A Pony Party!

I feel like I've been playing blog catch-up lately. We've been busy-busy (what's new) and work has been crazy for both Chris and I. 

We've had a lot of play dates with our new neighbors. Brooke is 2 and Lizzie is 4 - so it's a perfect pairing.

Sydney laughing with Brooke over lunch.

Last weekend, Madeline was invited to a birthday Pony Party for a preschool class mate. It was the wildest party I've ever been to. It was at a stable in Goshen and was jam-packed with pony activities.

I took several pictures but some are blurry due to my cracked, broken phone. (Don't ask.)

First, Maddie got to lead a miniature pony through an obstacle course.

She got to ride a horse.

She enjoyed brushing one of the ponies.

She roped a "bull."

She fed a horse.

Then, and here's where it gets crazy, they PAINTED a horse.

And in between all the activities she got to jump around a barn stall full of hay and hay bales.

We had a blast!

Happy Birthday Sydney Marie!!

My dear dear Sydney,

Two years ago, you came racing into our lives and you haven't looked back. 

Your big sister has always been just as smitten with you as daddy and I. 

Every day you all get closer and closer.

It seems like you are always smiling or laughing! 

You are truly the most carefree family member in our house.

You are silly and sweet and stubborn all at the same time.

You love to play with your baby dolls and any toy that Madeline has. 

You love applesauce, bananas and black beans. Really, you love most foods. 

You are a great sleeper. But, when you are awake you are ALWAYS MOVING.

You love climbing on me and eating dinner in my lap.  

Daddy always makes you laugh.

I may spoil you just a bit more than I should because I know you are our last baby.  

Happy 2nd birthday to my little girl. We love you!

We did it! Pacis. All gone.

On Saturday, daddy ran 15 miles. So, having temporary amnesia and not remembering my last Kroger trip with the girls, I took them for our weekly grocery run. And, of course, there were 2 mini-carts when we walked in. Squeals from 2 of us, groaning from me. 

Within 30 seconds, there were 4 apples rolling across the Kroger floor. Sigh.

 The girls LOVED it. 

That afternoon we met up with our friends at the pool and enjoyed the last pool weekend, and some Dilly bars!

AND!!! We took the pacifier away! Now, I have literally been having small anxiety attacks over this for about 6 months. When we took the pacifier away from Maddie, she cried for 2 day. Literally, 48 hours. She didn't sleep, just screamed at us.

So, thinking that Sydney was more addicted I wasn't looking forward to this weekend. And here's how it went down.

Chris: Sydney, the pacifiers are all gone.

Sydney: Pacis. All gone?

Chris: Yes, they are all gone.

Sydney: (Looks under her bed.) Oh.

Then she goes to sleep. 

And it's been fine ever since. She still checks in her bed when she gets in but no crying or fussing. Easiest thing in the world. I'm still amazed! And so so grateful.

On Sunday, daddy put together our new doll house.

  

That night, nana and grandpa watched the girls so Chris and I could go out with K and D. YUMMY dinner complete with wine, fish tacos and no one crying or climbing on me! Amazing.

Monday, we celebrated our extra day off with a morning at House of Boom with Hudson. I told Maddie to dress practical for trampoline jumping. She goes upstairs to get dressed and comes back with  a mini denim skirt, charm bracelet, turquoise necklace, clip on earrings and blue strappy sandals.  Because, nothing says I'm ready to jump on a trampoline than THAT.

My lands, my kids are a hoot.

Happy Labor Day! 

The Walking Bridge, School Orientation and More!

Last weekend we went to the Walking Bridge and it was a lot of fun. We'd not been before but the girls really liked it. 

We pushed them up the big hill to the bridge but then gave them free reign. They made it almost all the way across before wanting back in.

Then we had some playground fun!

We also did some sand art this week.

Maddie also got to go to her first real tea party with grandma, great-aunt and grandma (and me)!

(Sydney was evacuated by nana because she refused to sit down like a lady. She stood in her high chair the entire time until she had to leave.) Maddie enjoyed her own teapot (full of pink lemonade) and all of the goodies on the tea tray. 

Speaking of Sydney, I had her school orientation this week. In her two year old room, she will be focusing on self help, toilet training, colors and numbers. Self help includes pulling down/putting up her pants, taking off and putting on her shoes, taking off and putting on her coat, etc. She also attends chapel each week and learns a Bible verse each month. 

I picked Syd up and we had dinner together before her orientation. It's nice when I'm able to have some 1x1 time with each girl. 

Since Chris was working (it's contract week - he's been home late every night - MEH!) Maddie had a big girl night with grandpa and grandpa. She had a terrible time, as you can see.

Maddie pulled the toilet out the other day and Sydney LOVES sitting on it. She has no idea what she's supposed to do in it, but she loves to take her diaper off, sit down, and then jump up shouting, "ALL DONE." I'm not really going to press the issue until she shows real interest though. Maddie was right at two and a half when she decided she was ready and she trained super easily. Hopefully Sydney is the same way!

Next up: Sydney turns 2! We say bye-bye to the pacifier (it is literally only allowed in her crib now but the time has come!!) and we start potty-training.  I am excited but a little sad too. I feel like we're leaving the "baby" era.