Mother's Day

Things have been a little crazy around here lately.  Finally, this last weekend we had some family time.  Although not stress free since Parker has been VERY two lately, it was still amazingly awesome to spend some time together.

For Mother's Day, Parker (and Alicia) got me some roses, a "SuperMom" ice cream cake, a framed photo of the two of us and her framed handprints.  All of these items were pink.  My daughter is mildly obsessed.  

We had a good day.  My mom was in town helping out my brother and sister-in-law and she stopped by for a few hours.  We hung out on the deck, played with chalk on the driveway, Parker "rode" her tricycle and we went for a walk.  It was really nice to just hang out together outside and not cooped up in the house.

This is NOT the most stellar picture of any of us, but we don't often get a pic of the three of us together.  Just some proof that we sometimes exist in the same room together.

But, THIS is an adorable picture of my Mom and Parker.

I sort of feel like Parker grew up while I was doing the musical and I missed it.  She's so big now.  Sigh. At least there are only 13 more days of school and then 8 weeks of summer.  Gotta live it up as next year summer will be like 5 weeks long.  UGH!

Feelin' Nostalgic

Parker has always, always, always loved being outside.  Clearly, she does not get this from me, but whatever.  Even when she was a teeny tiny baby - throw her on a blanket in the backyard and she was good to go.  Last weekend, it was nice enough to play at the park and Parker was so joyful that I thought my insides might burst.  As I was watching her play, I thought about how big she has gotten in just 2 short years.  So, along those lines, here are pictures of Parker on some of the first nice days of the season the last two years.  (These were each taken almost exactly 1 year apart)

Pink "Puddle" Boots

A couple weekends ago, we allowed Parker a splurge purchase when we were out shopping.  Originally, she wanted to look for a new pair of"shiny shoes" (black patent leather) since her old ones are too small.  I didn't figure we would find any given the change in season, but thought there might be something on clearance.  There wasn't, but Parker did find these pink "puddle" boots.  They have pretty much been glued to her feet ever since.

Clearly, a toddler needs to wear rainboots while brushing her teeth.

 We went to the zoo last Sunday and Parker was soooooo excited to actually find some puddles to splash around in.  She is clearly ready for warmer weather and to play outside.  Me too.

Right now, I'm mostly ready for spring break.  Things are quite busy here and I miss my family.

Goin' on a Bear Hunt

There is a Bear who lives in our house.  Apparently, the house was built around him.  A few times a day, the Bear decides to attack and we need to stop whatever we are doing and either 1) hide or 2) fight back.  Parker has gotten much braver since she received this kick-butt rocking horse from her Grandpa for Christmas.  She will hop on her horse and "chase" the bear.  After some time, she will catch the bear and "squish" it.

Here Parker is looking for the Bear.

 And here she is just being cute after the Bear has been squished.

Grandparents Part 2: Grandpas

As mentioned in the last post, Parker loves her Grandparents.  Now, I don't know about anyone else's grandfathers but Parker's are not always up for posed, super cute pictures.  So, here are some live-action shots of Parker with her Grandpas.

Parker and Grandpa Sharp play around with his hat.  Previously, Parker had it on her baby's head and decided it needed to go back on Grandpa's head.

Grandpa Booga helps Parker open a present.  (Or, it might have been his present that she was "helping" with - I don't remember.)  My favorite part of this photo is the plastic Rally's cup on the table! lol

Grandparents Part 1: Grandmas

Parker loves her grandparents (well all her relatives really.)  Perhaps it is because, for now at least, that she is the center of everyone's attention all the time.  Or, maybe she just loves her family.  Anyway, here are some pics of P with her Grandmas over Christmas.

Parker and Grandma Sharp underneath the adorable blanket that Grandma made.

 Parker and Grandma Booga posing under the tree.

 Okay, this last photo has nothing to do with Grandmas.  But, seriously.  Add a couple feet to this girl and she's 15, right?  Where did my baby go?

Makin' Cookies

Parker and Alicia made cookies tonight.  I was thinking back to previous Christmas cookies making sessions - the first year with Parker in the Baby Bjorn and her drooling into the dough.  Last year, her sitting on the counter and mostly watching.  Then, this year - such a big girl standing on her stool and actually helping!