped them off. As in I took them there and then left.) We brought along some of our own beads and Anna Claire had plenty. Andrea had also brought up the polly pockets collection. After chatting for a few minutes, I went ahead and left. Enzo and I ran some errands, including getting a few books at the library, and then went back for them. Of course the girls felt as if they hadn't had enough time, but I dragged them away so that we could get some dinner before going swimming.
The girls told me that they had nectarines and apples with cinnamon peanut butter for a snack, which they loved. Abby finished a necklace, but Zoë had to bring her stuff home since she chose to play with the polly pockets the whole time.
The girls told me that they had nectarines and apples with cinnamon peanut butter for a snack, which they loved. Abby finished a necklace, but Zoë had to bring her stuff home since she chose to play with the polly pockets the whole time.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 20 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 4:57 PM | Comment
September 7th 2009
Kate's Bridal Shower
Enzo and I headed over to Four Tree Island thismorning, along with Alicia and Reanna and kiddos, for Kate's bridal shower. It was chilly this morning but ended up being quite sunny and warm during the shower. I was surprised at how much walking Enzo was doing, as I thought maybe in the grass he'd choose more crawling. I got to see some faces I haven't seen in a while and introduce Enzo to some who haven't met him. Krissy, whom I used to work with and who we hung out with when the girls were babies, was there. She has two kids now, a 3.5 year old boy and a 10 month old girl (they were with Dad over at the park) so that was neat.
Enzo got to try some different bread and also some pancake that Auntie had brought along, after sharing some of his cheerio's with Elijah. He was in the stroller sitting near Amber, eating while I participated in a 'wifely duties' relay race, but he got quite tired of sitting there. Krissy picked him up and held him, which contented him some, but he was happy when I was done my diaper change duty in the game and was able to hold him... and do a real diaper change.
It was fun to celebrate with Kate and see her excitement at her gifts (even the three identical waffle makers and two george foreman grills) and for her to pick the winner of the toilet paper wedding dress design game. I figured I had a leg up since I was actually there when she picked hers out... just not the same with tp. By the time things were wrapping up with the party, Enzo was finished and ready to nurse and have a nap so we headed on home. Congrats Kate.
Enzo got to try some different bread and also some pancake that Auntie had brought along, after sharing some of his cheerio's with Elijah. He was in the stroller sitting near Amber, eating while I participated in a 'wifely duties' relay race, but he got quite tired of sitting there. Krissy picked him up and held him, which contented him some, but he was happy when I was done my diaper change duty in the game and was able to hold him... and do a real diaper change.
It was fun to celebrate with Kate and see her excitement at her gifts (even the three identical waffle makers and two george foreman grills) and for her to pick the winner of the toilet paper wedding dress design game. I figured I had a leg up since I was actually there when she picked hers out... just not the same with tp. By the time things were wrapping up with the party, Enzo was finished and ready to nurse and have a nap so we headed on home. Congrats Kate.
Abby @ 5 years, 8 months, 23 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 8 months, 23 days
Enzo @ 11 months, 13 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 1:39 PM | Comment
July 29th 2009
Fancy Nancy Party
The other night, when Enzo and I were at the library, Ms. Mary told us about a Fancy Nancy party happening today. For those who don't know, "Fancy Nancy" is a series of books written by Jane O'Connor about Nancy who's family is very un-fancy but she herself wants to be as fancy as can be in every way. Leading up to the party the girls have been reading "Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy".
After the swim carnival we came home, had some lunch (a nice big refreshing fruit slushy Daddy made for us - Chris and I, and Enzo too, were probably all dripping with sweat by the time we finished walking home - along with some crackers and home made peanut butter) and before we knew it, it was time to get ready to go. Zoë and Abby were very happy to have some fancy new dress up to be able to wear, the dresses they were given in NJ, and accessorized as well.
We arrived at the library and the line for the party was impressive. Not only at how long it was, but at all of the fanciness. A woman in line told me that her friend had went to sign her daughter up the day before and she was told that there were ninety something kids already signed up! The party was in one of the meeting rooms of the library and before entering there was a table with name tags and the kids got to write their names with a feather pen. (Not a real one, as I found out, but literally a pen with a colorful feather taped to it.) Next they got a coursage and then got to go in to the festivities. There was a crown making station, paper jewelry table, dress up corner, coloring pages, nail painting area, pin the plume on the hat (whatever the fancy word for hat is), and a reading corner. Can you guess what the girls chose first? Yes, nail painting. There was only one girl that was actually painting nails, but there were two tables set up and moms were painting their daughters nails. I, however, had to make my children wait in line because Enzo was not cooperating with getting to sleep. They prefered someone else doing it anyway I think. They made crowns next, Zoë spent a lot of time making her crown quite fancy, and then found Anna Claire and talked to her. They were coloring a Fancy Nancy sheet, when the pin the feather on the hat - you fill in fancy equivalent - game began. However, just when it was going to be Zoë's turn, the announcement was made that the parade would begin.
Everyone lined up, and it wasn't just little girls, there were a few boys and their outfits were great, and then began with walking through the library. After winding around, everyone went outside and around the library, past the courtyard, and back inside to the café. Parfaits were handed out to the kids, many taking them outside, and then lemonade was passed out. We sat inside in the a.c., Enzo and I had had enough heat for one day. The girls chose pink lemonade when the choice was given, and there ended up being extra of the lemonade so Mommy got some too. That ended the party and then it was time for Zoë and Abby to get their exhausted Mommy back home. On the way Zoë said, "That was so much fun Mommy, thank you for bringing us!" Yup, though I was worn out and Enzo was itching to crawl around, it was all worth it.
After the swim carnival we came home, had some lunch (a nice big refreshing fruit slushy Daddy made for us - Chris and I, and Enzo too, were probably all dripping with sweat by the time we finished walking home - along with some crackers and home made peanut butter) and before we knew it, it was time to get ready to go. Zoë and Abby were very happy to have some fancy new dress up to be able to wear, the dresses they were given in NJ, and accessorized as well.
We arrived at the library and the line for the party was impressive. Not only at how long it was, but at all of the fanciness. A woman in line told me that her friend had went to sign her daughter up the day before and she was told that there were ninety something kids already signed up! The party was in one of the meeting rooms of the library and before entering there was a table with name tags and the kids got to write their names with a feather pen. (Not a real one, as I found out, but literally a pen with a colorful feather taped to it.) Next they got a coursage and then got to go in to the festivities. There was a crown making station, paper jewelry table, dress up corner, coloring pages, nail painting area, pin the plume on the hat (whatever the fancy word for hat is), and a reading corner. Can you guess what the girls chose first? Yes, nail painting. There was only one girl that was actually painting nails, but there were two tables set up and moms were painting their daughters nails. I, however, had to make my children wait in line because Enzo was not cooperating with getting to sleep. They prefered someone else doing it anyway I think. They made crowns next, Zoë spent a lot of time making her crown quite fancy, and then found Anna Claire and talked to her. They were coloring a Fancy Nancy sheet, when the pin the feather on the hat - you fill in fancy equivalent - game began. However, just when it was going to be Zoë's turn, the announcement was made that the parade would begin.
Everyone lined up, and it wasn't just little girls, there were a few boys and their outfits were great, and then began with walking through the library. After winding around, everyone went outside and around the library, past the courtyard, and back inside to the café. Parfaits were handed out to the kids, many taking them outside, and then lemonade was passed out. We sat inside in the a.c., Enzo and I had had enough heat for one day. The girls chose pink lemonade when the choice was given, and there ended up being extra of the lemonade so Mommy got some too. That ended the party and then it was time for Zoë and Abby to get their exhausted Mommy back home. On the way Zoë said, "That was so much fun Mommy, thank you for bringing us!" Yup, though I was worn out and Enzo was itching to crawl around, it was all worth it.
Abby @ 5 years, 7 months, 14 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 7 months, 14 days
Enzo @ 10 months, 5 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 4:43 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
My goodness, I never heard of " Fancy Nancy" but that party sounded like so much fun!! So many things to do!!
June 14th 2009
Children's Day at Church
Zoë and Abby have been practicing and looking forward to doing the children's day service at church today. They performed a couple of songs and a skit with all of the kids and then they did two songs with the kids choir. The theme was 'breakfast on the beach' and we were all encouraged to wear beach themed attire. Unfortunately it was cold and rainy outside, so the girls layered a long sleeve under their beach tank tops form João Pessoa and wore sun hats. Afterwards their was a cook-out, which of course had to be a cook-in, for lunch. After Zoë and Abby got some play time with their friends, we headed home to get some rest.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 20 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 12:45 PM | Comment
April 4th 2009
Gracie's Diner Re-Visit
Zoë and Abby have been talking about going back to eat at Gracie's diner, sitting at the counter having just pancakes, since the last time we ate there. Tonight we finally gave in and went to have dinner there. Before we even got there both of the girls knew what they were going to have and stuck to it... Zoë got a chocolate chip pancake and Abby got a strawberry one. They also were excited to try out some of those little smucker's jelly packets on the toast that came with Daddy's meal (meatloaf and eggs with home fries). When Abby tried the orange marmalade she said, "This is the best ever!" I got the veggie breakfast burrito, which came with home fries, and a pancake on the side. Unfortunately I ended up not being as hungry as I thought I was so most of my meal went in a take home container and Abby was so funny. She insisted that Chris put her toast in that she couldn't finish... all two bites, because she loved that orange marmalade jelly so much.
Abby @ 5 years, 3 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 3 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 6 months, 10 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 6:44 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
what a nice dinner. the meat loaf dinner with eggs and homefries sounds yummy. My favorite jelly is orange marmalade also. Papa Norm said raspberry preserves is the best ever.
January 5th 2009
Treaters
Zoë and Abby treated us to lunch today before Enzo's shots. Nonna had given them both McDonald's cards for Christmas. Abby ordered first and then swiped her own card and Zoë went second, having me order for her, and got to swipe her own card too.
Abby @ 5 years, 21 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 21 days
Enzo @ 3 months, 11 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 1:00 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Bravo Girls!! So glad you are sharing with mom and dad!
December 18th 2008
More Celebrating
The girls and I went to children's orchard, where they each got $5 to spend in the store. They pooled their money together and got a little people castle that came with a king a queen, two chairs, and a dragon. Next we went over to Coldstone for their free kids 'create your own' ice cream. We parked around by the movie theater and walked over, only to find that they were closed and didn't open 'till noon. I knew it wasn't too far from noon so we went into the kitchen store next door, where I could put Enzo's car seat in a cart. We walked around, checking things out and 'oohing' and 'aahing' over many different things. Finally it was time to go back over to coldstone. Both of the girls tried a few flavors before deciding. Abby chose raspberry sherbert with mini chocolate chips as her mix in. Zoë chose dark chocolate peppermint with reese's pieces as her mix in. They were both really happy with their choices, and traded part of the way through, but then decided that they wanted to trade back. Daddy had some really yummy creamy carrot and ginger soup waiting for us when we arrived back home.
Abby @ 5 years, 3 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 3 days
Enzo @ 2 months, 24 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 1:01 PM | Comment
December 15th 2008
Day After Birthday Fun
We went to Toys R Us with Grampy this afternoon. We did the same thing last year, where the girls went around and saw things that really caught their fancies, and that's how they ended up with the play kitchen they still use so much today. The girls tried out scooters, which they thought were really cool but couldn't quite steer. And when they were told that they'd have to wait until Spring to use them, Zoë declared that they better go look at polly pockets. Those and Barbie's and tinkerbell stuff. They were a little overwhelmed so all that they ended up getting today, with their gift cards from Nonna, was one thing each. Abby bought travel size game of 'trouble' and Zoë bought the game 'sorry'. The whole time we walked around the store, the girls tried to make sure their balloons were high enough so that everyone could see they were birthday girls.
We went right over to I.H.O.P. from there and were waited on by the same girl we usually get. She saw Abby and Zoë's birthday crowns and told them that they got to get free ice cream sundaes after their meal. They ordered their own rooty jr.'s, Zoë with blueberries and Abby with strawberries and chowed down, then tried some of Chris' food, some of my omelette and pancakes, as well as a bite of Grampy's, before eating their ice cream. They did offer to share bites of their ice creams, Zoë got vanilla ice cream for her sundae and Abby got chocolate. They had a really great time and told us all about it as they were naming their five favorite things about today at bed time.
We went right over to I.H.O.P. from there and were waited on by the same girl we usually get. She saw Abby and Zoë's birthday crowns and told them that they got to get free ice cream sundaes after their meal. They ordered their own rooty jr.'s, Zoë with blueberries and Abby with strawberries and chowed down, then tried some of Chris' food, some of my omelette and pancakes, as well as a bite of Grampy's, before eating their ice cream. They did offer to share bites of their ice creams, Zoë got vanilla ice cream for her sundae and Abby got chocolate. They had a really great time and told us all about it as they were naming their five favorite things about today at bed time.
Abby @ 5 years, 1 day
Zoë @ 5 years, 1 day
Enzo @ 2 months, 22 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 8:17 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Another wonderful day...you have so many exciting days in December.
Another wonderful day...you have so many exciting days in December.
December 14th 2008
Zoë and Abby Turn FIVE
Five seems like such a big one, or maybe it's just because I'm their mother. Zoë was walking around this morning, measuring herself to everything, now that she's five she's taller than many things in the kitchen. Zoë was downstairs first this morning (besides Enzo and I of course) and was quite excited to see the gifts all set up. I had to remind her a few times to stay away from them until Abby and Daddy came down. Zoë kept trying to listen upstairs to hear if anyone had woken up yet. Abby came down next, but Daddy was still sleeping. Finally, once the girls had apparently just had enough of waiting, Daddy got a little help waking up.
Church was canceled this morning, due to lack of power, so we had plenty of time to just hang out and open the gifts after breakfast. When I put the cereal choices and bowls out on the table Abby said to me, "I thought I would get a birthday breakfast". What she didn't know is that she will...tomorrow... for dinner. The girls opened gifts from Nonna, Auntie Elizabeth, Becky and Ken, 'Emmy the Great' (Great Grandma Ehlers), and Mommy and Daddy. I'm not sure that many other five year olds would be as excited to get clothes as our girls are. Zoë just had to put on her butterfly shirt from Auntie Elizabeth and asked how it looked with her feetsie jammies. After this both girls stripped down to model their fancy black skirts from Nonna. They were really excited about their Hello Kitty wallets from Becky and Ken and had to get them set with their dollar bills as well as their birthday toys r us gift cards from Nonna. The girls had barely unwrapped the Funky Monkeys game from Auntie Elizabeth before they began to ask over and over when we'd play it. The same with the ABC bead set from Chris and I, and the baking bag, oh the baking bag. They were all over that with all of the cookie decorating choices and fancy things like a shaker of breakfast sugar, as well as the Christmas cookies cookbook.
Later on, while Enzo napped, the girls and I set to work doing some bracelets. The girls had tons of ideas for what they wanted to do. They both decided to start a name charm bracelet first. Abby was the first to get started but had to pause with tired hands. Zoë worked quietly and patiently and hers turned out great, with no input at all from the rest of us, only her name is spelled backwards, but she's a first timer so what do you expect, besides she hasn't seemed to notice. Daddy even got in on the bracelet making action. Abby and Zoë both decided that next they're going to make 'twin sister' necklaces. Zoë had had the idea (because we saw an example of best friends bracelets on the back of the box) of one of them doing a necklace the read 'twin' and the other to say 'sisters' but then they'd both want to wear the one that said 'twin'. Grampy, Uncloe Corey, Auntie Reanna and Elijah all showed up as we were finishing the bracelets and we played a game of Funky Monkey's. After this it was snack time so Auntie went into the kitchen to see if there was anything she could find for snack. Abby and Zoë were surprised when she came back in with a home made chocolate cake, lit with candles. The girls blew out the candles together and they even got to scoop their own ice cream.
The family left around 5:00p.m., but the girls weren't too upset, because they got to go get ready for their bubble bath with special bath bubbles. They both watched intently as I got the bath ready and kept wondering if it it was time to get in. They had a blast with the bubble bath, which they got to float around in for a while before getting rinsed off and heading downstairs for some food.
Church was canceled this morning, due to lack of power, so we had plenty of time to just hang out and open the gifts after breakfast. When I put the cereal choices and bowls out on the table Abby said to me, "I thought I would get a birthday breakfast". What she didn't know is that she will...tomorrow... for dinner. The girls opened gifts from Nonna, Auntie Elizabeth, Becky and Ken, 'Emmy the Great' (Great Grandma Ehlers), and Mommy and Daddy. I'm not sure that many other five year olds would be as excited to get clothes as our girls are. Zoë just had to put on her butterfly shirt from Auntie Elizabeth and asked how it looked with her feetsie jammies. After this both girls stripped down to model their fancy black skirts from Nonna. They were really excited about their Hello Kitty wallets from Becky and Ken and had to get them set with their dollar bills as well as their birthday toys r us gift cards from Nonna. The girls had barely unwrapped the Funky Monkeys game from Auntie Elizabeth before they began to ask over and over when we'd play it. The same with the ABC bead set from Chris and I, and the baking bag, oh the baking bag. They were all over that with all of the cookie decorating choices and fancy things like a shaker of breakfast sugar, as well as the Christmas cookies cookbook.
Later on, while Enzo napped, the girls and I set to work doing some bracelets. The girls had tons of ideas for what they wanted to do. They both decided to start a name charm bracelet first. Abby was the first to get started but had to pause with tired hands. Zoë worked quietly and patiently and hers turned out great, with no input at all from the rest of us, only her name is spelled backwards, but she's a first timer so what do you expect, besides she hasn't seemed to notice. Daddy even got in on the bracelet making action. Abby and Zoë both decided that next they're going to make 'twin sister' necklaces. Zoë had had the idea (because we saw an example of best friends bracelets on the back of the box) of one of them doing a necklace the read 'twin' and the other to say 'sisters' but then they'd both want to wear the one that said 'twin'. Grampy, Uncloe Corey, Auntie Reanna and Elijah all showed up as we were finishing the bracelets and we played a game of Funky Monkey's. After this it was snack time so Auntie went into the kitchen to see if there was anything she could find for snack. Abby and Zoë were surprised when she came back in with a home made chocolate cake, lit with candles. The girls blew out the candles together and they even got to scoop their own ice cream.
The family left around 5:00p.m., but the girls weren't too upset, because they got to go get ready for their bubble bath with special bath bubbles. They both watched intently as I got the bath ready and kept wondering if it it was time to get in. They had a blast with the bubble bath, which they got to float around in for a while before getting rinsed off and heading downstairs for some food.
Abby @ 5 years
Zoë @ 5 years
Enzo @ 2 months, 21 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 7:02 PM | Comment
