My "Super Beast"

A few weeks ago, we re-joined Little Gym Class!  Olivia was thrilled to be going back to her weekly "Beasts" class - the age group where Mommy participates with child.  Last week, our beloved teacher, Ms. Tammy thought that we should try to move up to "Super Beast" level - the age group where Mommy sits outside the gym and watches!  YAY!!

Today was our first "Super Beast" class and O did a fantastic job listening to Ms. Tammy and observing other big kids at following instruction and taking turns!

A few of the pics have pretty good reflection - but, hey! I wasn't allowed in!

 Singing the intro song!

 Going one by one to the balance beam and walking over bean bags!

 My Super Beast turned to make sure I was watching a few times and with a quick wave was back on track!

 She probably was most challenged as Ms. Tammy had all the kids sit on the wall and wait to be called by name to come get the hula hoops!

The line is something to get used to! She did such a good job!

I may or may not have had a few (SMALL!) tears watching her first Super Beast class!

My girl is growing up!

Big Girl Room Remodel

Once we began trying to determine how to decorate Baby Bro's Room, I knew I needed to kick it in gear and complete Big Girl's Room!  I love how it all came together at the same time she moved to her Big Girl Bed!  (The talks about sharing the crib with Brother weren't going over well!)  And the new decor made her feel like a true BIG GIRL!

The room all began with the bedspread (an early bday gift from Nonna!) that is folded at the foot of the bed.. from there I knew we wanted to incorporate several bright colors to add a bit more "girl" to her soft blue walls (which we painted upon moving into the house.)

 I found the paper lanterns online (at a fraction of the price I've seen in stores) and we love them!  She had seen lanterns in the movie, "Tangled" and talks about her lanterns quite a lot :)

The fabric circles on the wall were a Pinterest project.. and we made it a full family affair to go to Hobby Lobby and find colorful fabric that pulled colors from the bedspread.  Very simple to make!

The perfect, final touch was the hanging fabric butterfly (on sale at PBK!)

It's special to me that the bedroom furniture (minus the bookcase purchased in Shanghai) was mine growing up!  So rather than purchase a kid-sized bed, the little queen princess gets to enjoy lots of wiggle room!  

Video - 2 years old!

Wanted to share a video I created .... Dec 2011 - June 2012

File was too big to send to my sister.. so thought everyone might enjoy :)

This girl...

she makes Mommy's heart so happy....

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...