One Lovely Blog Award

I was pleasantly surprised when I was moderating my blog comments and saw that Marcelle from Making Babies nominated me for a blog award.

The rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award" are:
Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

1) ACU's, Stiletto Shoes and Pretty Pink Tutus

2) Baby Baby

3) The Wasem Family

4) It's All About Me

5) Just the Beginning...

6) La Jolla Mom

7) On my way to Barnes and Noble

8) Hot Belly Mama

9) Native American Momma

10) It's My Life

11) Crayons In My Dryer

12) Are we nearly there yet mummy?

13) Be Different...Act Normal

14) Emily's Mommy

15) Momma's Little Helper

Thanks again Marcelle!

Tiger's Scrapbook and Slideshow

While I was crying in the basement, Dave and Kaitlynn were hugging me. Kaitlynn wanted to know what I was crying about, so I let her see Tiger's body. We told her that Tiger went night-night for good and that he was in heaven. Later we told her that he was in heaven with PawPaw Dado.
Dave put Tiger's body in a box so we could take him to the vet. Kaitlynn wanted to see him one last time.
We took Tiger's body to the vet. We are having him cremated and will get his ashes in about 2 weeks. Leaving his body in a box on the counter at the vet was such a hard thing to do.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Best Cat Ever

On Sunday afternoon, Dave and Kaitlynn went downstairs to feed the cats because Pumpkin kept crying at me. He came back upstairs and said that Tiger was laying in the basement by the litter pans and it didn't look good. I went downstairs and he was dead. I just dropped to my knees and started crying. I couldn't believe it. A few days ago, when MawMaw was over, she said she was worried about how skinny he had gotten. I told her that Dave thought Tiger was using the bathroom upstairs instead of in the litter box. She said she thought we should have him put to sleep. I told her that I didn't want to be the one to make that decision. I told her that I wished if it was time for him to go, he would go on his own. Well he did. But it didn't make it any easier.

I got Tiger 20 years ago at The Best of Nature on Watson Road. It was a plant shop and for some reason they also had kittens for sale. I cried and begged my dad for this little grey and black striped kitten. I promised I would take care of him. We bought him for $5. It was the best $5 ever spent. I got the most loyal pet ever. He was such a good cat from the start. He loved taking naps with me or my mom. He was such a good best friend to me. I know to some people that sounds crazy, but he was a good friend. He would listen to me rant about things or rave about things. He always showed me unconditional love. He was always there for me. I wish that everyone could experience a pet like him.

We celebrated his birthday on June 13th. We don't really know when he was born, but that was a day we designated for his day. He turned 20 this year. He will be missed so much.

The Zoo Again

Saturday, we had several things planned, but had to cancel all of them. I didn't sleep well Friday night and was sick on Saturday. For those that know me IRL, you know the real deal. Dave took Kaitlynn out, so I could get some rest. They went to lunch and then to the Zoo. That's where Kaitlynn wanted to go (again).
Dave took Kaitlynn to pose under the Cardinals' All-Star arch in Forest Park.
At the Zoo, Kaitlynn rode the carousel three times. She rode the puffin the first round. She rode on the baby gorilla the second time around. Third time around, Kaitlynn got on the tiger, then decided she wanted to ride the caterpillar.
They walked through the Jungle of the Apes. Then watched the sun bears.
They went to Big Cat Country and saw the lion.
Kaitlynn fell asleep for the last half hour they were at the Zoo.
Dave and Kaitlynn said they had a great time. I love when they spend time together.

Henry Shaw and The Mighty Big Band

On Friday Kaitlynn, Olivia and I met Emily and Ella at Botanical Garden. It was Henry Shaw's birthday so they were offering free admission to the Garden, including the Children's Garden. We had a nice time, but it was just so flipping hot. Emily looks so cute with her baby bump!

That evening Kaitlynn and I met daddy at the Zoo for Jungle Boogie. We rode the train as soon as daddy arrived. We didn't want to miss it like last week.
After the train ride, Kaitlynn rode the carousel a few times. She likes riding the puffin now.
We ate dinner by the sea lions and listened to The Mighty Big Band play. They are a Blues / Jam band. They were pretty good.
We went to Historic Hill, where Kaitlynn was following these birds around. We think they were young peacocks, but not sure.
We had a fun family night at the Zoo.

The Best of the Mommy Blogger Carnival

Welcome to the Carnival. I am your host Amy at Everyday Mama Drama. Welcome to my blog if you are new and if you aren't, welcome back. Feel free to subscribe or become a follower of Everyday Mama Drama and I will return the favor.

For you Carnival virgins, this is how it's done: A carnival is a blogging event and takes place every two weeks and features recent posts from the cream of the mommy blogger community. The blogger community submits their best post from the past month to the host blogger. The host blogger compiles them for the carnival.

So let's begin with this Carnival's Best Of:
~ I am going to start with my Mini Chef's post, this was a fun event we attended at the Mills Mall for the kid's club my daughter is in.
~ Next we have Susanna, from A Modern Mother, ranting about "And another thing!"
~ Then Tracy, from Crazy Suburban Mom, making me laugh with her "Fat Elvis sighting in NJ"
~ Chloe, from Son Time Now, blogs about "Ben 10 Toys - 10 Things Every Parent Needs To Know"
~ Rachel, from Really Rachel, amuses us with "Toddler Logic"
~ Sandy, from Baby Baby, has a revelation in "Winning Friends and Influencing Little People"
~ Lastly, Josie, from Sleep Is For the Weak, blogging about "Now and Then - Part 1"

If you would like to host a future Mommy Blogger Carnival, visit A Modern Mother.

I hope you enjoyed this Mommy Blogger Carnival, found some new blogs to follow and continue to follow Everyday Mama Drama. This Mama loves comments, too!

Drace Park and Kangaroo Kids

Monday the 20th, Kaitlynn and I met Katie and Luke at Drace Park. At first, Kaitlynn didn't have much to do with Luke. She wanted to push me on the swings. Then eventually she warmed up to playing with him.
We went to the Early Childhood Center and registered for a fall class. Kaitlynn was upset that she wasn't able to stay. She started walking back to the room her classes are usually in and kept saying "class."
We went to MawMaw's so she could watch Kaitlynn for a few hours. Later Kaitlynn and I took MawMaw to a doctor's appointment. We had dinner at El Nopal.
Tuesday Kaitlynn, Olivia, and I went to Kangaroo Kids to meet Eileen, Gabe and Merci. Eileen called and said that they weren't going to be able to make it. I asked Kaitlynn if she wanted to go back home. She said no, that she wanted to play with Gabe. I had to explain to her a few times why she couldn't play with him before she stopped asking. Then she started asking about Ella.
We went home to eat lunch before the photographer from the Associated Press came over. Last week I did an interview with a lady for an article she was writing. She sent over a photographer. He photographed Kaitlynn helping with the dishes, feeding Bailey, bagging up the trash and doing artwork.
After he left, Kaitlynn started crying. She told me the photographer reminded her of PawPaw Dado. Poor baby! He did kind of resemble my dad. I just can't believe that she remembers him so well. I am so happy that she does.
After Olivia left on Wednesday, we went to MawMaw's. MawMaw went with Kaitlynn and me to the Star Studded Concert at Kangaroo Kids. Kaitlynn dressed in her "ballerina" outfit.
She walked the red carpet. The kids played, ate snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, ring pops) and drank juice. Kindermusik was there to do a session. It took Kaitlynn a few minutes to get comfortable, but then she really got into it and enjoyed it. She loves music. They played with sticks, bells and scarves.
She had a good time. Kangaroo Kids gave all the attendees a special discount off their entire purchase. MawMaw and I found some super cute things for Kaitlynn!

Botanical Garden and Mills Mall

Saturday, July 18th, we went to the Botanical Garden. They were having a Healthy You, Healthy Planet Festival.
At the Kid's Corner, Kaitlynn made some chex mix / trail mix, decorated a sock puppet and started on a bead bracelet.
We went through the Climatron and then to the Children's Garden. Before entering the Children's Garden, there was another kid's station set up with crafts. Kaitlynn made a caterpillar and a sail boat.
We went to the Children's Garden where Kaitlynn ran around and played until she saw Finn the frog. She does not like costumed characters at all. They totally freak her out.
Here is a video of Kaitlynn and daddy playing the xylophone.

She was very excited to feed the koi fish. Here's a video of Kaitlynn and daddy feeding them.


After the Garden, we picked up MawMaw and went to the Mills Mall. Kaitlynn is in the kid's club and they were having a Safe Summer Event. There was a firetruck outside the mall that the kids could climb in. Kaitlynn said she was scared of it. She met a few firemen, got a fire chief hat, stickers, and a sucker. She also got an ice cream bowl and spoon and a rubber duckie.
The kids's activity was making a bug jar. Kaitlynn was too interested in eating her sucker, so MawMaw put the stickers on the bug jar. It was a super cute idea. Kaitlynn is interested in lightning bugs now, but is afraid to hold them. So now she can examine them without holding them.
After eating lunch and walking around the mall, we went into Cabella's. We love going into that store because of the awesome displays. Kaitlynn loved the Albino Catfish. She kept saying "come here, baby."

I've Moved

I wanted to let my readers know that I have moved blog sites. I will probably still be blogging on this site every once in a while, but my main blog has changed. Email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com requesting the website so we can continue to follow each other. Please include your blog or how I know you in your email. Happy blogging!

Double Dose of the Zoo

Friday July 17, Kaitlynn, Olivia, MawMaw and I went to the Zoo. MawMaw had the day off from work. We didn't see many animals because we were only able to stay for a few hours. Kaitlynn enjoyed seeing the tortoises. She had fun playing in the drinking fountain.

We stopped and talked to Heather and Trisha with momslikeme, who were there doing a registration drive.

Later that evening, Kaitlynn, Dave and I went back to the Zoo for Jungle Boogie. The Jazz / R&B band, The Charles Glenn Band was playing. We ate dinner while listening to them. Kaitlynn rode the carousel. We walked around the Zoo and looked at the animals.

Dancing Girls at Grant's Farm

Wednesday, July 15th, Kaitlynn, Olivia and I met Trisha and Kylie at Grant's Farm. At first we were afraid it was going to rain on us (again), but the sprinkling stopped as soon as we got out of the car.
Kaitlynn and Kylie brushing the goats.

We ran into Jim, Trina, Nate and Sis. Kaitlynn and Sis fed the llamas.

Kaitlynn and Kylie put on the cutest show. They were dancing fools! Kylie started out with a butt dance and Kaitlynn started out lifting up her dress. Crazy girls!

They had so much fun and were so worn out by the time we left Grant's Farm.

Meeting Merci and Mocha Monday

Monday, July 13th, Kaitlynn and I went to Eileen and Gabe's to meet their newest addition - Merci. Merci is such a doll! It is hard to believe that Kaitlynn and Gabe were ever that little. Eileen makes having a second child look so easy and she looks great. I can't believe she just had a baby!
Kaitlynn and Gabe were so happy to see each other and have a friend to play with.

Yes, Kaitlynn has a Cubs hat on. No we are not Cubs fans, but it made for super cute pictures.

One of the best things about Monday is that McDonald's is having their free mocha Mondays promotion. It's only 7 oz (for an iced mocha), but I like the caffeine boost.

Tuesday, when I told Kaitlynn that Olivia was coming over she said "Oh, thank you mommy" like it was such a treat for her. She does enjoy Olivia coming over and helping babysit her.

Not sure if I mentioned this, but a few weeks ago we had to ban Happy Feet because Kaitlynn had an all out tantrum when she was told she couldn't watch the movie again. She begged and pleaded, so we thought it best to ban the movie for awhile since it was becoming an obsession. We replaced it with Ice Age, since she enjoyed the Ice Age 2 McDonald's Happy Meal toys. She calls it Age-o. Her favorite character is the baby.

Grant's Farm and Free Slurpees

Saturday Dave, Kaitlynn, Toni and I went to Grant's Farm. We saw lots of animals on the tram ride.
These donkeys were so close to the tram, I could hardly take a picture of them.

After we got off the tram ride, as we were heading to the goat pen, it started sprinkling. It didn't seem too bad, but as I reached for my wallet to get money out to buy a bottle of milk (so Kaitlynn could feed the goats), it started to become more than a sprinkle. We took cover by the gift shop and restrooms. The rain slowed down, so Dave bought a bottle of milk.

The sprinkling started again as soon as Kaitlynn finished feeding the goats through the fence.

We were surprised that the goats were taking cover from the rain.

It starting pouring, so we had to take cover between the gift shop and restroom again. All the times, we have been to Grant's Farm the last 2 years and this is the first time we have been rained on.

After the rain slowed down, we headed to the Animal Encounter Show. The show was canceled due to the rain, but they brought out 5 animals for everyone to pet, after the rain stopped.

Kaitlynn pet a rat,

a possum,

an iguana,

a cockatoo and a snake. She pet the snake a few times.

They also brought an owl out, but you were not able to pet it.
Kaitlynn chose to sit on Toni's lap instead of in the stroller.
Kaitlynn took this picture of this tortoise.
Lemur
The flamingos were fighting. Of course, as soon as I got the camera out, they stopped.
African Elephant
Kaitlynn kept saying "pony ride" because she said she wanted to ride the pony.

We went to the Beer Garden and had lunch. Kaitlynn made some wishes by throwing coins in the fountain.

We finished our visit at the stables watching the Clydesdales.

Then we took advantage of 7-11's free Slurpee deal. Kaitlynn enjoyed her Wild Cherry Slurpee.

Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's and did some grocery shopping. We met up with Dave later and went to dinner.

Babysitting and Water Play

Wednesday I babysat Olivia. That evening, Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's to run some errands.

Thursday I babysat Olivia.

Kaitlynn showed Turtle her room.

Kaitlynn played peek-a-boo with Olivia. Olivia gave Kaitlynn the biggest smiles while playing.

Friday after Olivia left, Kaitlynn, Dave and I went outside. We watered the tomato plants and Kaitlynn played with the hose.

Afterward, we ate dinner and did some yard work in the front. Kaitlynn was so happy to be outside.

Kaitlynn had a tough week. She does not like when we are at home too much. She threw temper tantrum after temper tantrum. She missed her friends and going to our usual places (Grant's Farm, the Zoo, the park, etc).