These days..

Olivia reminded me yesterday that it had been far too long since our last blog update.. and we decided that she might be the only remaining follower... but here goes!  The days have gone by quickly..

Sometimes a friend just needs a push...

Sometimes days are crazy and overwhelming!

Other days are so easy-goin we just color.. most the time on paper.. 

Sometimes we act goofy!

And wake up late!

Sometimes we feel like Olympians!

Or Artists!

Sometimes we feel so happy!

Other times we just put on a "smiley" face!

And try new things, like pig-tails.. 

Sometimes we play all day...

And remember what's important.. 

Time together!

And other moments fade.. 

 We are thankful... for more joy to come!

Missing Sweet Owen Boy

This past week, Olivia and I have really been missing Owen!  Owen and Olivia were destined to be best buds.. Both being born in Shanghai... Living next door to one another.. and playing practically daily!  I was there when Owen was born.. and Owen's mommy was there when Olivia was born.. He's had a special place in our hearts since day one, and other than my own baby, he's felt as precious to me as anyone else's baby possibly could.  

I was looking back at some old photos, and I laughed seeing my belly grow along with Owen.  He and I spent a lot of time laying around and napping together during my pregnancy days!  Such a great cuddle buddy.. 

Owen, we can't wait to see you this summer and hug you tight!

We'll never forget our Shanghai days together!  Hope to have many more fun-filled Olivia and Owen memories!!

Photo Friday!

We bought this big girl some "big girl" panties.  I think she might be ready!

Fun outdoor dinner date!

Sweet LegoLand cup from Olivia's buddies - Alex, William and Matthew!

Easter Sunday.. She has Grandpa (PaPa) wrapped around her little finger :)

(As I typed that, I wondered who doesn't she have wrapped around her fingers??!)

So sweet watching them play outside together!

More fun adventures with Nonna..

Hot afternoon play date with popsicles!

Gardner for hire.

(The one with the green gloves.. ha ha)

Beautiful evenings in the backyard... 

Birthday Party and more..

I like to call this pic, "Where my friends at? Mom, where my friends at?"

(In my head it's to the tune of the Swagger Wagon commercial on youtube.. )

If you haven't seen that, you should.  It is hilarious.  At least to mom's who drive mini-vans. 

(That will be another post..)

Here is another ... "Uh, did we invite friends to my party!?"  "Let's get this party started!"

Cute cake!

Kids coloring table!

                                      

The one family pic that wasn't extremely blurry!

The birthday party was an overall major success considering that 13 kids under the age of 4 attended!  Mostly due to the fact that all my friends are great parents and have great kids!

The theme was Veggie Tales.. and sadly, I don't have many more pics than what I posted above to show for the day :(  

NOTE TO SELF:  Next party, hire a photographer!  HA.  Or, specifically sweet talk a friend or relative before hand into being a dedicated photographer.. 

NOTE TO SELF:  make sure the aforementioned friend or relative has used a camera before and can focus the lens.. 

(I'm a bit sad that we don't have too many pics to show for her special day.. Oh well)

 After the party, Olivia enjoyed Nonna and Granddad's pool!  Well, the hot tub!  We heated it up to about 93 degrees and it was perfect for an evening swim!

 Here are some pics of the rest of our week!  I am trying to just whip out the camera any time I think of it!

Olivia LOVES to help her Nonna in the yard!

 Those outdoor spot lights look thirsty!

Love her cute watering stance!

Her reaction when I asked her to pose for me! Stinker!

We've come to terms that our backyard is more of a kid's play-place than adult oasis :)

New favorite thing = spotting the moon!

Raise the Roof!

Cute girl heading out the door for church!  This was a pic of Yaya showing off her new 'pretty' shoes!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!!

My TINY BABY is 2!!!!!!!!! 

It was a wonderful day!  Daddy was off work and the three of us celebrated all afternoon together!

Kicked off the afternoon festivities with a trip to Freddie's Frozen Custard! YUM!

 Oh the choices... She's 2!  She can order alone, right?! 

This big girl had her VERY OWN custard!  With sprinkle confetti and fudge!!

Quick attempt at a family shot... then realized we were all dressed oh-so-cute!  HA

I've always been about comfort over fashion.. :)

Had to take a trip to Walmart for more balloons (we are busy decorating for the her big party tomorrow) and how can we take a birthday girl to Walmart without getting a new toy.. or three? 

After contemplating over Donald Duck stuffed toy, a nerf ball, and a few other randoms, she wouldn't let her grip off this keyboard!  I saw these cute lawn chairs and asked her to try it out!  She agreed, IF she could practice her piano skills... 

After buying the keyboard for the bday girl.. plus that cute lawn chair.. plus a new big backyard ball.. we headed to the park...

Pointing out some "tweets".. birds

Slidin' with Daddy.. 

 Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Thankful for these two amazing years she has brightened our days.. and sometimes our nights too.. 

Looking forward to many many more laughs and cuddles from this cutie pie.

Oh - and Chrissy, if you read the blog.. I hope you spotted her shirt!  Daddy dressed her today.. and although it didn't quite meet up to my "cutest ever birthday outfit", when I saw it was this shirt, we left it on :)  Miss you and our Shanghai gang.. lots!