Perspective

Have you ever seen one of those email forwards with the pictures of little kids getting into the most ridiculous stuff? Like unrolling several rolls of toilet paper or somehow opening and dumping a can of latex paint everywere or drawing all over their face with Mom's makeup? Well, it was always interesting and hilarious to me that those moms were able to snap a picture before completely freaking out.

What I'm trying to say is this ... having a camera puts a lot of things in perspective because I've learned to see the funny side of things in the moment instead of getting upset and realizing later that I overreacted. Or maybe it's just being a mom that leads to the understanding that exploration is normal regardless of how many times you've already told your toddler NOT to put her hand in or eat the dog food.

It's all about perspective and a sense of humor for me. So yesterday when I heard the sound of scattering dog food on the kitchen floor my immediate reaction was to run and grab my camera to capture the chaos. It was bound to happen sooner or later ... hundreds of little pieces of dog food can be quite intriguing.

Family Fun Land

We took a trip to Family Fun Land on Saturday (inspired by Mallory's recent adventures at Monkey Joes) to let the girls burn off some energy. They both really enjoyed the small blow up slide and bounce area.

...please ignore the kid launching himself off the slide in the background...

There's another little area for kids 3 and under that they can climb and crawl around on.

And then the big kid's play structure ... YIKES. Lots of big kids. :) But there are several other fun obstacles for them to crawl through. And BIG tube slides they can go down with their momma's help.

After Family Fun Land we redeemed some "babysitting coupons" and Kevin, Jill, Casey and I went to the Olive Garden to spend our Christmas gift cards. We dropped the girls off by Grandma and Grandpa to play and we enjoyed an adult dinner. (What's that?)

And, of course,

what's more fun than bath time at Grandma's?

Mmm ... a crayon!

Mallory decided that the monkey would rather chew on a crayon than suck on her pacifier. I give her credit since the monkey makes the little sucking noise regardless of what is put in it's mouth.

Snow Day

Last week West Bend got quite a bit of snow ... as evidence by our recycling bin that was nearly buried by 5pm. (I'm so over the snow!)

As a result, Mallory and I got to play with Aubrey all day since her daycare was closed.

... having a snack ...

... Mallory wanted MORE snack ...

... mmm, lunch ...

We're glad you got to come and play Aubrey!

Seriously...

Every night around the same time Mallory goes (read: runs) to the pantry and picks out a snack. It's usually pretzels or goldfish crackers. One night a box of cinnamon toast crunch was on the bottom of the pantry so she opened the box, sat down IN the pantry and helped herself. Ok then. From here she proceeds to the chair and will sit down for a snack. Mind you, this is all of her own doing. The first couple times she did it I laughed out loud because she's like watching a silent film ... interpretation is required.

I'm finished, Momma. Here's my bowl.

Can someone please tell me when my baby got so big??

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hanging out with Aubrey

While I was at Sarah's baby shower, Mallory and Daddy were hanging out. When I got home, Mallory was dressed for our night with Aubrey, Brian and Summer. Daddy even did her hair. :)

Sarah's Baby Shower

Approximately 73% of the women I know are currently pregnant. (That's only a slight exaggeration ... there is something in the water.)

So ... here are a few pictures from my friend Sarah's baby shower.

She's due April 1st. ... best sugar cookies EVER ...

Me with my friends Missy and Sarah.

Can't wait to meet that baby girl!

Indoor Ball Pit

Our neighbor gave me the idea - to add some excitement to all of our indoor winter days - of blowing up Mallory's pool and filling it with balls. Since she got some for Christmas we were in business (though clearly we could use another set or two).

It was a definite hit and she has enjoyed it every day since!

More Monkey Joe's

Mallory reaaaaaaaaally enjoyed the blow up area.

And she didn't mind the giant blow up slide either!

We have a Monkey Joe's locally ... and will have to pay a visit sometime soon!!