Planting Flowers

(06.15.09)
I thought I was doing so well with keeping the blog up. Eh...not so much, huh? Hallie and I started bright and early on planting flowers because by noon, it was 100 degrees. Sigh. On Saturday we went to buy the flowers and Hallie was really excited about planting them. Her excitement left about 10 minutes into it. I thought she'd love digging in the dirt--as she usually does--but she just wasn't into it. She played with the dirt on the driveway (with some big clumps that were in the potting soil), but as far as helping with the planting and such, it wasn't her thing for the moment. Now, since we've planted them,she really enjoys checking on them (um, plucking the petals) and helping me water them. They're not dead yet...and it has been over a week! Wow! :o)

Father's Day!

Sunday was a day to celebrate Hallie's sweet, sweet daddy! I cannot imagine a better daddy for my sweet girl. He is completely smitten with her, and the feeling is definitely mutual! Hallie was really excited about getting Jonathan's presents wrapped! She and I woke up and let daddy sleep in a little bit. We wrapped the gifts and then went to get some yummy breakfast--doughnuts from Shipley's. When we got back she ran to get him "Daddy!! Daddy!! Come get your 'presnents'!" So very cute. Hallie told him Happy Father's Day, and it melted his heart! Hallie was recovering from strep, so we took it easy on Sunday morning. I was very sad to not go to church, but the day was still wonderful. Gramps, Rah-Rah and Uncle J came over for lunch. We all ate way too much! We had grilled chicken, mac and cheese, green beans, baked potatoes, fruit with dip, and two desserts--coconut cream pie and spice cake. Everything was delish!

I really wish I could've been with my sweet daddy on Father's Day! We love you, Pop! Hope you enjoyed your goodie basket!

We love you, Daddy! Thank you for being wonderful you!

Hallie was very excited for Daddy to open his presents!
This is a picture of Hallie holding Daddy's hands.

Helping Daddy opening his laptop table.

A painting for Gramps!

Milkshake Update

I just wanted to let all my blog fans (all 3 of you) know that when Hallie woke up--around 6:15--the first thing out of her mouth was "milkshake?!"...and she did, in fact, get her milkshake.  Sweet girl.  Now that she slept until dinner time, we're finally getting her in the bath.  Here's a cute story...I got her a new little bath toy at the grocery store earlier.  I just told her that I had a surprise for her.  She got all excited and said, "Oh!  Thank you!"  She immediately followed with "Happy Birthday to Hallie!  Happy Birthday to Hallie!" while dancing around the living room.  LOL!  As I'm waiting for Jonathan to start her bath, Hallie is saying, "I need my 'prise...I need my 'prise!"...she's also climbing on her rocking chair onto the arm of the couch saying "I be careful...I be slooooow."  Oh...Daddy's going to get the bath ready, so I'd better go get her 'prise! :o)

These are the days!

Zoo Time!

Despite the Texas heat, RahRah and I braved the zoo with sweet Hallie! She was very excited about going to the zoo...so much so that any time she got in a little trouble this morning before going, she would quickly say "I sorry, Mommy...I want to go to the zoo!" Sweet thing. We picked RahRah up and excitedly headed to the zoo! We stopped in the gift shop first for a bag of fish food--great fun! I didn't want to spend too much time there, as it's the only place we got to see the last time we went before it started pouring rain! haha. We headed on through the zoo...as hot as it was! I think the zoo does a good job of alternating outdoor exhibits with indoor ones...just as we felt we'd had enough of the heat, it was time to go indoors and see the aquariums! Thank the Lord for air conditioning! Hallie hadn't been to the zoo in about a year (other than our brief 15-20 minutes a few weekends ago)...she is at a very fun age for the zoo! I really think she enjoyed seeing all the exhibits. I have to say her favorite thing for this visit was getting to feed the fish! So very cute!

After the zoo, Hallie requested Chick-fil-A (surprised?)...I was hoping for more of a McAlister's afternoon, but she was the special girl for the day. Thinking she was completely tuckered out, we expected her to eat and then be ready to go; but no! She played for another 30+ minutes in the CFA play area! And her trip to CFA couldn't be complete without a milkshake...which at this point she hasn't gotten yet. Why? Well...b/c she threw a little fit while we were waiting for it. She was so close to getting it! She was sitting on the counter, arranging the brownie containers (as she often does) when she--out of nowhere--grabbed all of the CFA gift cards (about 50) and flung them across the ordering area. Oh my! While I picked them up, she helped with the gift card holders. When I asked her to give them to me, she quickly hid them behind her back...and then flung those as well (after I told her she wouldn't be able to have her milkshake unless she gave me the holders--yep, she looked me right in the eyes and then flung them with all her heart...as tired as it was!). When I told her that I was sorry, but she wouldn't be enjoying that milkshake yet, she went into a hissy-fit. Somehow her chompers were attached to my thigh--and this did not feel good! With CFA gift cards in one hand, I tried to pry her off me with my left hand...I'm sure I was making some sort of face! Then I got on her level and attempted to reason with an exhausted two year old telling her that she had not made any progress toward getting another chance at that milkshake (no, I didn't use those words). She started in with the "I'm sorry Mommys" and I told her I was sorry, too. After she was in her seat, she calmed down a bit and I told her that she would get another chance for her milkshake after she took a nap...she is STILL sleeping 3+ hours now). On the way home, I told my MIL that I couldn't be too hard on her...she was about 2 hours past naptime. Bless her sweet heart. So hopefully the little stinker will get her milkshake when she wakes up...and believe me, she will remember it!

By the way, as we left CFA, Hallie sweetly said, "I had fun at zoo. I had fun eating, too." Love her!

Beautiul giraffes!

Hallie really enjoyed watching this pelican--he was giving
us a little splash show! Very cute!

Enjoying the cool of the aquarium!

Hallie the beautiful butterfly!

Sweet little hand feeding the fishies.

Play-do Fun

(06.09.09)
Our girl really enjoys playing with Play-do. Anything that is remotely "artsy" snags Hallie's attention and holds it for longer than I would think for a two year old. I had gotten her some paints and Play-do a while back and recently found them (this happens a lot with me!). She was so excited when she saw them, so I got them out for her. We talked about not throwing it on the floor and not putting in her mouth--amazingly, she was listening. I was cooking dinner while she played...an hour and a half later, she tells me she's "all done". I could not believe she had played that long. She talked about the colors, the little cutters matching the colors, and wnated me to roll the colors up into balls so she could cut them with the little "kife". :o) Since this go around with the Play-do, she has played with the set again, playing for almost just as long. She really has the artsy thing down! :o)

Anniversary Weekend

(06.05.09)
Last weekend, Jonathan and I left Hallie in the very loving and capable hands of Gramps and RahRah (and Uncle Jeremy) and headed to Dallas to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. While we were sad to leave the little girl (who said, "don't go on a date, Mommy"), we were glad to get away and spend some time together! We stayed at the Hyatt Regency on Reunion, and it was beautiful! The downside to it only being us is that we have no really good pictures b/c the one with the longest arms is the one who gets to take the shot usually! haha. On our way to Dallas, we stopped at the Czech Stop Bakery--they have the most DIVINE cream cheese kolaches. If you're never experienced these, I'm so sorry! If you're ever heading north on I-35 from Waco or anywhere more southern, you absolutely must stop here! We spent Saturday just hanging out. We went to the mall and shopped a bit and then headed to an IMAX movie--Night at the Museum 2. After that we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner reservations at Newport's (seafood). It was pretty yummy...the best part was the calamari, though! :o) After dinner, we searched for The Cheesecake Factory to enjoy some yummy dessert! On Sunday we headed back to Waco, stopping at the Hillsboro outlet mall on the way home. Now, for me, the outlets were great b/c I really only wanted to go to Carter's, Gymboree, GAP, and The Children's Place. But for someone who's not a mommy, they were pretty horrible--lots of available spaces. Not sure how much longer they'll last! When we got back to Waco, our precious little one was napping soundly. We were so eager for her to wake up! When she finally did, she was pretty excited to see Mommy and Daddy! And believe me, we were thrilled to see her! We had a great weekend getaway, but we were very glad to have our little princess back in our arms!

Thanks to Gramps and RahRah for helping out with our baby-free weekend (and our anniversary dinner)...also, big thanks to Nonna and Pop for our hotel for the weekend (their gift to us)! We love ya'll! :o)

More on Hallie's weekend getaway from Mommy and Daddy when we get the pictures! :o) She had a blast, that's for sure!

Getting ready to go...Hallie's not sure why her
bags are packed, but she says she's ready to go.
That is, until she finds out Mommy and Daddy are
going on a date. Her response was a sad,
"Don't go on a date!"

At our hotel

After dinner

Old Hat, New Hat

(06.02.09)
As I have mentioned before, Hallie loves to read! She has 5-6 books she wants to read every night. We have started leaving out words in her old favorites for her to fill in as we're reading. I am thrilled that she already has a love for reading, and hope that she continues to nurture that love! I know her Daddy and I both love to read! This night, after her bath, she ran into her room, grabbed a book, crawled up into her bed, and began reading. First it was her "prinpress" book, Cinderella. Then it was Animal Orchestra, then it was Old Hat, New Hat. Old Hat, New Hat is definitely her favorite right now...and she says the title SO adorably! I have been wanting to capture her saying it for quite some time, but just haven't been able to. She was in a spunky mood, so I was able to grab the camera and take a few pictures and videos. I hope you enjoy her little video of Old Hat, New Hat. You'll see that she's pretty excited with herself to recite an entire page (Too red, too dotty, too blue, too spotty). :o) I am so glad I was able to capture that moment!

Hallie's night time book list:
*Cinderella
*Old Hat, New Hat
*The Jolly Barnyard
*Animal Orchestra
*Wake up, Sleepy Bear
*Never Talk to Strangers
*Put Me in the Zoo

Hallie's New Bike {sort of}

(06.01.09)
Looking for something fun to do outside and as a family, we decided to get a bike seat for Hallie. While I'm not brave enough to put it on my bike, Jonathan is plenty brave enough to put it on his! I really wanted a bike trailer so I could pull Hallie and ride to the park (a few blocks away) during the day. But we decided (OK, J decided) that a bike seat would be smarter. He was right...sort of. We don't know whether or not Hallie would've liked the trailer--she probably would have since it would have been her way of getting to the park. However, she absolutely LOVES the bike seat! With the exception of this past weekend since we were out of town, we've ridden bikes every night. We all get some fresh air and some exercise! :o)

Hallie helping Daddy with the bike seat.

So excited!

Ready to ride!

Sunday Swimming Fun!

(05.31.09)

I know I've said it before, but really...Hallie LOVES her little swimming pool! Now that it's summertime, she is requesting to "go swimming" lots more. And she is getting braver and braver--now climbing up the little ladder and sliding all by herself. She is so much fun to watch!

This is new--standing on one foot. :o)
I think she's trying to do a little ballet!

Watch out, Mr. Roly Poly...Hallie's after you!

So funny--Hallie was getting a little handful of
water...she would just throw herself over the
edge of the pool and come up with her little
hand cupped with water. :o)

She removed every edge to her little foam
squares and insisted they all be put into
the pool. Why? I have no idea!

Her sweet little swimsuit!

Happy Birthday, Miss Pattie!

Saturday (May 30th) was Miss Pattie's 60th birthday party! Miss Pattie takes care of sweet Hallie during the day. Hallie took her a watering can to her. Hallie wasn't too sure about seeing Miss Pattie and Miss Lou on a Saturday...she was afraid she might have to stay. Miss Pattie had the party decorated beautifully--I wish I had gotten some pictures of the centerpieces. They were flowerpots with little vines coming down a post with pictures of all the kids she has kept through the years--and she has been in the daycare business for a long time, so there were lots of pictures! Her party was for all of "her kids". It was really special! She had a bouncy house, ice cream, face painting, balloons, and lots more for the kids. They went over to the splash park (at one of our city parks), too. (We didn't do that since Hallie was recovering from strep.) Hallie really enjoyed the bouncy house--it's the first one she's really been in since Abby's birthday party last year. She LOVED it!

Giving Miss Pattie her birthday present.

Jumping!

Jonathan and I needed to run some errands after Miss Pattie's party and Gramps and RahRah kindly offered to take Hallie to Lion's Park to ride the train before going home! We tell Hallie that Mommy and Daddy are going on a date and that she's going to go on a date with Gramps and RahRah. So she'll say, "Have fun on date!" to us as she's waving goodbye! On their date, they rode the train (another Hallie favorite) and then Hallie had to twist their arm to let her ride the carousel. They had my camera and caught some really cute pictures of their little evening together.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day was fun with family and friends! Uncle Jeremy even brought Mouse, his horse. We cooked out and enjoyed each other's company. It was a fun, relaxing day! Hallie got to play in her pool (one of her favorite things to do right now!), and visit with Jeni and baby Gabriel.

Hallie wasn't too sure of Mouse, but enjoyed
watching him eat an apple.

Hey, there's a guy on a horse in my front yard!

Two of Hallie's favorite people!

Jeni and baby Gabriel (with his cute, big boy haircut!)

Hallie playing in her pool--fun times!

Memorial Day Weekend

I'm obviously playing catch up. Now that it's summer, hopefully I'll do a better job of keeping up Hallie's blog. We'll see! The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, we took Hallie to the zoo. It was a hot, muggy Saturday, but we (OK, I) had decided we'd take Hal to the zoo. We get there and Hallie is so excited about being at the zoo--she's went twice last summer, so we knew she'd be more interested in it this go around. We got our tickets, walked in, saw the monkeys (and a squirrel) and it began to pour down rain. We had not been ther 15 minutes before it started raining! So, we went to the snack shop and Jonathan went to get a rain check. Hallie had a little snack and we left. She was so excited...I guess she thought that was all there was to the zoo! haha. We headed to Chick-fil-A for some lunch and play. While it didn't work out quite as I had hoped, it was still a fun-filled day! :o)

At the waterfall...before the rain!

A friendly squirrel!

Mommy and Daddy with the Princess!

Since the zoo didn't work out, Hallie thought
she'd try her own form of entertainment...
I must put the diaper cream where she
cannot reach it! HA!

Busy Busy

This past week has been quite a busy one with me wrapping up the end of the school year; I haven't had the extra time to post. Of course, that doesn't mean that we've just been doing nothing! We've been busy at home, too.

We celebrated Memorial Day with family. There'll be more on Memorial Day weekend in its own post. Then Tuesday night was Awards Night for K-2. I didn't have to go, so I offered to watch one of my teacher friend's youngest daughter so she could attend her kindergarten daughter's awards ceremony (and actually get to watch). We had a blast! Emily is 3, and Hallie was extra excited to have a new friend here to play! They played with the dollhouse, with the trike and car, in the pool...and had a snack together. It was a lot of fun and we hope to have Emily (along with Audrey and Hudson) over again soon! This fun evening will have its own post, too! :o)

Hallie started feeling a little under the weather on Wednesday night, running a little fever. The fever hung around Thursday morning and Daddy just couldn't bring himself to take the little princess to Miss Pattie's. So he stayed with her until lunch. At lunch time, I came home and got Miss Hallie and took her to school with me. She absolutely loved it! I didn't let her play with the other kids b/c of her not feeling well (I didn't want her to spread her germs), so she laid on her Monkey Mat under my table and watched Mary Poppins--and wrote on the white board at her discretion. haha. Thank goodness Rah-Rah picked her up around 12:30 to let her have a restful afternoon until her doctor's appointment. Oh, the doctor's visit. Sigh. We absolutely love love love our pediatrician. We are so blessed to have found her. Hallie loves her, too--at least she did. Dr. Popejoy checked Hallie out and said her lymph nodes were a little swollen (throat) and that her throat was really red, so she wanted to do a strep test. She'd do a throat culture swab, too, in case the strep test came back negative. She got a great swab on the little girl, but Hallie was M. A. D. MAD! She cried for about 10 seconds and then got the look of vomiting on her face...I know that look all too well! And just as I suspected, the "water works of the mouth" began. Ugh. She threw up, and threw up, and threw up some more. Bless her sweet heart. Dr. Popejoy felt absolutely horrible. About 10 minutes later (and lots of snuggling in Mommy's lap) Dr. Popejoy returned. She said, "I was starting to feel worse and worse about doing the strep test...but I am so glad I did b/c it was positive." So sad. So we got some medicine for the little girl and she is now feeling MUCH better. In fact, after her medicine last night, she said, "I feel bettie [better]. I take medcine [medicine]." :o) So precious.

After resting the rest of Thursday evening and staying home on Friday, too, Hallie was feeling almost good as new come Saturday morning. We watched our usual Lomax: The Hound of Music (PBS) and ate oatmeal. She was excited b/c after naptime we were going to go to Miss Pattie's 60th birthday party for a little while. (Miss Pattie keeps Hallie.) That'll be another post on its own (I had better get busy with the other posts). After the party, Hallie went to ride the train at Lion's Park (one of Hallie's favorite things) while Mommy and Daddy did a little shopping.

Today...we have rested. Hallie played in her little pool b/c it was SO hot outside, and Daddy put together Mommy's birthday present--a swing for our deck! It is so very comfortable...I love it!

So, hopefully I will get all these things posted soon. For now, I need to grade my LAST set of papers for these kiddies...hip hip hooray! I don't have many to grade, but grades for the report cards are due tomorrow, so I had better get busy! Thursday at noon is my last day with the kids. I'll have a work day Thursday afternoon and Friday...so next Sunday, I'll be completely stress free as I won't have to go to work the next day!!

One last thing...Jonathan and I are compiling a list of "Hallie-isms" that we will surely miss when she grows out of her toddler-talk. I hope to post those soon. I'ts harder than you think to think of all those sweet little words that you know she'll soon not say anymore. We still talk about our niece Abby saying, "Non't know" for don't know. :o)

Off to get busy!

I can't post a post that long and not have at least one picture...

Gramps and Rah-Rah got Hallie a new bath towel
that says "Princess" and has a little crown at
the top! How cute?!