Reason to Celebrate.

We invited our friends and neighbors (Ed & Ruth Anne) to come listen to Brie's primary sing for Father's Day at church.  Beforehand we had them over for berry streusel cake and scrambled eggs.  Brie and I gave them the "tie" cards we made.  And notice the really COOL leather bracelet Ruth Anne made for Ed.  She is So creative!  Even though Brie sang about 4 words total during the 2 songs ;0)...it was wonderful having them join us for sacrament meeting.

After we all took nice long naps, Em and I teamed up to make Bry's Father's Day dinner--pulled pork sandwiches, sweet potato fries & fry sauce, roasted veggies, salad and Cream cheese chocolate cupcakes.  I felt bad that Bry and the kids were quarantined to the upstairs while we made dinner, but it was worth the wait.  Plus, they got some quality time with their Dad :0)  Thank you, Em for basically paying for the whole meal then helping me make it.  You're a gem!

At dinner we shared memories about our Dads and Grandpas.  Then our little fam went on a stroll and Brie and I shared reasons why we love Bry.  He really is the best husband/father that I could have ever asked for.  We sure blessed out big time.  The kiddos ADORE him.  Have I mentioned how we often wait outside on the front walk for him to come home.  Brie RUNS to him to give him a BIG hug...and Alex reaches out his arms and excitedly says, "Dada, Dada."  It's the sweetest thing.  Ever.

Last but not least, a few pictures of us after a marathon morning (note Alex's face) and a much happier bunch after our evening stroll.

**Brie's "I Love Daddy" jammies were from the Outlet....as is my green cardigan.**

King of the Jungle.

On Saturday (26 May 2012), Cynthia, Laura, Jenna and Marie helped to throw a shower for our friend, Amanda.  I asked if I could host it because I prefer decorating to making food and decided to do a jungle theme.  I love the bright colors and cute animals that accompany it.  Plus, Alex's baby corner was jungle theme so it made for easy setup.  I just had to make a few jungle banners, paper vines, a "diaper" cake, a few pom poms and we were set.

Quite a few of Amanda's family members were able to come.  It was fun to mix and mingle and get to know them better, and to see everyone who came to celebrate Amanda...the great mom that she is, and to shower her with presents for her little Liam.  Now's the waiting game...when is his birthday going to be?! :0)

We played a few games: 

1) getting to know Amanda

2) rice + safety pins

3) guzzling {apple juice} from a bottle

 *The jeans and white shirt (not the best shot though because
 it's the pleats on the front that make the shirt) are from the "Outlet."

D is for Desert.

Occasionally over the last several months Brie has taken part in an unofficial preschool.  We rotate with 3 other families in our ward, and take turns "teaching" the kids while the other moms have 2 hours sans toddler.  This week the schedule stars aligned and I finally had a chance to take a turn.  I did the letter D and centered things around the Desert.  We were Detectives and Dug in sand for treasures (Duck, Donut, Dime, Dish, etc.) and traced our findings. Camille the Camel read us a few books about the Desert and taught us the "Alice the Camel" song.  We tasted some Dried fruit and had a Drink of water (while talking about an oasis).  We played tupperware Drums (did our own "thunderstorm" while reading about storms on the desert), Danced to Disney music, and did some Drawings.  I think the kids were still warming up to me by the end (since it was most of their first times at our house), but I had a great time :0)  I was reminded of what a kinesthetic learner I am...and couldn't help but think of some of my favorite preschool memories: Dancing, an Easter egg hunt, giant balloons, the tire swing, playing in pudding.  I'm glad Brie's been able to take part in such a laid back and fun "preschool."