Park and Jungle Boogie

Earlier this month, we enjoyed the beautiful weather at the park! We had a great time - swinging on the swings at the playground, skipping rocks at the creek and a little hike! Kaitlynn has such a great heart and love for Jesus! While on the hike, she had to stop several times to "Thank Jesus." What an awesome child God has blessed us with! I wish I had a heart like hers.

Lately, whenever Kaitlynn gets into trouble she tells us it's her "bad hand." I don't know how she came up with that, but it's so funny.

Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to Jungle Boogie. It was a pretty warm night. We rode the train and Kaitlynn had fun "taking pictures" with her camera. Kaitlynn and Dave rode the carousel and then we listened to the music by the sea lions. MawMaw and Kaitlynn enjoyed a Tiger's Blood snowcone and danced to the music. We ran into Teri at the end of the evening.

Ticket to the Beatles

Several weeks ago Kaitlynn, Nick and I met some moms and kiddos from church at Suson Park for a playdate. Kaitlynn and the other kids interacted a little. The kids had fun running around and playing on the playground while us adults got to know each other. We ate lunch and then most of us started leaving for naps and such. Kaitlynn and Nick tried rock climbing, then Kaitlynn helped Nick swing, Kaitlynn climbed the wall to the big slide and before we left Kaitlynn and Nick had fun swinging.

That evening Kaitlynn, MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and I went to Jungle Boogie. Ticket to the Beatles was the band playing. It was really crowded. This band has drawn the biggest crowd so far. We met up with some friends and had a good night!

Grant's Farm and the Zoo

Last month Kaitlynn, Nick, MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and I went to Grant's Farm. We went early to avoid the extreme heat. Kaitlynn fed the goats. Kaitlynn and Nick rode the carousel. Kaitlynn, Nick and MawMaw Tommie ran through the mister. Kaitlynn and Nick pet the donkeys / ponies. We stopped for lunch and a snowcone. We walked through the stables and called it a day since it was getting unbearably hot and the kids were ready for naps.

Kaitlynn did the cutest thing and I wish I would have captured it on The Flip. She picked up her Brittany Chipmunk from Build-A-Bear and started singing along with it to "All the single ladies!" It was super cute! I have to get that on video.

Kaitlynn, Nick, MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and I went to the Zoo. It was a beautiful day for a Zoo trip! Kaitlynn was very concerned about a sick sea lion. We saw the donkeys, giraffes, zebras, camels and big cats, went to the Zootenial Exhibit and then rode the carousel. Kaitlynn played in the water fall outside of River's Edge while Nick napped. We went through River's Edge. Kaitlynn was in amazement when she saw her reflection in the glass at Hippo Harbor.
What a great day at the Zoo!

Making Friends

Last Tuesday morning and afternoon it was storming. Kaitlynn said she wanted us to take umbrellas to the Zoo & run through the rain. Yeah, that didn't happen. Instead we went to get blood work done. She held my hand and was excited when the phlebotomist showed her the tube of my blood.

We visited MawMaw. Kaitlynn said she wanted Applebee's for dinner and then only ate a few bites. I guess I should be happy that she at least ate something! Kaitlynn had fun running around the mall, playing on the rides and at the play area. While at the play area, she was quite the chatterbox & socialite! She "made" friends with all the kids at the play area and even talked to a few parents. She was really talking to this boy and girl's dad, which was surprising because she normally does not talk to men. Then she really took to this lady that had a baby a little younger than a year. Kaitlynn followed her and the baby around the play area and just talked about different things. Before the lady left, she hugged Kaitlynn and told her how sweet she was. It was really cute!

Kaitlynn ended the evening playing with this little guy named Allam. He turned 3 in the fall. They were running all over the mall together, just having a great time. I love how she makes friends so easily.

Ella's Birthday Party

We attended Kaitlynn's friend, Ella's 3rd birthday party. The party was in her backyard. It had a Wiggles theme and was a backyard pool party. It was a lot of fun, but super sweaty hot out. It was so hot, at times we were hoping it rained just to cool us off. The kids were all fine because they had the water to play in. The party had face painting, music, games, sprinkler pool, wagon, slide, play house and an appearance by The Wiggles (actually teenage boys dressed as The Wiggles).

Kaitlynn fell asleep in the car. She slept until it was time to get ready for church. We attended service and Kaitlynn attended her class. When I came in to pick her up, she was sitting on the floor with one of the teenagers that helps out and 2 other boys. The teenager was reading them a story. Kaitlynn found her picture that she made and was ready for some hot chocolate.
This week's lesson: Jesus was a friend to the blind men. The kids brought home this really cool Lil' K Map Book that discussed the Bible story and being a friend. I hope they get these for all their lessons. Bible verse for the week: "A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

Charles Glenn

Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to the Zoo for Jungle Boogie. We met Hanna and Brandon there. We ran into some friends. The band playing was Charles Glenn. Instead of the big stage, they were playing by the lake under a roof because it was sprinkling a bit when the concert first started. Thankfully the rain stayed away. We ate dinner and listened to music. Dave, Kaitlynn, Brandon and Hanna went to Caribbean Cove to pet the stingrays and horseshoe crabs. Then we went to see the Big Cats, prairie dogs and sun bear. Kaitlynn and Brandon played by Lakeside Cafe. Kaitlynn and Brandon suckered Hanna into buying them stuffed animals from Build-A-Bear. Kaitlynn got a small penguin.

We had a great night, but look forward to the band being on the larger stage in the regular area.

Annabelle's 4th Birthday

June 6th Kaitlynn, Dave and I attended Annabelle's 4th birthday party. The party was held at a park in South County. The theme was the Wonder Pets. We ate lunch almost immediately after everyone arrived. Then it was time for the cake (which my cousin made), presents, and the pinata. After getting the birthday party business out of the way, the kids were free to go to the playground. Kaitlynn had a fun time playing with Annabelle and her friends. Dave and I had a fun time watching them, chatting and holding baby Alayna (Annabelle's little sister). We hung around after everyone left to chat with Mike and Cynthia while Kaitlynn and Annabelle played. We also helped them clean up and load things in their cars.
Later, Kaitlynn played with the neighbor girls. Dave and I talked to Kris and her husband while the girls played. We are thinking of getting a membership to the subdivision pool this year. That way Kaitlynn could play with the girls, Dave and I could hang out with the neighbors.

Picnic, Church and GNO

June 5th Dave, Kaitlynn and I attended a Retirement Center Picnic. This picnic had a petting zoo, pony rides, games, train ride, face painting, balloon animals and lunch.

Kaitlynn had a couple of pony rides. She loved petting the baby geese. The lady even let Kaitlynn go in the cage to play with the geese. She also pet the sheep, donkey, alpaca, rabbit, hen, calf and other pony. We rode the train (that went up and down the street). She played some games: duck pond, bowling and bean bag toss and won some prizes (sunglasses, bubbles, keychain, candy, etc). We ate lunch. Kaitlynn got her face painted (a butterfly on her cheek), but when the clown put glitter on it, it got in her eyes and she freaked out. She ended up wiping it off. It was a really hot and sticky day, so I am sure the sweat and glitter didn't feel good in her eyes!
We went to church that late afternoon / early evening. Kaitlynn said she didn't want to go, but as soon as we got there, she was ready for class. She was just tired from the picnic. When I came to get Kaitlynn after class, she was sitting at a table coloring with some other kids and one of the teachers. I think she must like hanging around the teachers, which I think is fine. She immediately told me their Bible story: Jonah got ate by a big fish and then was spit out. The memory verse for the week: "Children obey your parents" Colossians 3:20. They played in a pool / whale ball pit (among other things). She had her usual cup of hot (warm) chocolate and we had to get going.
I went to an Easy & Elegant Dinner Party at my friend Heather's. It was Heather's birthday, but she was hosting a House Party with Calphalon & Williams-Sonoma. It was a small group of us: Amanda, Ashley, Pam, Kit, and Colleen. We had so much fun chatting, drinking, eating and getting a tour of Heather's house (that her husband built). I can't wait to get together with these ladies again some time soon.

Mid Rivers and The Usual Suspects

June 4th Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to Mid Rivers Mall for the MLM Playdate. I thought we were doing good by getting there 5-10 minutes early. I was wrong. The line to see Dora the Explorer was to the other end of the mall. The line to "check in" was outrageous, too. By the time we got up to the table, the kids bags were gone (given away). Bummer! We got in line to get a balloon, stickers and cookies. Kaitlynn got a Diego sticker, a Stride Rite sticker, a pink balloon and a couple cookies. We got in line to do the pretzel rolling, but Kaitlynn had to go to the bathroom. Perfect timing too - we were next in line! Oh well! After the bathroom break, we decided to skip the pretzel rolling because the line was ridiculously long (and not moving). We decided to decorate a cookie. While waiting in line, we met up with our friends Trisha, Kylie and Ava. Kaitlynn and Kylie decorated a cookie together.

After lunch, we went shopping. We also made a trip to the pet shop. Kaitlynn (and MawMaw) just had to see this little teacup chihuahua. Kaitlynn did not want to give him back and left the store crying.
Later that evening Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to the Zoo for Jungle Boogie. A band called The Usual Suspects were playing. Kaitlynn fell asleep in the car and stayed asleep after we first arrived. We decided to eat dinner while waiting for her to fully wake up. After dinner we ran into some old friends. Hanna and Adam also met us there. We also saw our friends Emily, Christopher, Ella and Beatrice. Kaitlynn suckered MawMaw into getting her a bear from Build-A-Bear, then suckered Hanna into getting her a penguin. Spoiled!! It was a fun evening with great music, fun company and good conversation.

Memorial Day

Monday the redness and bumps on Kaitlynn's face were gone, until we gave her a dose of Amoxicillin, so we gave her some Benadryl. We met some friends at the Greek Festival for lunch. While standing in the food line, Dave and I noticed that both of Kaitlynn's arms had bumps on them (as well as redness and bumps on her cheeks). It dawned on us at that moment that she might be allergic to the Amoxicillin. Dave is allergic to Amoxicillin. We decided that there wasn't much we (or anyone) could do at that point, so we stayed for lunch (and dessert). Kaitlynn acted the same, fine most of the time but with moments of extreme irritability.

After lunch, we came home and I called the pediatrician's exchange. The nurse said that the redness and bumps was just a side effect. She said it was harmless. She told us to continue giving Benadryl if she was itching. She said the irritability was a side effect to taking Amoxicillin as well. She also told us that Kaitlynn could actually receive a higher dose of Benadryl than what we were giving her. She recommended calling the pediatrician in the morning to get Kaitlynn checked out.

I did read the prescription information that came with the Amoxicillin, but Kaitlynn had taken it before and not had a reaction or any side effects, so we definitely weren't expecting a reaction.

We decided to continue with the Amoxicillin but give it with the proper dose of Benadryl. That seemed to help Kaitlynn. She was able to rest and take a nap.
Monday was also Hanna's birthday. We met Hanna, Adam and MawMaw at Red Lobster for dinner to celebrate.

Rest of April

Kaitlynn made Annabelle and herself bracelets.
Kaitlynn and daddy made me a bracelet.

We went to the Baby Kid Expo in St. Charles. I worked at the MomsLikeMe booth for a few hours, while Dave and Kaitlynn walked around. Kaitlynn got an elephant balloon made, got her face painted like a butterfly and had a flower balloon bracelet made.
(sorry these are blurry, they are from my cell and Kaitlynn wouldn't stand still)
eating kettle corn
While working at the booth / table, I got to see some friends from MLM and a fellow blogger. After working, Dave, Kaitlynn and I walked around together. We had a lot of fun.
After we got home, Kaitlynn played out in the yard. While Dave mowed the lawn, I vacuumed the house and Kaitlynn climbed the tree in our backyard. She also played with Mya and Leah.
After Kaitlynn went to bed, Dave and I had dinner outside by the chiminea. I love relaxing outside in the spring evenings with the chiminea going!

Kaitlynn, Aidan and I met Eileen, Gabe and Merci at the Children's Zoo. The kids had fun seeing and petting a tortoise and a snake. We went through River's Edge where we saw a rhino, hippos, hyenas, a cheetah, and the elephants. We stopped for lunch, then went to the Jungle of the Apes. We saw them being fed. Kaitlynn and Gabe played in the misters and afterwards Kaitlynn said "It was like taking a shower. A shower with Gabe." I looked at Eileen and we just smiled and laughed. We saw the penguins, puffins and bears. The kids had a good time running around and seeing the animals. It was a beautiful day for the Zoo!

We adopted an 8 week old puppy. Kaitlynn fell in love with him at the Expo. Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to pick him up from his foster family. He is just adorable! His name is Lever (like the soap) and he is a terrier.
Why are there 3 dogs in these pictures, you ask? MawMaw has been having trouble taking care of Sassy (her puggle) since getting out of the hospital, so we brought her home to take care of her for MawMaw. Kaitlynn loves Sassy.
Bailey and Sassy get along really well, too. She has done well in our home.
Sassy and Lever get along really well. Bailey is not so much into Lever. It will just take time for her to get used to him. Lever is going to be a big boy - probably about 50lbs!

Kaitlynn attended her Kids in the Kitchen class. They made Fred Bird hats, had circle time, sang "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and then got started on cooking.
They shredded cheese for nachos, counted out the number of peanuts that corresponded to their age and cracked them, made caramel popcorn, put ketchup and relish on their hotdogs and made a slushie. Kaitlynn did great in class this week! At the end of class, all the kids wore their Fred Bird hats along with their teacher and had a picture taken. It was so cute!
Kaitlynn and I came home and took the dogs out. Lever loves our big backyard! Then Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's. We took MawMaw to the mall to get her out of the house and walking around.

Kaitlynn had an activity at her school called On The Go. Different vehicles were there for the kids to explore like a police car, paramedics, mail truck, water patrol, caterpillar and fire truck. You could also take a school bus ride and see a helicopter land. Kaitlynn enjoyed the school bus ride. She was a little apprehensive about checking out some of the cars / trucks. She loved the police dog, Ola and learning about what she does.
Lever loves it outside. We had Bailey, Sassy and Lever outside most of the day. Kaitlynn loves running around with them.
Kaitlynn attended her friend's birthday party.

Kaitlynn had fun playing with the dogs. Hanna and Adam came over to watch Kaitlynn, so Dave and I could go to church. Kaitlynn has so much fun with Hanna and Adam. Kaitlynn and Adam usually play Yahtzee Jr. together.

Kaitlynn's P.A.T. Educator came over. This was Kaitlynn's first 3 year old visit. They played a dice game that involved counting and turn taking. They did some more counting activities with cheerios.
Kaitlynn had fun playing with Lever outside.
I went out for a M.N.O. with one of the playgroup's were are involved with. There were 6 of us that were able to make it out. Last year there were more like 13 of us. We had pedicures / manicures and then went to The Cheesecake Factory for drinks and dessert. It was a fun night!

Kaitlynn, Aidan and I met Gail, Parker, Leah, Ryan, Stacy, Sophie, Camden and the twins (our CBW Playgroup) at the Zoo. We were hoping that the rain was going to hold off until late afternoon. We were wrong. As soon as we headed out of The Living World, we started feeling sprinkles. We took cover in the Penguin and Puffin Cove (and gift shop). The rain let up and we headed over to the Jungle of the Apes. We got stuck there and were luckily under a covering. We went to the Primate House and Reptile House, ate lunch and then went to Zoomagination Station.
Kaitlynn and Aidan playing at Zoomagination Station.
Dave and I went on a Date Night at a church. We listened to Michael O'Brien and heard his love story (for Jesus and his wife). There was a surprise visit from Deidre Pujols. Albert and Deidre contacted Michael to sing at the renewing of their vows. Deidre wrote a song with Michael for that occasion. It was a wonderful night of great music, great speakers and worship!
Kaitlynn was so excited that Hanna came over to stay with her. She was a little upset that Adam couldn't come. But still had a blast with Hanna, as usual.

We went to an event for Dave's work. They had a bounce house and face painting for the kids. Kaitlynn had StL painted on one hand for the Cardinals and Elmo on the other hand.
Then we went to a Kidgit's event at the mall called Little Planet Helpers. Kaitlynn received a tree sapling and got to spin the wheel. She planted Sweet Basil seeds and danced with the girls from Radio Disney. We ate lunch at Chevy's and walked around the mall.
That evening we went to church. Kaitlynn said she learned about praying and showed us how she prays.

In Hospital

Monday, March 29th I ran some errands for MawMaw. She had the scope procedure done and called soon after to say she was doing well. When I saw the phone number from the hospital appear on my cell about an hour after the procedure started, I got very nervous. It was MawMaw saying that she was out of the procedure, awake and feeling fine! They also checked her heart again and said her heart was still doing great. The chest x-ray was better, too.
Kaitlynn played outside with a friend, but then had to come in to take a nap (since she was having a major meltdown). Later, Kaitlynn and Aidan played outside with friends.

Tuesday, Kaitlynn and I visited MawMaw at the hospital, then came home to babysit. We ran some errands and I went back up to the hospital that evening. They started PT on MawMaw to get her up walking around.

Wednesday, we ran some errands. We purchased MawMaw a new pair of pajamas to wear while in the hospital.

Pajama Party

Saturday, March 27th we attended a friend's 3rd Birthday Party. The theme was a Neverland (Peter Pan / Pirates) Pajama Party. This was Kaitlynn's first pajama party! Kaitlynn wore her Tinker Bell night gown along with her Princess slippers.


We went to visit MawMaw at the hospital. Her breathing / oxygen level was better. The lung specialist consulted with us. He said they may have to do a scope procedure.

Spring Is Here

Thursday our playgroup met at the park. It was a fun day. Kaitlynn and Kylie had a good time chasing each other. Ella had fun going down the huge slide. Beatrice, Ava and Aidan were content just watching all the kids running around and playing. It was such a beautiful day!
Friday, Kaitlynn and I played outside in the backyard. She rode her jeep, we played "soccer", she played in her castle, played in her house, played in her barn / farm (as she calls it), climbed on her slides and climbing cube, chased Bailey, helped daddy rake the garden and played with Turtle. It was so nice to see the neighbors again since the weather is getting nicer. The winter seems to make everyone almost hibernate.
We had Hanna and Adam over for dinner. We made spinach, chicken and cheese quesadillas (of course mine were just spinach and cheese), rice and refried black beans. It was so yummy!
Saturday we went to the mall for the Handy Manny Event. After "checking in" and choosing between a book or an Easter bucket (she chose the bucket), Kaitlynn got to spin the wheel and won a lollipop. She received a license plate and Handy Manny tool box to decorate. She didn't decorate them there because the tables were too crowded. She played in the play area, rode the train twice, played on the rides and the carousel once. We ate lunch and then went to get her birthday gift for being a Kidgits member. She got a coloring book, crayons, puzzle, jump rope, bubbles, a couple toys, coupons, free mylar balloon from Create A Party, and a green Kidgits tote bag. We went to Children's Place to purchase the flip flops that Kaitlynn lives in from Spring to early Fall. Kaitlynn had to wear a pair of her new flip flops as soon as we left the store. We went to Cabela's to look at the different displays. We went to Justice and bought another Zhu Zhu pet (hamster) and then to Gymboree. Every time we go into Gymboree, Kaitlynn always asks to go watch the TV. She, most of the time, just sits and watches or dances / plays around that area while I shop. She got the cutest swim suit. I can't wait for her to wear it. She loves it too. She had a choice between 3 and picked this one. Then she took it out of the bag and carried it to the car. She fell asleep with it in her hands / lap on the car ride home!

Cousins and Best Friends

Kaitlynn and I met Cynthia, Annabelle and Alayna last week. Kaitlynn and Annabelle get along so well. They never fight or argue. We never have to intervene to make them share or anything like that. Actually, we do have to make sure they are including others sometimes (if they are playing with something that other kids want to play with). It is so awesome when they play together; Cynthia and I actually get to talk to each other and finish conversations! Since Alayna is so little (she is not even 3 month old), she is either being nursed or held and seems pretty content with that. Annabelle and Kaitlynn love to pretend play. It's just awesome! Kaitlynn says Annabelle is her best friend. They both adore each other and love spending time with each other. I am so glad she is so close to her cousin and that she has a cousin so close in age to play with.

Cynthia said something interesting as we were leaving. She asked if 15 years ago when she was cutting my hair, if I ever thought that our little girls would be playing together and be such good friends. I told her no and that it was a surprise when we found out she was dating my cousin. It's just a small world! I think it is very cool how our lives have intertwined over the years. Now, to have our little girls playing together and being the best of friends is pretty awesome.

I know that Kaitlynn is only 3, but I am so glad that she has already found such a good friend, someone that she considers her best friend. I hope she always has at least one best friend and always finds herself surrounded by friends and people that love and support her.

*I need to take pictures of the girls when they are together. They are so cute! Other people even comment on how cute they are together.

Playdate and Birthday Party

Friday, we attended a playdate at Eileen, Gabe and Merci's house. Emily, Ella and Beatrice were also there. It's always interesting getting the kids together because you never know how they are going to interact with one another. Gabe and Merci gave Kaitlynn her birthday gift, since they were unable to attend her birthday party. The kids wanted to open it up and play with it, but since the playset had small pieces, I decided it would be best to wait until we got home to get all the pieces out.

Saturday morning we attended Kylie's 3rd birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese (and got to meet her new baby sister, Ava). After all the kids arrived, Trisha gave the kids their tokens to play games. Kaitlynn had so much fun playing the games and riding a few rides.
Pictures of Kaitlynn from the games / rides.

The kids were called back to the table to eat lunch, Chuck E. Cheese came out and we sang "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl. Kylie opened her gifts and the kids went back to playing games. Kaitlynn had a good time at the party.

Kaitlynn made this bracelet for Kylie. She likes making bracelets for her friends.

Dave and I still needed to eat lunch, so we went to McDonald's. Kaitlynn played in the playland while we ate lunch. It was perfect. She had a great time playing with the other kids. There were A LOT of kids there, too.

We went home and got cleaned up and attended church service. Kaitlynn went to her class and learned about being kind.

Cat in the Hat, Clifford and Mother Goose

Tuesday Tara, Bailey and the new baby came over for a playdate. Kaitlynn and Bailey cracked us up at the end of the playdate. They were telling each other "thank you for sharing", "I love you" and other nice things like that. What made it funny was that during the playdate they were not so nice and didn't share so well, but at the end they sure seemed to think they did!

After lunch, Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's. We went shopping for all of Kaitlynn's friend's birthday presents (or at least most of them). Shopping early - no procrastination here (for once)!
We went to Great Grandma's to visit with Great Aunt Sue and Great Uncle Dale. I also had to deliver Sue's Avon.

We attended Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss at the ECC. The Cat in the Hat, Clifford and Mother Goose were there, too. Kaitlynn made a Cat in the Hat hat, several books, a bookmark and won a paper back book (from a name drawing). We participated in Songs, Stories and Sillies.

Pretty Eyes

Yesterday morning / early afternoon while Kaitlynn and I were getting dressed, we were in the bathroom and Kaitlynn said "Mommy your eyes are pretty." I said "My eyes are pretty? Thank you." She said "Your eyes are pretty with that shirt." Then she asked if they match. I said, "Well, Kaitlynn my shirt is red and my eyes are blue." She is such a sweet and funny girl.

She went to preschool to see her friends Tyler and Jordan. They played outside for a bit since it was so nice. She loves to boss Tyler around and Jordan loves to boss her and Tyler around. I should say try to boss her around. She really doesn't let him boss her around and Tyler doesn't let him boss Kaitlynn around, either. It's funny seeing them interact with each other. She was so cute running around with her St. Patrick's necklace and bracelet and a crown. The boys are totally fine with her being a princess. In fact, Jordan told her she looked like one!

She had a lot of fun playing with Sassy and running around with daddy in MawMaw's yard. She hit her nose and forehead on the picnic table and was still concerned about being able to play outside. She didn't even want to come in to eat dinner. She loves being outside. I can't wait for spring (and neither can she)!

We had to return a couple of recent birthday gifts that she received and she convinced us that with her gift cards, she should get a water table. The only problem: she thinks she can use it in the house. No way! It is going outside.

Friday Night Live

Friday night I attended a Women's Friday Night Live at my friend Casey's church. Casey, Mary and I met for dinner and then went to the event. We had such a good time! Beforehand, we picked out 3 classes / sessions that we wanted to attended. My first session was different from Casey and Mary's. I attended Nutrition and Health. They attended Salad and Dessert Creations. I really liked the Nutrition and Health session, as it was very thought-provoking. It really gave some good insight and information on some things that I would like to change with my family's diet and eating habits. The second session we all attended was Devotions for Kids. This was an amazing class that really gave some great resources in starting this very important time at home. Our third session was Who Are You? (How God Defines Us). This was such a powerful session to end with. I was so happy to have a girls night out and I couldn't think of 2 better women to attend this with. I can't wait for more events like this and / or more time with these 2 awesome women.
Kaitlynn and Dave had a night at home. Aren't these pictures adorable?

3rd Birthday Party

Sunday the 21st was Kaitlynn's 3rd birthday party. We had it at a local McDonald's. It was great having the party somewhere besides our house - so much less prep. The party wasn't as structured as it was supposed to be, but the kids all had fun. The hardest part for Kaitlynn was having to keep coming out of the play land to go into the party room for different things. She wanted to just stay in the play land and play with her friends and cousins - can you blame her? She wanted no part of the party room - eating lunch, playing games or blowing out the candles.

We had about 30-35 people attend the party. The kids played in the play land while waiting for lunch. We rounded the kids up and brought them to the party room to eat. Then the kids went back out to the play land. The kids were rounded up again and brought to the party room for games. The kids played Pin the Tale on the Donkey, then ran back out to the play land after finishing the game. We had to round the kids back up and bring them to the party room for cake. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Kaitlynn and she refused to blow out her candles (because she wanted to go back out to the play land) - so mommy blew out the candles. Of course all / most of the kids ran back to the play land. Kaitlynn did wait to eat some ice cream before going to the play land.

Her party would not have been a party without a crasher. Yes, there was a party crasher at a 3 year old's birthday! This little boy kept coming up to us and saying that his mommy said he could join the party. And well, we told him that this mommy said he couldn't!

We were at McDonald's for about 6 hours that day! Dave, Kaitlynn and I arrived about 45 minutes before the party so that Dave and I could eat lunch and see what the party room looked like (decorations, etc). The party was supposed to last 1 hour and 15 minutes, but the girl said we could have access to the party room for 3 hours (since there were no parties after us). And we used it! After most of the kids left, Kaitlynn opened gifts. Kaitlynn and her cousin Annabelle had so much fun playing in the play land until the adults couldn't take being at McDonald's for another second!