All Gone.

Tucker-Buddy's first haircut!  BEFORE...

and AFTER...

Have to share a sweet little story.  EA & I were telling Tucker how we loved his new haircut and that he looked so handsome... and EA says, "he should be in a wedding with his new haircut!!"  Her little mind cracks me up, its all across the board... one minute 'Hello Kitty', one minute 'Power Ranger Samuri', and the next 'SugarPlum Fairy Princess'!  So glad my "TomGirl" has a great imagination!!

what clothes??

Pretty much any day of the week, at some point during the day, you can find Elsie Anne outside in her PANTIES, body finger painting!!  We try getting a bathing suit on her, but sometimes she's just not having it:)

Her favorite part is washing it all off in the hose!!  She's already learned how to beat the Florida heat:)  Many days, I'm not far behind her... in my BATHING SUIT of course!!

STRIDER Balance Bike!

This time, last summer, while we were at the Mountain Bike Nationals in Granby, we saw this little boy on a 'Balance Bike'... his dad told us he had just turned 2 and he was obsessed with this thing!  We couldn't believe our eyes at what this miniature person was doing!!  We decided we'd HAVE to get one for Elsie Anne when the time comes!!

Well, that time came in FULL FORCE, when her friend Lilly got one for her birthday!  Lilly didn't want anything to do with it at her party, so EA hopped on & rode all around the neighborhood!  Then a few days later, we played at Henry's house & he had just gotten one... thank goodness he also had a scooter that he was more interested in, because once EA got a hold of his bike, there was NO turn taking!  She absolutely melted into a puddle when I forced her off the bike to let Henry ride it - H saw the trauma it caused & quickly returned it to her:)  Our little buddy is such a LOVER!!

We had one more experience like the previous story & came to the conclusion: this purchase can NOT wait until we move to Florida, we have to get her a Balance Bike of her own, before she takes one of her friends' bikes home:)

We found a great deal at a Bike Shop in town, and she RODE out of the store with HER OWN STRIDER!!  She didN't get off that bike until an hour & a half later, when we were both starving for lunch!  She rode all around town... on the sidewalks, over the river on bridges, in the bumpy gravel parking lots, on the handicap ramps, up & down the curbs, in all the pot holes we could find...

She was a natural... I couldn't believe that MY 2YR OLD was doing the same thing the boy in Granby had done!!  This is in the first 5min of purchasing her STRIDER - up a steep hill on the bike path:)

I had to PROMISE her, to get her to nap, that we would go to the Bike Track when Daddy got home... and that is just what we did - packed up a bucket of beer, her bike & we were off!!

So proud of herself and the independence she has on her own Strider Bike!!

This video is her 3rd lap on the 'whoops' in the track!  She blows our mind with the control she has at all times!!

Yes, We should be a spokeswomen for this product!  We think every child should have one:)

Daddy's Turn!

Stunt-Master, Dare-Devil, Adrenalin Junky... explains Elsie Anne & Shawn's personalities to a 'T'!!  That's why, when I take her on a wagon ride, she says, "Splash in Watuu Momma - In da Big Bumps Momma - Climb da Hill Momma" I reply, "Daddy will be home soon & he'll be crazy with you!"  Her response to that, "Lets Go Home and Play!"  That's right, my wagon rides are just not cool enough!!

Just a little glimpse...

They also go 'off-roading' in the ditch, which is 4in deep in water!!!  Just not my style:)

Harmonica!!

If you follow this blog, you know that Elsie Anne only had ONE paci to 'out-grow'!  Well, last night was the night - she walked into her room after brushing her teeth and found this...

She was a little weary of being excited this time, since she knew it was her last one, but she conjured up a big smile and did a happy dance!!  We promised her that after church in the morning we would make a special trip to 'Peek-A-Boo Toy Store' and she could choose a Big Kid toy!!

This is what she chose... a Harmonica, just like her Great-GrandDaddy plays!!

Practicing a tune for GrandDaddy!



Caught One!!

Elsie Anne saw this picture of Big Daddy, Tullen, and Thatcher fishing...

...and decided she had to "catch some fish" like her cousins!  She was able to catch a "SNOW FISH!!"

I keep promising her there will be a day when SHE will get to go fishing on a BOAT with them:)

Too Big...

...FOR HER 'PACI'!! 

I had been racking my brain for the last few weeks, on how to get rid of Elsie Anne's paci, in a way she would understand, and not have anxiety about it!  One night, as I lay awake in bed, it dawned on me that she needed to 'grow out of it'! 

The next morning I showed her all the bags of clothes she had 'outgrown'.  The whole day we talked about what she did as a baby, and how she has grown and changed into a big girl!  This was the lead-in, haha!  After her nap, I slyly snipped off the end of two of her pacis (she has 4 in her crib, that never leave her room, & one in her car seat!)  While we played in her room later, I let her discover them on her own.  She turned around and said, "Uh-Oh Momma, my paci's boken?!!"  I made a huge production and told her, "no Princess, its not broken, you've outgrown it!  It doesn't fit you anymore, just like your clothes when you were a baby!"  She started jumping around and squealing, she was so excited!  It was all she could do to wait for Daddy to get home and tell him!

This is EA after she had 'outgrown' three crib pacis AND her car paci!!!  This is the only ONE she has to outgrow & then she gets to pick out a BIG GIRL toy!!  Can you see the complete excitement & true pride in this child's smile! 

Shawn made sure to take a few 'paci pics' since we don't have very many of them.  Of course, Momma & Daddy are a little sentimental because it just shows us how big our Little Love is getting:)  She now gets such a kick out of telling people "I out-go my pacis! I a big kid!!"

We are so happy and proud of you Elsie Anne!  We love that you truly enjoy learning and growing, and can't wait to see your changes in the next 6 months:)

Just Dreaming...

...of Flip-Flops & Outdoor Pools!!
Until then, freezing cold toes, in new pairs of flip-flops...

...sidewalk chalk next to piles of snow...

...and indoor pool parties with friends...

...will have to do!!  I'm not complaining, just dreaming:)  I love my life!!

Haircut!!

I've given Elsie Anne a few trims myself, but she's never been to the 'Salon'!!  I thought it was fitting for her to come with me this time, since we were going to her Aunt Dana's wedding the following weekend!

She was absolutely incredible as she sat completely still, watched what 'Ms.Robyn' was doing in the mirror, played with the pink comb, and sucked on her lollipop!! 

Her first 'blow-dry' was hilarious!  She didn't know what to think - I'm sure she would have told me to stop, but she let Ms.Robyn keep on going! 

The result... a perfect little 'bob-cut'!  She was really proud to show it off:)

Wishing...

...and Hoping, and Praying...for Spring!  Dressed in her favorite new dress, Elsie Anne put on a show for the entire restaraunt us, with her spins, hops & twinkle toes:)  The snow is melting, but we still have a month left of snowy conditions!

I love this child's 'mane' of hair!!

Super Girl!!!

..."No, I Supuu Boooyyy!"  Yes, my Princess likes to pretend to be a BOY - just like her best buddy Henry!!  And this is what I caught her doing, all on her own, as we were getting ready to go outside!!

Jumping off the step & flying into the Mud Room!

Adeline doesn't know what to think of this crazy girl!!

Oh, my girl never ceases to amaze me:)

Radio Flyer!

GeeGee and Papa (in-laws) got Elsie Anne this awesome Radio Flyer Wagon!!  Until now, its been in the box, in our mud room, just waiting for the snow to melt!  EA had been giving the children on the box high-fives for a month, and been talking about, "wiide in wagon with Adiiline"!  The snow is nowhere close to being all gone, but we decided it was time for Daddy to build the wagon!

When the girls woke up from their naps (I nanny a little girl 2mo younger than EA) yesterday, they got to help with the screws, screw-driver, wheels, etc, until it was time to take it for a spin!!

They both love looking over the railings at the wheels...which prompted our new song!!  "The wheels on the wagon go 'round and 'round - all through the neighborhood!  The girls in the wagon go bumpety, bump - all through the neighborhood!"  They absolutely LOVE everything about the WAGON!!

Of course, Shawn had to show EA and Adeline they could go 'off-roading' since the wheels are so big!  Elsie Anne saw a big truck drive by and said, "dat tuuck has big weeels, liike my wagon!!!"  Her comparisons are always so funny!  She also busted out with "dats simiilar" the other day, and I about died.  She is really picking up on EVERYTHING we say these days!

And EA had to try her hand at "puull my waagon in paaking lott!"  Thankfully during mid-morning our parking lot is not busy!  She went up and down, back and forth, and even on some of the narrow pathways!  In this pic, the girls are talking about their pockets!

After many rides around our neighborhood, the girls hung out with Shawn on the patio and had their snack!  As you can see, if you venture too far off the beatin' path, there is mud and slush everywhere.  We're happy this part of our 'yard' gets a lot of sun-light, because right behind me (from where I'm taking the pic), its still 3ft deep in snow!

Thank you GeeGee and Papa for another wonderful gift!  We can already tell it will be well-used this summer, and for years after!!

Mani/Pedi!

Okay, Elsie Anne may be a little sheltered - really its just because I don't pamper myself enough - but this is her very first manicure and pedicure!  And OH, how she enjoyed the entire process - including learning the NEW WORDS!!

She felt like such a BIG GIRL & sat perfectly still the whole time:)

Memoo chose the perfect color for the Spring, 'Lacey Lilac,' or "look my puuple polish!" as Missy Moo will tell anyone that listens!

Is she PROUD, or what?!!  Its amazing to witness the THRILL of a Prissy Princess turning the page to a whole new Chapter of Sassyness.

The finished product!  EA says "polish match my jammies!" :)  Everything is about comparing & matching at the moment:)

I think Memoo has STARTED something:)  I guess I should start practicing my brush strokes!!  I mean, she's only been 2 for three weeks, but it seems like a lifetime ago that EA was in diapers & toddling around - she is a full-blown KID!!  While Daddy read her books & put her down, EA told him, "I big kid Daddy!"

Ballerina Banchee:)

Since the day she turned 2, Elsie Anne has decided she needs her "Ballewina Tutu on me wight NOW!"  And we have to make sure she says it politely, so she corrects herself and says, "Ballewina Tutu wight now PLEASE!"  Thank goodness this little monkey KNOWS good manners, because she can be pretty demanding these days! 

This is her 'wind-up' for a big PIROUETTE!!  She can spin 360*, sometimes further around, on one leg - and she loves the applause from the 'audience'!!

She is doing her arms just like her Ballerina Jammies!

No, the pants & top do not match, but that's what she chose with Daddy - so he went with it:)  Missy Moo has a definite MIND OF HER OWN!

Hello Kitty Birthday Party!

Elsie Anne's friend, Carter, was the first to arrive!  This is not that great of a picture, but I wanted to show the Birthday Girl's rockin' outfit!!  She is in love with her new "cowgirl booooots!" from Target Clearance rack - you can't beat $7 boots!

We had my super talented friend, Fara, make the 'Hello Kitty' cake & GeeGee made the cupcakes:)  This is about half of EA's friends that came - the rest were sledding!  Oh, EA blew her candles out at the perfect timing & with no hassle!!

Our friend, Emily, who does all our professional pictures (including our wedding) was at the party snapping away!  I hired her last year for EA's birthday & felt so relaxed knowing I didn't have to document the party, so I had to have that security again:)  I snapped a few so I could BLOG!!

An exhausted EA showing her three TWO fingers!!

Godzilla Bubble Blower was a hit outside w/ the Dads!! 

I wasn't really planning on opening gifts, but EA's big-kid friends insisted!!  Elsie Anne did a fabulous job, and hugged & thanked her friends after every gift!!  Not sure where she ran off to in this pic?

Friends said good-bye & EA was spent!!  She fell asleep right as Daddy put her in the carseat! 

Once Carter Park Pavillion was cleaned up, we went straight to 'Northside Pizza' for some beers, college basket ball games, & early dinner:)  Shawn & his Momma - perfect lighting!!

I was getting some Birthday Girl cuddles!  Not quite sure what this silly face is all about - probably Daddy said smile & she did the opposite - EA's a real jokester like that!!  As I got my 'love' from the perfect Angel that she is, I was thinking of the birthday party, all our wonderful friends, the great kiddy moments I witnessed, & thought how truly blessed we are!  I loved every minute of our day - stressful times & all!!

We are having a hard time believing this day has come & gone, and now we have a 2 YEAR OLD?!  It's the one thing that everyone tells you & is SO TRUE... "Soak it all in, because it goes by so fast!"

TWO!

We have been so lucky to have GeeGee (Shawn's Mom) in town for Elsie Anne's 2ND BIRTHDAY!  We had a super chill birthday morning & opened a few of EA's presents. Princess EA with her loving Daddy:)

When our tummies started growling, we had Birthday Brunch @ Columbine Cafe (which I forgot to bring my camera, such a bad momma). Elsie Anne decided she LOVED GeeGee's cheesey scrambled eggs - one of the only things she's never liked - and devoured them! After our bellies were stuffed, we walked around town a bit, and went home for some well-needed rest!

We all woke up perky & excited for our Horse & Carriage Ride in Downtown Breckenridge!  We opened a few more presents, then hit the road!  This is Zane (the driver), telling EA about 'Bess' & 'Spike' the horses!

Loading up!!  Good thing the Carriage is covered because it started snowing on our ride!

I LOVE this shot of all of us! 

"Bye-Bye Bess. Thank you for RIIIDE!"  EA loved about 15min of the ride, so the last 5min we had to keep her entertained!  Once we were done, Zane tried to get EA to sit on 'Bess' but she was not having it!  This was as close as she wanted to get.  She did feed both horses an apple slice & giggled, saying "it tickle me Momma!" 

From there, we walked across the street to the Breckenridge History Museum - closest potty - and then on to "Snow Park Time!!!", which is what kept EA happy those last 5min of the Carriage Ride:)Can't pass up a good slushy puddle!  Oh how I dread 'Mud Season' and ALL its MESSYNESS!!

Even though the Downtown Riverwalk Park is a good 4 feet under snow, EA still enjoys climbing the snow hills & making her own slide down:)  You've got to love the working mind of a toddler!!

We had a delicious early dinner @ The Dredge - an old stomping ground of Shawn & mine, and also where we hosted our Rehearsal Dinner!  It was nice to have the place to ourselves!!  EA danced around the table to some good Classic Rock tunes, played all the games, and climbed up & down the steps for "POTTY TIME!" 

It was such a memorable day for all of us - ELSIE ANNE'S second birthday was perfect in every way:)