75 days...

A few weeks ago, Elliana and I began making our own homemade paper mache airplane out of a 2-liter bottle. Yes, this was another pinterest project, though this one was initiated by my awesome friend Kelly, who is not nearly as intimidated by such things as I am. The kids were thrilled at the idea of getting dirty while making this project, even my super clean kid who kept saying, "It's okay to get dirty every now and then." Two coats of paper mache and a paint job later, our plane was ready to customize to fit our family. 

 Our children don't know it  yet, but in approximately 75 days, this family is Disney Bound again.  And, we couldn't help but make our airplane our very own Disney bound airplane, complete with photos of our family on one side, and favorite Disney characters on the other side. I LOVE it, and Elliana is throughly pleased with her paint and gluing job as well. I can hardly wait to share the news that we will be boarding a plane to visit those Disney characters again this year! 

Pinterest Popsicles

I admit, I frequent Pinterest a little too often. While nursing, watching tv, even during the occasional toddler meltdown just to escape for a few minutes. To imagine the possibility of having an abundance of time and resources to devote to craftiness, parenting, educating and domestic life, oh and the energy to do them all! Very rarely do I find a project that is not intimidating to me, and is actually possible to fit into my our lives, though it doesn't stop my from "pinning" away.  On occasion I do find that project, and oh what fun my kiddos and I have while working on it. 

Last week we made homemade cookie dough popsicles. Given we eat cookie dough far too frequently in this family, it seemed like a great recipe to try. It's here if any one would like try it as well. 

Elliana LOVED making the popsicles and ate more than a few handfuls of chocolate chips as we were pouring them into the popsicle molds. All afternoon Elliana asked if the popsicles were frozen yet, and she waited somewhat patiently until we had the time and energy to devout to eating them. But boy, they were worth the wait!

Elliana showing off her yummy popsicle

Take me out to the ball game...

This past week we were blessed with free tickets to the Reds Game and free food too!! Although it was a scorcher of a day, we all had a blast and munched away on yumminess all afternoon.  We couldn't stay as long as we had hoped, but three hours with two wee ones during nap time was quite the accomplishment for us! 

Maya and I enjoying the action

Elliana even got in some batting practice with Reds Employees, slid down the giant slide into the Pete Rose Garden and posed with Rosie Red and Mr. RedLegs! What a fun day at the ballpark for our little family!

Enjoying a free hot dog!

Munching on a free cookie! 

Batting practice for Elliana

3 Months

How is it possible my baby girl is already 3 months old? I feel like just yesterday I was downing Blizzards from the local dairy queen, indulging in my very frequent pregnancy cravings. Now I am the momma of a smiley, go with the flow, happy little girl.

Maya is weighing about 15 lbs, trying hard to roll over and learning to roll onto her side and flop back to her back. Giggles are rare, but smiles are plentiful and a smile always lights up Maya's face when her big sister is around. Maya is a great little sleeper, laying down about 9 at night and sleeping most days until 6:30 or 7 with no feedings. Oh what an amazing baby I have been blessed with!! Happy 3 months Maya!

First time in her Jumperoo

Bumble Bee Baby

On our recent beach vacation, Maya was well protected from the sun. She played in her sun tent, napped in her bed while we were outdoors and didn't get to participate in the water time fun. Maya did however model for me in her adorable bumble bee swimsuit. And model she did!! Oh how I love this sweet bumble bee!! 

Maya's Newborn Photos

A few months ago, we were blessed with photos to capture our precious newborn Maya. We have now received those photos and are happy to share our professional photos of our family :) 

Elliana kissing her "baby Maya"

Our Family

Already a girlie girl :) 

LOVE sleepy babies!

Very happy Family!

Go, go, go, go on an adventure

This morning as we departed our West Virginia hotel, Elliana and I
sang the theme song to "the cat in the hat" series on PBS. For those
of you without young children, the song has a phrase in it where it
says, "let's go go go go on an adventure." Little did we know that an
adventure did lay ahead for us as we traveled toward home.

Shortly after getting on the turnpike, a truck filled with items had a
large 15+ gallon cooler fly out of the truck bed and into the air and
traffic. The skillful driving of my handsome hubby had us swerve out
of the way of the cooler as it bounced onto the freeway just missing
our vehicle. I whispered a prayer of gratitude as I turned to look in
the backseat at my sleeping infant and entertained three year old.

A few hours later, we were happily driving down the Kentucky highway
and we simultaneously noticed a large Turkey Vulture sitting
comfortably close to the road. For reasons unknown to us, as our
vehicle approached, the large bird decided to begin flying. And it
flew. Right into our car. And, this was a very large bird.