Butterfly, Luncheon, and Lady A - 151/365

It was going to be a busy day today! 

Nana and I started our day with a benefit luncheon for the Canfield Community Care net. They help families with major expenses due to serious illnesses. It was set up as a purse bash and Chinese auction. We were meeting Rachel, Laura, Sharon, Helen and Karen. We had a nice afternoon checking out the auctions and the many vendors that were there. Nana did win a few items from the silent auction, a purse, bracelet and a set of Jamberry nail wraps. They had a lovely buffet of sandwiches, fruit and salad. Fun afternoon!

Speaking of Jamberry, I ended up getting a couple sheets for me from a vendor. I got a set for the 4th of July, Disney Cruise and just an everyday set. I can't wait to try them out! 

After the luncheon, we went home for a short time, before we set out for the Lady Antebellum concert. I came home to see that two of the ten butterflies had come out of their chrysalis. It was too exciting! They were beautiful! Although, the one seems to have crumbled up wings. Hopefully, they will straighten out. Even still, they are so cool! We filled up their cage with sliced oranges, flowers and cotton balls soaked in sugar water. Reagan was so excited! She just stared at them. We can't believe we actually got to witness such an amazing transformation. We can't wait to see the rest of them come out. 

Soon enough, it was time to head out to the Lady Antebellum concert. Everything leading up to this concert had been a total mess. Awhile back, we purchased Golden VIP tickets for a show in November, that show ended up getting cancelled and rescheduled for today. Jim and I actually moved our plane tickets for our November Disney trip for that show, so there was that added frustration. 

Anyway, the Golden VIP experience was supposed to carry over to this show. It kept getting closer and we hadn't heard anything about a time for the meet and greet, so a few days ago, we called the company to find out what was going on. They were going to check on it and get back to us. A few hours later, we find out that they cancelled the Golden VIP experience. We think they forgot about it due to the rescheduling of the show. The whole package was to include a tote bag, lanyard, meet and greet, private two song acoustic show, and seats in the first three rows. We really only cared about the great seats and the meet and greet. 

To say we were disappointed it was cancelled, would be an understatement. 

Through Twitter and Facebook we kept checking out Lady Antebellum's pages and saw that some people were winning meet and greets. We were like WTF!? We ended up calling back the company and Blossom. Word started trickling down from other VIP Golden ticket holders through social media that they were possibly going to let us in to the meet and greet, we just wouldn't get the other stuff. We didn't care, we just wanted the meet and greet. After numerous phone calls and emails, we heard that it was most likely going to happen.

We ended up heading to Blossom early and went to the Will Call window. The lady opened an envelope and handed us two tickets. It said nothing about a meet and greet. I asked her, "Where do we go for the meet and greet?" just playing dumb. She said "Oh, you have a meet and greet." She dug down into a bottom drawer, a totally different drawer than the first one and pulled out another envelope. Sure enough it had our name on it with two meet and greet wrist bands! It was SO EXCITING!!! 

Finally, it was time to line up for the meet and greet. Nana and I actually were second in line! We were so nervous and so excited all at the same time. All of a sudden, the three of them came around the corner and we were just star struck. Hillary is just gorgeous and her clothes and shoes were just amazing! Charles was HUGE! I didn't realize he was so tall. He towers over everyone! And Dave, was just so sweet. We said "hello" got some hugs and had to move along. It was worth every minute of trying to figure out what the heck was going on. They were super friendly and super sweet! Love them! 

The concert itself was amazing. They have so much energy and did all our favorites! We loved it! 

While we were out and about all day. Jimmy and Reagan just hung around the house and played. Jimmy did a little cleaning for me and went to the grocery store. How freaking sweet was that! Reagan was even picking out my favorite veggies at the store. She picked me out a summer squash and zucchini. Love her! They had a fun day just relaxing and waiting for butterflies!

Next, our first butterfly! 

Reagan and her veggies she wanted to get me.

Finally, her at bedtime with her Epcot map. She LOVES looking at the maps we bring home from our trips

 

Ally's Dance Recital - 150/365

This evening, Nana, Jim, Reagan, and I were heading up to Amherst to watch Ally's Dance Recital! 

Nikki had us over for dinner before the recital, it was so sweet. She made chicken parmesean, salad and an awesome cake for dessert. They even had our favorite wine, Apothic Red. Everything was SO delicious! She's an amazing cook! We were all stuffed!

 We had a nice time sitting around chatting for awhile before we headed over to the theater. 

The recital was held at the Stocker Center at Lorain Community College. It was a great little theater and we had great seats. We had a good time watching all the other dancers. The costumes were just amazing! Reagan was enjoying it so much that she was trying to do exactly what they were all doing, right in her seat. We were howling! I think she may want to dance at some point! 

During intermission, Reagan was keeping Andrew pretty busy! She was making him chase her and carry her around! It was so cute! Andrew got quite the workout! 

Finally it was time to see our little star in action! She looked so adorable in her costume. It was a beautiful plum color, she looked stunning! Her group did a fabulous dance to the song "Prince Ali" from the Disney Movie Aladdin. It was so cute to see all those little ones keeping right in step with each other. They did fantastic!! We were so proud of her and so honored we could be there to watch her!

What a super fun night!

Congratulations, Ally!

Next, all of us with our favorite star...

Finally, Andrew carrying Reagan. He was such a trooper! 

 

Parker's Baseball - 149/365

This evening, we were going to Parker's T-ball game. He had been playing for a while and we've been wanting to go, so we finally made it up there tonight. They play right at McCune Field up in Canfield, so it was close. 

We got there as they were getting all warmed it. It was so cute to see all the little one's running around. Ron was the coach, and did a great job. 

Once the game got underway, it was so cute to watch them play. The outfielders had little things they would yell in their tiny voices. Parker kept yelling something that sounded like, "second base." It was too cute. When a little one would get a hit, the whole team would go chasing the ball. It was too funny! 

In the end, Parker's team ended up winning, I believe! 

After the game, we went over to the concession stand to chat for a little bit and got the kids some ice cream cones. Reagan was in heaven because it was vanilla with Sprinkles, her FAVORITE! It was such a nice evening watching the little ones!

Go Team McHenry Industries!

Next, the kids and their ice cream

  

One Hot Cookie Date - 148/365

Today, Jimmy headed off to work and we started at Gymnastics. 

After Gymnastics, Nana, Reagan and I headed off to Petitti's to grab a couple more flowers. Reagan was being a little rambunctious, so I was going to put her in the kid's seat on the cart. Somehow, as I was putting her down in there, she ended up laying back and just relaxed for a couple seconds, it was too funny! She was good the rest of the trip. We got our flowers and were on our way. 

Next, we were heading down to V2 to meet Raymond and Jennifer for lunch. They had a couple of doctor's appointments this afternoon, so were able to meet us! YAY! We love family fun! We had a nice lunch and the food was fabulous! 

After lunch, we of course, had to hit One Hot Cookie. Reagan and Nana had never been there, so they were excited! We each got a cookie to eat there. Reagan insisted we bring her daddy one, and Nana brought Papa one. The cookies are just to die for! They are wonderful! 

This evening, I was getting Reagan ready for her bath and I dropped something down behind her changing table. We don't put her up there anymore, but it's a landing pad for all kinds of stuff. We have lost a ton of stuff back there in her three years. I decided to try to pull out the middle portion and see if I could retrieve anything. I couldn't get it all the way out, so I dropped Reagan back there and she collected all the goods! She was so excited to have her pink comb back! She's such a great helper!

First, Reagan taking a rest at Petitti's

Next, the crew at One Hot Cookie..

Finally, my little explorer...

 

Passholder Magic Bands - 147/365

Today, Reagan was going to spend the day with Nana, since she hadn't seen her for a couple days. Nana picked her up, they went to Bob Evan's for her Piggy Pancake, then back to Nana's for the day. They had a fun day playing games and toys. Reagan even helped Nana spread some grass seed on the spot in the yard where they had to replace a pipe. She just loves helping. 

Jim and I got an exciting surprise today, our Disney World annual passholder magic bands came! Woohoo! The box was super cool! We even got little yellow cards with our names on them to present for our annual pass discounts and parking. There was also a little decoration slider to wear on our bands that say passholder. We were so stoked! Disney does everything so detailed. We love it! 

This evening, I had my last MOPS meeting for the summer. We had an ice cream social theme, everyone made their own sundaes! Too fun!

After the meeting, Marissa, Melissa and Deanna went up to Inner Circle in Canfield to have a couple drinks and a snack. It was nice! 

Jim and Reagan had a fun evening playing toys. She wore her Elsa gown all night...she's a hoot!  

The first picture is our annual passholder box...

Next, our little extras...

Next, Reagan helping Nana seed...

Finally, Reagan hanging out with daddy in her Elsa gown..

 

Spa Day and Happy Birthday, Raymond - 146/365

It was our last day at Great Wolf Lodge. 

This morning, we went outside to take our annual cousin's picture. Every year we get Jillian and Reagan matching dresses, Evan something that blends and take their picture. The photoshoot went really well at first! It was great! We got some great shots. 

Reagan was resisting taking a "running" photo, but eventually she joined in. We ended up just letting them run around and chase grandma and papa.  

After pictures, we hit the pools for a little bit and Reagan went down her favorite slides a few more times.

After we got cleaned up, we headed over to the Scoops Kid's Spa for Reagan's mani/pedi. She just loves having her nails done. She does a great job sitting still, too! 

The place was pretty adorable, the benches looked like huge banana splits. They gave her a little robe and tiara when she first sat down. Once they got started, she was able to pick her colors and flavors. All the bath bombs and scrubs they used were ice cream scented. Reagan chose chocolate and strawberry and she chose purple for her toes and pink for her fingers. Towards the end, they even gave her a spritz of watermelon flavor for her hair and grape lip gloss. She looked and smelled fantastic. They finished her off with an "I'm a princess sash", and a scoop of ice cream! YUM! She had a ball! 

Eventually, it was time to head home. We were going over Ray and Jenn's this evening for Raymond's birthday! We had a great time and they had quite the spread. Jennifer grilled chicken and steak and had a ton of yummy sides. She even made buttered noodles, especially for Reagan, how sweet! 

Reagan helped Uncle Raymond blow out his candles on his awesome ice cream cake and also helped him open all his presents! He loved it! We had a blast! 

This evening, Reagan turned into a "crazy banshee" as we called her. She was so exhausted from her weekend of fun, that she just decided she was going to do the opposite of everything we wanted her to do tonight. In the words of Jim, "we had to hold her down as if she was a wild animal or mental institution patient." We could not get her pajamas off, we both had to hold her down while she was kicking and screaming. We went through the same thing trying to get her dressed again after the bath. She wouldn't use the potty, wouldn't brush her teeth, nothing. It was totally shocking and exhausting all at the same time. She had never behaved that way before. We were both like, "what just happened?" Hopefully, that will be a one and done episode! 

Overall, we had a awesome day! 

First up, the kiddos!

Next, Reagan at the spa! 

Next, Reagan helping Uncle Ray blow out his candles...

Finally, a group pic!

Great Wolf Lodge Day 2 - 145/365

Today, was day two at the Great Wolf Lodge. 

We were going to start our day at Goofy Golf! The kids were excited! It went pretty well playing with nine people, albeit, a little slow. LOL. The kids really had a fun time putting around! By the end, it was all pretty random, but that's what made it fun! 

After Goofy Golf, Jim wanted to take Reagan on the Go Carts. She was LOVING it! She had a huge smile the whole time and was waving away! It was so fun to watch them! 

We eventually headed back to the lodge for some more swimming. We spent a little time in the outdoor pool this time! Last time we were here it wasn't open, so it was nice to be out in the sun a little bit. The pool was great, because it was only two feet deep, so the kids could run around a splash. Evan and Reagan had a fun time finding little water rocket toys and throwing them back in. 

For dinner, we all headed out to the Outback. It was so yummy and we had a great time! 

We hit the pools again one more time before bed. The kids spent most of the evening on the little oak tree slides and the blue slides. They went round and around and around. It was fun to watch them! After they would go down the blue slides, they would walk over and high-five Jim, Greg and Jake. It was too funny! 

 It was a successful day number two at the lodge!

The first picture is Jillian, Reagan, Grandma and Evan waiting for their turn!

Next, Jim and Reagan enjoying the go carts.

Finally, the Jillian and Reagan passing out high-fives.

 

Great Wolf Lodge - 144/365

Today, we were off for a weekend with Grandma, Papa Greg, Adrienne, Jake and the kids. 

We decided to check out Great Wolf Lodge again! We liked it last time and thought it was perfect for the little kids. We got checked in and immediately hit the pool! 

Reagan was excited, because she could ride the big slide with us this time! She couldn't go last time we were there. She absolutely LOVED it and just squealed with delight all the way down! Almost every time we took her, she would yell, at some point on the way down, "This is FUN!" We had such a blast with our little thrill seeker. 

Jillian, Evan and Reagan had a great time on the little blue slides, too! They had to go round and around about 100 times! Grandma was loving being the catcher at the bottom for them! 

For dinner, we just ordered some pizza and appetizers and had a little private party in grandma and papa's room! It was nice just sitting around chit-chatting! 

After dinner, we headed down to the arcade for a while. The kids really took to this little yellow bus "ride". They had to go at least 6 times! Jillian and I had a fun game of Air Hockey and Reagan was a pretty intense skee-ball player. She was hurling the ball up the ramp!

Before bed, we hit the pools for one more quick dip, had some ice cream on our balcony and hit the hay to get ready for another fun day tomorrow! 

The first is Reagan's first trip down a "big" slide!

Next, the kids in the yellow bus!

Finally, our little skee-ball player...

Creeper Morning and Family Garden Day - 143/365

This morning, we went to get Reagan up for the day. We had to wake her up, which never results in a great mood. LOL! This morning, she REFUSED to come out of her room. It was so weird. Finally, we would just leave, go in our room and watch down the hall. She would slightly peek her head around the corner to see where we went. When she would see us, she would quickly retreat back to her room. She did this for at least 15 minutes. I went downstairs to grab my camera and layed down on the floor in our room pointing down the hall. I said, "OK, daddy and I are going to play cupcakes, (her favorite game) we;ll see you later!" She finally came crawling out of her room at a pretty good clip. When she saw the camera, she zoomed back into her room. 

She eventually came around and was pleasant the rest of the day, thank goodness!

This afternoon, we went to our first Family Garden Friday for 2014. We had to miss the first two, but we were glad to be back now. Uncle Raymond even joined us today! It was fun!

They were learning all about worms today. Reagan was brave and held a few, but not without a few squeals.  It was cute! She loved digging for them though! 

They were also planting sunflowers today. Reagan is a pro at planting and had her's done in no time! 

 We also got to take a few tulip bulbs home. I can't wait to see if they come up next year! Reagan had fun digging through the bulbs to select the perfect one.

The first picture is our little creeper....

The next is our little worm catcher...

Finally, her with her sunflower...

  

Sad Story - 142/365

Tonight Reagan and I were cuddled in my bed, reading some books after her bath. 

Raymond and Jennifer got her two books about a Golden Retriever for Christmas. We read them a lot around that time, but hadn't pulled them out in awhile. We decided to check them out again tonight. 

We decided to read the Snow Dog, Go Dog one. In this particular story, Tinka, the dog, likes to run and play but he wanders too far away and gets lost. It ends happy, of course. 

At the end though, Reagan looked at me with the SADDEST face and started to absolutely WAIL to the point where she was actually choking! I took her in the bathroom because I thought she might throw up. Once I got her calmed down, I asked her what was the matter, she said, "I didn't like when the dog got lost." My heart just melted! I explained to her that it was OK and his family found him and gave him his favorite toy. I showed her the picture at the end of the dog and boy all curled up sleeping. Then she was happy! That was the first time she really had a reaction to a story. It was heartbreaking but precious, too! Love our little peanut! 

 Here she is with her book!

 

Freaky Frozen - 141/365

Today, I was just going to be home. I wanted to take some time to finally start to put together last years Project 365 book. The whole project was so fun, that I obviously decided to keep doing it. The book is coming together nicely. I can't wait till I can hold it in my hands. It's been so fun looking and reading all the stories from last year. We will surely treasure it for a LONG time! 

Reagan spent the day with Nana and went to gymnastics. They had fun! She's really getting great on the balance beam!

Jimmy had a good day at work, with nothing major to report. 

This evening, we were having dinner and I wanted some ice for my water. Our ice machine has been broken for awhile, but we haven't had it looked at yet, so we're making "old school" ice in trays. I went to pull the tray out and one of the cubes had a spear coming out of it. It formed up! It was so bizarre! I have no idea how it happened, but it was pretty cool! (No pun intended...lol)

Next, Reagan at gymnastics.

 

Lunch and Feed "Mine Fish" - 140/365

Today, we were lucky enough to have a lunch date with Raymond. 

He was off work, so we met up to go to Salvators! None of us had been there for awhile and we just love their pizza bread! We had a great lunch and Reagan just loved having Uncle Raymond out and about with us. She even wanted to hold hands with him as we walked to the car. It was so sweet! 

When we were on our way home, pulling around the bend onto our street. Reagan started yelling that she could see the goldfish in the pond. She asked Nana if she would go down and "feed mine fish" with her. Nana had never been down there, so she was happy to go! Reagan is getting quite the arm on her. She can toss that bread pretty good! :) 

The first photo is Reagan and Raymond leaving lunch... 

Next, Reagan and Brinkley feeding the fish....

Target Tantrum - 139/365

Today, Reagan was in rare form. She asked to walk "like a big girl" in the Target. I told her she could, if she was good and listened. She started off OK, but then just got rambunctious. She was pulling on the buggy and grabbing at everything she could find. I told her if she kept it up, she would have to get strapped in to the seat of the buggy. Well, eventually, that's where she ended up! She was EXTREMELY mad and was yelling, LOUDLY through the Target, "I don't want to be in the buggy! I don't like it!" I explained that she had numerous chances to listen. I don't know what was worse, the screaming or misbehaving. Ah, the adventures of parenting....

 

Blowing Kisses - 138/365

Today was a much needed lazy day. 

We didn't have any commitments, so it was nice. 

We spent the day doing some chores around the house. Massive amounts of laundry, really. 

Then, this afternoon, we took Brinkley for a walk on the Kirk to Herbert trail. It was nice to get out and stretch our legs a bit. 

This evening, Reagan and I were having fun in the tub! She kept trying to blow kisses of water at me. What a hoot she is!