Independence Day 2012

Addie and I had a busy, fun-filled 4th of July this year. Jay was working in North Dakota so he wasn’t able to join in the festivities. First, we went to the children’s parade on Longboat Key. It was probably the shortest parade I’ve ever been to, and essentially was the mayor in a convertible and all the neighborhood children riding their bikes or walking their dogs. Addie loved it though. They also had games and a butterfly release, which Addie thought was very neat. We also went to the 4th of July celebration at Bayshore Gardens community center – a small town feel with snow cones, pony rides, face painting, and little games.

After a rest in the afternoon, we went to Adam and Kellie’s place for an early dinner. They had a yummy selection of food, and Addie thought it was so fun to go to their house. We hung out there for a while and then went to the Selby Gardens for their 4th of July celebration and to watch fireworks. We met up with Teresa, Charlie, and Ellie, and the girls had fun playing the lawn games, eating ice cream, walking on the trails, and watching the fireworks. Addie was not all that excited about the fireworks, but the noise didn’t bother her as much as I thought it might. We had a really fun day!

The week before the 4th of July we went to the Suncoast Grand Prix Boat Parade.  Addie and her friends enjoyed all the beads, but Addie wasn't too fond of the noise!  We also ran into Uncle Adam and Kellie at the parade.  I just love running into family at local events!

Addie also had fun with a street performer at the local farmer's market that weekend.

First Trip to the Dentist

Addie just had her first trip to the dentist and did so well! She jumped right up on the chair and paid very close attention when the hygienist showed her all of the instruments. Her favorite was the “little vacuum” that sucked all the water out of her mouth. The hygienist counted and cleaned her teeth (with birthday cake flavored toothpaste…yum!), and the dentist was able to do the full exam with no problem. I could not believe she sat there with her mouth open the whole time without any problem at all! Afterwards, she was very excited to pick out a new toothbrush, stickers, and two prizes from the treasure chest. First trip to the dentist was a success!

Mandy, We Will Miss You!

Addie has spent a great deal of time during the past year with her nanny, Amanda Richards. Mandy started as Addie’s nanny in August 2011, and Addie has grown so close to her over the past year. It is hard to believe that a year has gone by already. In August 2012, Mandy left us to pursue her field of study, nursing.

Mandy has helped us so much over the past year and has always been so wonderful with Addie. They had a ton of fun together – going on outings, playing all kinds of games at home, and attending play dates with friends. Mandy danced with Addie at ballet, baked bread with her at Waldorf, and took her all sorts of places such as Mote Marine, the library, GWiz, music class, the park, and Cat Depot. At home, they loved to play instruments, put on “shows” with her dolls, read, do puzzles, create arts and crafts projects, and so much more. Some of Addie’s favorite weekly themes with Mandy have been dinosaurs, bugs, camping, polar animals, outer space, and sea creatures. Mandy was always so good at thinking up activities and games to go along with each theme. Addie has learned so much over the past year. We will all miss seeing Mandy every week, but are glad to know that she will still be in Sarasota so she can stay connected with Addie and remain a part of her life. Thank you, Mandy!



Addie's First Ballet Recital

Addie danced in her first ballet recital at the end of May 2012.  She was so adorable in her little costume.  Since it was a Mommy & Me class, the moms were up on stage with the girls.  We did a routine to the song "I Drive my Mama Crazy."  The song is pretty funny and so was the routine.  Addie was in awe of the crowd, dark theater, and bright lights on stage, so she spent most of the song just staring.  All the girls were pretty cute, but the moms were really the only ones who did much dancing.  :)



Addie 3-Year Photos

We attempted a photo shoot at the beach for Addie’s 3-year pictures. She was being such a little rascal…hands, face, and hair all sandy…running all over….wouldn’t look at the camera. I was impressed the photographer was able to snap a few good shots!



Happy 3rd Birthday, Addelyn!

It is so hard to believe that our baby girl is already 3 years old! We celebrated her 3rd birthday with friends and family, and Addie very much enjoyed her parties. The theme she selected for her birthday was Disney princesses – she still loves playing with her princess dolls and talks about Disney all the time.

First, she had a family birthday party with Adam, Kellie, Grandma Julie, and Grandma Kristi. We had all her favorite foods – hot dogs, Doritos, Cheetos, watermelon, green beans, and ice cream cake. It definitely was the year of the princesses – she got three pairs of princess high heels from Jordan and Mary, a Rapunzel dress and wig from Mom and Dad, seven small princess dolls from Kevin and Diane, Aerial mermaids and boat for water play from Grandma Julie, and a princess tea party set from Grandma Kristi. She also got a swimming pool and princess towel from Grandma Julie and Grandpa Pat and some cute clothes from Grandma Kristi. Adam and Kellie gave her a whole bag of gifts….princess puzzles, princess crayons, mermaid coloring and sticker book, princess balloons, and princess kicking board.

A few days later she had a princess birthday tea party with her friends Ellie, Lana, and Kenley. They played princess party games, dressed up like princesses, and had a tea party. The girls had such a good time with her little friends. She got some new doll clothes for her princess dolls from Lana and Kenley. Ellie gave her the most adorable personalized apron and baker’s hat, courtesy of Teresa. Mandy attended the party too, and gave Addie two new sprinklers for her birthday.