Island Park

Coolest park ever!  Sure it was an hour's drive, but totally worth it!  

I Did It!

Well I did it!  I ran my first race with my friend, Kerry, encouraging me.  Ryan and Olivia were there cheering us on at the end.  It was my fastest time ever at 10:51 per mile with a total time of 21:42 for both 2 miles. Pretty proud of myself as it's a goal I've had for some time.  Next up, 5k!!

Fun In The Sun

We got out the slip n slide today and Olivia had such a good time!

She had an even better time when her friend joined her. 

Abigail was not too sure about it.

She preferred the water table. . .

And drawing with her chalk. 

But I think everyone had a great time!

Sick of Being Sick!

Our family could really use your prayers.  About six weeks ago, Ryan was sick with full body aching.  About a week later, Abigail got sick with hand, foot and mouth disease.  Then, Olivia caught what we believe was the same thing.  Soon after, Ryan got really sick with a virus that we assumed was also hand, foot and mouth disease except his was ten times worse!  He has been out of commission for the past week.  Olivia spent the night at her grandparents' house last night and I found out this morning that she would be coming home early with a temp. Poor thing is sleeping right now after I carried her from the kitchen table after she fell asleep.  I just want my sweet family to be well.  I don't know who has had what and who hasn't anymore.  I'm not sure if it's the same virus being passed around (can that happen?) or different illnesses. I'm extremely grateful that I haven't gotten sick, but I just want my family to be well. I don't think we've ever had so many consecutive days of illness in our house!  

Last Day Of Kindergarten

Growing Up

18 Months

Today my baby turned 1 1/2 years old.  Just crazy! She is such a joy and we can't imagine our family without her.  As Olivia said," at first it was hard to have a baby in our family, but now she's my best friend." And they both truly adore each other as Abigail loves her "O-Yeah-ya" too.  

Abigail is about 26 lbs ( Olivia was 24 lbs 6 oz at 3 years old!) She probably has more words than I can count and can do just about anything if shown one time.  She's incredibly loving and smart (with a stubborn and ornery streak. LOL!) Right now she loves building with Mega blocks, giving hugs, eating all different kinds of foods and having someone read her books.  

Love you my sweet Abigail Harper!!

Field Day At School

Awesome Big Sister

Olivia is such a great big sister to Abigail. They spend most of their waking hours playing together.  Olivia is so gentle and so caring and always finds things to do that Abigail will enjoy (even things she considers kinda babyish.) 

Abigail is a pretty awesome little sis too.  She always has plenty of hugs for Olivia and thinks she hung the moon.  How blessed am I? 

Under The Weather

Last week, Abigail woke up from her nap with a temp and sore throat.  After a doctor's visit, we found out she had hand,foot and mouth disease.  Sure enough, the spots turned up on her arms and thighs as well.  

Fast forward to last night and Olivia wakes me up around 3 am with a temp and a sore throat.  I was hoping she would be too old to catch it (although I don't recall her having it as a baby.) Bless her heart, she was hesitant to wake me up because it was "Mother's Night" and she wanted me to be able to sleep all night. Keeping this one hydrated is always so tough (it's tough when she's well.) Thank goodness for Pedialyte Popsicles.  

Olivia also sang ME a lullaby.  I don't remember all of it, but the ending went:

. .and if that cat does not meow,

You'll still be the sweetest mama in town."

Love my sweet girls!

Happy Mother's Day

Just Pics

March for Babies

In the seven years since our first March For Babies, we've never had such beautiful weather.  What a gorgeous day to be the ambassador family.  Thank you to all who gave and came out to show your support.  You have no idea what it means to me! 

Sadly, I was so busy and nervous that I didn't get very many pictures.  But we had a great time!

March Is Tomorrow!

Hope to see you there!  Our family will be taking the stage about 9:30 am.  I'm so nervous as I don't believe I've ever even spoken with a mic before.  If you want in the group picture, plan to be there around 9.  The kid zone area (with inflatables) opens at 8:30 am and lunch will be provided afterwards by Papa Johns.  Really hope you can make it.  There is also still time to make a donation to our team at www.marchforbabies.org/jls044 

Being The Ambassador

http://youtu.be/VLAk0UFzEmc

I asked Olivia to say a few words about being the ambassador this year.  Haha!  Not sure I should give her a mic tomorrow.  

Field Trip

Today Olivia's kindergarten class went to Tanganyika Wildlife Park.  It was fun, but freezing.  That wind was just awful! Brrrr.

She liked the lemurs, but decided against feeding them.  

And why is the playground always the highlight?

Kitty Kelsey

Olivia is not much of a dog person as they are a little too "in your face" for her.  She, however, LOVES her cat.  Cats have been so good for her. As a baby and toddler, Olivia did not like to be hugged or really touched that much. She had to learn how to accept a cat's affection and not shy away from it. She still struggles with this a bit, but now gives the best hugs (mainly because we just kept hugging her anyway.) Kelsey didn't start out being anyone's particular cat, but she sure attached herself to Olivia and now the two of them are the sweetest pair.  In fact, Olivia wants a Kelsey party for her next birthday because "that is what she's really into" right now.  LOL!  Hopefully they make diluted calico plates?  

Autism CareWalk

Today we walked in the Autism CareWalk with some teachers and staff from Olivia's school.  I had signed up to walk before we received the autism spectrum diagnosis for Olivia.  Wow, what a turnout and such great support!  It was a beautiful morning (although a bit windy) and we had a great time.  Abigail especially liked picking out all the doggies.