Elsa Play Date - 351/365

Today Elsa was making a special appearance at All the Little Birds. We haven't been there in ages! We sure loved it there and it's so sad Reagan out grew it. 

Anyway, we got there at 10:30 and had some time before the Queen made her arrival! Reagan remembered all the old toys, she was having a ball. 

While everyone was waiting, there was a little "Do you want to build a snowman craft." Reagan loved it! She just loves little projects!

When Elsa arrived all the little girls went bananas and swarmed her. It was so cute! She was so sweet to all the little ones and took time with each one. 

Once she talked with each one, they got to get their picture taken with her. Reagan wanted to show her the snowman she made and Elsa just loved it. She was so sweet with her. 

All in all, it was a successful little visit and Reagan was so bummed we had to leave. 

Reagan and her friend, Elsa.

Warm Hugs....

Reagan built a snowman!

Reunited - 343/365

It was travel day today! 

I didn't want to get off the ship, but I could NOT WAIT to see my hubby, baby and doggie, either! We got off the ship pretty easy and met our ride to the airport. We were all feeling a little crusty and tired from our three days of laughing and fun! 

We were going to have a layover in Laguardia this afternoon. The flight was pretty good, until we were about a half hour from landing. The pilot came on and said, we are going to have a little delay with landing, because we have too much fuel. Basically, we were to heavy to land. NICE! We had to fly around for 45 minutes or so, to burn off enough fuel to land! Finally, we were on the ground! YAHOO! 

Our layover was kind of short, so we were worried that we wouldn't make our connector. Luckily our plane to Pittsburgh was a little delayed, because the airport was so busy. We had enough time to grab a snack. YAY! 

When we landed in Pittsburgh and made it to the car, we got in, and Rob Thomas was singing away. We had been listening to North on the way to the airport. We were all like, we have to turn it off. We can't hear anymore. It was so fun and so Matchbox Twenty based that it burned, even us out! LOL! SHOCKING! 

My crew was so happy when I walked through the door. Brinkley was jumping up and Reagan screamed "MOMMY!" Jimmy gave me the biggest hug, too! It was such a great feeling to have them so excited to have me home. I was so happy to be home, too! I missed them all so much! 

I was thrilled to do Reagan's bath. We had the best time catching up! Love them all! 

This evening, before I got home. Jim and Reagan went to art class. They made the most beautiful snowflake out of popsicle sticks. 

The photo of the day is Reagan and I, reunited!

Next, Reagan with her favorite teacher, Rachel, at art class...

Eppie Adventure - waiting for me on my side of the bed.

 

Newborn Pictures and Art - 322/365

Today, I was going to take a few pictures of my friend, Deanna's new baby boy, Michael. I was excited! 

 They got here around 10:00 and were very patient while I ran around and got some stuff together. I planned on doing some stuff when we got home from the airport the night before, but after the Fuzz man problem, that didn't happen. 

 Little Mike was fighting sleep for awhile, so we just had some time to chat, while we waited.

Reagan was in heaven because her pal, Violet came, too! The girls had a blast playing in the playroom. It was nice for them to get together. At one point, Reagan came around the corner to Deanna and I, in a Cinderella gown and Dracula teeth. We busted out laughing, trying not to wake the baby, that had JUST fallen asleep! It was a hoot! I wish I would have gotten a picture of that! 

By the end, I think we got some great shots and I was honored to be able to take them. 

After we finished up pictures, Nana, Reagan and I, went up to Inner Circle to get some lunch. When we got back home, Reagan and I both curled up and took naps. We were exhausted from our airport adventures.

Jim said he had a good first day back at work. Not too busy and not too slow.
Jim and Reagan went off to art class this evening at All the Little Birds. They made a really festive pumpkin for Thanksgiving. Jim said she did 90% of it all herself. He was so proud.
After art class, they stopped at the library and took out a few books about Fall and Thanksgiving. She loves going to the library!

Overall, it was a good first day back home. As good as it can be after leaving the "Happiest Place on Earth!" LOL!
The photo of the day is Reagan working on her pumpkin....

Next, the finished product...

Here is a photo of the future little Browns fan, Michael...

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Halloween Party & Los Gallos - 298/365

It was going to be a busy day today! 

Reagan had a little Halloween Party today at All the Little Birds. She was so excited to wear her Watermelon Fairy costume. She has a little purse that came with it, and she had to bring Mr. Fuzzy along as well. He stayed right in her purse the whole time. The kids were so adorable in their little costumes. There was a little elephant, monkey, bees, kangaroo, Wonder Woman, Monsters Inc. guys. A little bit of everything, really. The kids had a ball. They just danced and played, it was so fun to watch. They supplied little doughnut holes for everyone and had coffee for the parents. It was such a cute little party. Jim even surprised Reagan by popping in for a minute. She was so excited! 

After the party, Nana, Reagan and I went to lunch at Cheddar's, then ran some errands. Nana dropped me off, then was going to take Reagan back to her house for a slumber party tonight! Reagan was pumped! 

After they left, Rachel picked me up and we were going to run up to the Canfield Fire Station to take some pictures of Parker in his Fireman Costume. We had a great time exploring the trucks and seeing all the gear. I think we enjoyed it as much as Parker. He seemed fascinated, but a little intimidated at the size of everything. He kept saying "Big Truck." It was so cute. I think we got some great shots!

This evening, we were having an adult dinner with Ron and Rachel. It had been awhile since just the four of us went out. We decided to go to Los Gallos and have some Margaritas! YUM! We had a great time with a lot of laughs. 

When we were done at Los Gallos, we decided to have a couple more drinks at the Pour House in Canfield. Jim and I had never been there. It was really nice and it was packed! We enjoyed it and had such a fun night with great friends! 

Reagan, Nana and Papa had a really fun night. They just played around the house and had dinner. We were so thankful for the offer of her to sleep over! 

The photo of the day is Reagan, Jim and I at her Halloween party.

 And, Jim's drink at Los Gallos. 

Finally, my little fireman buddy! 

 

Music Class - 295/365

Today, Nana, Reagan and I were supposed to pick up Ally for a play day. Matt and Nikki are in Disney enjoying some adult time, so Ally asked to play with us while we they were gone. We were happy to go. Unfortunately, we had to postpone because the kids started coming down with a cold. Nothing serious, just sniffles and a little cough. 

Since we couldn't go up there, Papa asked Nana and I, if we would drop his car off to get new tires. It's a standing joke that Papa gets new tires on his car every six months. Really! LOL! We dropped off his car and heading off to All the Little Birds for her last class of this session. 

She really enjoyed it and was all about the parachute today! LOL! Her and Parker were dancing and having a great time. It was adorable.

After music, we went to Toys R Us, to pick up a few more characters for Jim's Disney Infinity game. Then, we went off to lunch at LaRocca's. Reagan just loves going there to see Marianne. They have become great friends. Reagan even wanted to find her before we left to give her a hug. It was SO sweet! 

This evening, Jim took Reagan and Brinkley for a walk around the neighborhood, while I cooked. Pretty good day!

 

Monday - 287/365

Today was just a Monday. 

 I think everyone had the Monday blah's. 

 Nana, Reagan and I, hit the trail, had lunch and ran a couple errands. We stopped into Walgreen's to pick up a couple things. We weren't going to be very long, so I just let Reagan walk around with us, instead of riding in a buggy. Lately, when she walks in the store, she has been SO INTO shopping. She loves putting stuff in the buggy or basket. She picked up a big tub of candy corn, a bag of Dum-Dum's bigger than her, face soap and cupcakes. She put them all in my basket and was livid when I took them all out. It was too funny! She said, "No, I need that!" She's a great little shopper!

This evening, Jim took Reagan to art class. They made a super cute bat out of paper plates. Reagan's favorite part was painting him black and putting on his eyes. I think she did a great job on her masterpiece! 

 The photo of the day is Reagan's bat project.

 

All The Little Birds - 281/365

Busy day for all today! 

 Nana came to pick up Reagan this morning, to take her to music class. They had a great time! Reagan got to spend some time with her buddy, Parker, too. They sang and played. Reagan was loving the slide today! 

 After music, they went for a stroll and then back to Nana's to play for the rest of the day. 

While they were spending the day together, I went off to my MOPS meeting. It's so great to be back into MOPS again. I love being with all the other mommies. 

Today, the speaker was Elizabeth from Macaroni Kids. She has become quite the couponer, from watching the Extreme Couponing. She laughed and said, "I'm not extreme. I don't have 40 years worth of toilet paper, but I do have a small stockpile. She gave us lots of great tips on how to save money for our families. 

Jim had his regular day at work, along with his Rotary meeting. He said it was busy but good. 

This evening, when Jim got home form work, we took Brinkley up to the experimental farm to run around. We did all the trails and then walked on the paved path for awhile. My Nike app, said we did 4 miles in an hour and a half. Not to bad! It's so pretty back there in the fall. We just love taking a stroll at the farm. 

For dinner, I had made some chicken vegetable soup in the crock pot. YUM! 

The photo of the day is Reagan on the slide at music class.

 The next is the beautiful soybean field at the farm. It looked so cool with the sunlight during our walk. 

 

Tent Time - 280/365

After the last couple days of warmth, today felt extra cold. 

Nana, Reagan and I, hit the trail around 10. It wasn't too bad, but we brought an extra coat in case one of us needed it. Reagan actually asked for it first. She said she wanted to "cover up her friends," so they weren't cold. She had Mr. Fuzzy and Puppy with her. After a few minutes, she put the jacket up over her head. She rode the rest of the way under her "tent". She would occasionally peek out to say something, then go right back under. LOL! 

After our walk, we asked her where she wanted to go to lunch and she promptly replied, "Dutch Hause!" It's become one of her favorite places to go, because she's absolutely fascinated with the Disney Princess and Dora cake display at the front of the store. I keep telling her if she keeps working on using the potty, we'll celebrate with a Dora cake. 

It was a pretty exciting day at the Dutch Hause, because Reagan finally tried something new. She is an EXTREMELY picky eater. She will RARELY put anything new in her mouth. I have tried jelly numerous times. It was always met with a "shiver" and an "I don't want that." Well today, the waitress set down a jelly carrier and said, "here is some jelly if she wants it." I guess if it's someone other than "mom" giving it to you, it must be good. She asked for it and ate some strawberry AND grape. VICTORY!

This evening, Reagan and Jim went off to art class. Tonight was a Halloween themed project. They made a pretty awesome skeleton. They took black construction paper and glued Q-tips down as the bones. It really came out cute and will be part of our Halloween decor for years to come. I was upstairs when they came home, and she came flying up the stairs to show me. I love when she comes barreling in the house to show me what they made. It just melts your heart! 

 The photo of the day is Reagan in her "tent."

 Next, is Reagan and her new found love for jelly...

 Finally, Reagan enjoying art class...

 

Mushrooms - 273/365

Not too awful much going on today. 

Nana, Reagan and I went for a walk, and then to the Dutch Hause. When we got done, we went back to my house. Nana stayed and played with Reagan, while I ran to the grocery store. They had a great time playing on the play set. They must have went down the slide about a million times. 

After I put Reagan down for a nap, I threw some stuffed pepper soup in the crock pot. It turned out delicious! I love stuffed peppers, so this was great and super easy! 

This evening, Jim and Reagan had art class. The project today, was pretty cute. They took a Styrofoam ball, stuck it on a wooden stick and glued fall colored puff balls all over. They were the "leaves". She was so proud of it! 

While they were at art class, I tacked the mowing of the jungle that seemed to grow over night. I had to run the mower over the lawn three times to get it under control. The grass was pretty wet for it not raining for a couple days, so it clumped pretty bad, too. By the time I was done, it was pitch black. It was a total mess!  

When I was mowing, I noticed we, and our neighbors, have these weird mushrooms growing in a couple spots. They were bizarre, we never had anything like that before! 

The photo of the day is our mushroom garden...

 

 Next, is Nana and Reagan enjoying the slide... 

 Finally, Reagan's masterpiece from art class...

 

Morning Friends - 266/365

Not too much going on today. 

This morning, we were all just chilling on the bed. Reagan was all about sharing her "friends" with the rest of us. She took Charlie Horse (who she named herself, with NO help), Mr. Fuzzy and Puppy from her bed and told Jim and I, that we needed to take one for ourselves. She realized Brinkley and Bailey didn't have friends, so she went and grabbed Dora and Boots and gave them to them. She finally said, "There, now everyone has a morning friend." It was TOO CUTE! 

Eventually, Jim went off to work and Nana, Reagan and I, ran a few errands and hit the trail. Reagan brought Mr. Fuzzy along today and he dined at Bob Evans with us. She even shared some of her drink with him! She was very sweet to all her "friends" today. 

This evening, Jim and Reagan had art class. Today, they were painting with apples. They cut apples in half and used them as stampers. She did a great job and came home with another masterpiece to add to her collection. 

 In keeping with the apple theme of the evening, I decided to make my first ever baked apples. I got the recipe from Skinny Taste. It was so easy. You just cut them in half, scoop out the core. Then, in a bowl, mix, oats, brown sugar, flour and butter. Finally, scoop that onto the apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake for a half hour. They were delicious! 

The photo of the day is Bailey and his morning friend...

Next, is Reagan at art class...

Finally, my first ever Baked Apple/crisp

 

Owl Art - 252/365

Just a regular old day today.

Jim went off to work and Nana, Reagan, Brinkley and I, set off to the Kirk Road trail. We briefly saw a few deer that a lady pointed out. Other than that, nothing going on.

We were talking about where to have lunch when Reagan said, "I want to see Marianne." She is the server at LaRocca's, that we have all the time. Marianne doesn't even give us menu's anymore, she knows exactly what we like. Her and Reagan have become good friends now, too. Marianne always calls Reagan, "Little Lady" and will stop to color with her if she has a minute. 

We were just there on Friday, but agreed to go again. They have the BEST salad and wedding soup, which is what we always get. Turns out, Marianne wasn't working today. The other waitress that takes care of us sometimes, saw us coming, and had already set up our high chair and had the drinks on the table, before we even got inside. I'd say we frequent LaRocca's quite a bit! LOL!

After lunch, we went to check out the new Pat Catans looking for some fall stuff. We were minorly successful.

This evening, Jim and Reagan started art class at All the Little Birds, again! They had so much fun together last session, that decided to go again. They had a great time and worked on an owl project tonight. Reagan was just so proud of it. She immediately brought it to me when she got home! It was beautiful! Daddy said he barely helped, mostly just with the eyes. They glued little foam squares all over the owl to make him colorful. She just loves her little projects!

When they got home, we had meatloaf, pierogis and veggies for dinner.

We got a pretty good thunderstorm this evening, which was kind of cool. We won't get too many more, I bet.

The photo of the day is Reagan making her owl and the finished product....

 

Sick Little Girl - 231/365

It was a busy day today! 

Nana, Reagan and I were off to meet Becky to pick up some of Reagan's Alaskan Cruise wear. Then, we went to Target for a few things. We had lunch at Cheddars and got home for naptime.

Reagan seemed a little "off" today. I just thought she was exhausted from the luau festivities. We got home and she was out as soon as her little head hit the pillow. When she got up, her and Jim were off to their last art class of this session to paint sea shells, while I was off to Inner Circle to meet Stacey for dinner. 

 It had been awhile since, Stacey and I got together, so it was nice to catch up. We traded lots of motherhood stories, over a few beers. Sharing mommy stories is always a hoot. We had a great visit and it was nice to see her. 

As I was leaving, I got a text from Jim that Reagan was sick. He said she seemed fine at art class, but they stopped to get something to eat after, and she threw up in her car seat. She was so scared that she was shrieking in the parking lot. He felt so bad for her. 

They got home and he got her all cleaned up. He took her outside to play chalk (one of her all time favorites) while he tried to clean up the car seat. When I pulled in, she was just laying on her tummy in the driveway with chalk in hand. She looked pitiful! 

 She suddenly started crying again and gagged up a little more fluid. I picked her up, hugged her and she spit up some more all down my back. Now, we were all a little scared and wondering what was going on. Jim and I decided to get her in the tub and into some jammies and see how she did.

 I took her up, got her a nice hot bath, brushed her teeth and put on some warm pj's. I took her temp and it was actually a little lower than normal. 

While I did all that, Jim ran up to CVS to get some Pedialyte. 

She always wants to "lay in mama's bed", so we went and layed down to watch TV and drink her juice. She seemed to be doing much better and eventually fell alseep. I cuddled her for awhile, just to make sure and eventually layed her down in her crib. She did wake up briefly when I set her down, so I pushed the button on her music machine in her crib. She rolled over and said, "Mama, I want it quiet please." I said, "OK" and turned it back off. She rolled back over and went right to sleep. Hopefully, she'll wake up tomorrow feeling better. It's so sad when they are sick. 

The photo of the day is my baby girl all curled up in"mama's bed." 

And here is her and daddy at art class...

 

Backpacks, Art & Ice Cream - 224/365

It was a laid back kind of day.

 Reagan and I just played around the house this morning. My mom and dad went down to Alliance to wait, while my Aunt Barb underwent hip surgery. She did great and should be able to go home tomorrow. Crossing our fingers! She was having a lot of pain, so hopefully she'll be good as new now. 

While Reagan and I were playing this morning, Reagan was taking in an episode of Dora the Explorer. We have been having her watch a lot of Dora, since she is one of the characters that are on the ship in Alaska. Our TV is mostly on Disney, when it comes to kids shows, so she had never really watched it. We wanted her to be at least excited for the events with Dora on the ship. Well, she took to it instantly and now it's one of her favorite shows. She's always asking for Dora and will sit and watch the whole thing. She shouts out answers and everything, it's so cute. 

Well today, she suddenly got mad she didn't have a backpack. She was trying to use her little doctors bag as a backpack. I told her that we would get one someday soon. 

Nana got home from the hospital right around lunch time, so we ran to lunch at O'Charley's. I was telling her the backpack story at lunch and she remembered that Sears had some little Dora backpacks. After lunch, we headed over there. Sure enough, they had a few, she was so excited! She even wanted to wear it out of the store. We asked her what she is going to put in her backpack for the cruise and she said, "Mr. Fuzzy, Charlie Horse (who she named herself, amazingly), Puppy and mine blanket." It was so stinking cute! We told her if she puts all that in there, she wont be able to fit her crayons! LOL! 

After Sears, we had to stop at YM to pick up some prints and I, ironically, have been wanting to look at their camera backpacks for Alaska. I want to bring all my camera gear on the excursions and wanted an easier way to carry everything. They had the perfect one, of course. Nana ended up getting one, too! So it was backpacks for everyone today! 

 This evening, Jim and Reagan went off to art class. They came home with another beautiful painting. This one used yarn and paint together. It was so cool! They had a great time! 

They unfortunately saw a really bad accident at Market and 224. Traffic got really backed up and they had to be re-routed. 

When they got home, we were playing chalk in the driveway, when the ice cream man rolled around the corner. Reagan got excited, so we stopped him. She picked out a Hello Kitty ice cream bar. She had the best time eating it. She was a sloppy, sloppy mess. It was so adorable! 

The photo of the day is Reagan and her ice cream bar... 

I had to add her doing her art project...

And finally, I had to add the backpack picture. Jim and I both said, this picture makes us sad, because it won't be long till she'll be heading off with a backpack full of school supplies.  :(

Butterflies and Shoes - 217/365

Most of today was just cruise preparation errands! 

Nana and I started with a walk and then hit the town. We did the mall, and a few other stores. 

I was looking for some new tennies and some dressier shoes. I ended up finding both at the mall, which was great. 

For a long time, I had been fighting the bright colored tennis shoes. Although, I admired them on other people. I finally broke down and bought an electric blue pair that have florescent green laces. I have to admit they are pretty cool and are SO comfy! They will be great for cruising the glaciers! Also, the coast guard will find me easy, should I fall overboard...LOL! 

When we got back from running the streets, I went to take my new shoes out of the boxes to put them with the suitcases. I opened my box of dress shoes and there was only one shoe in there! WTF? I immediately got on the phone and called Macy's. They didn't see a random shoe laying around. So, they said to just stop in, and they'd figure it out. 

Jim was taking Reagan to art class right by the mall tonight, so he was nice enough to handle the missing shoe problem. He got there, they located the missing shoe and he was on his way. I now have a matching pair! YAY! 

This evening, I cut the grass and did some lawn chores, while Reagan and Jim went to art class. They are having such a good time attending class together. 

This week, they made a glittery butterfly! Jim said Reagan did so great and was really into it! She wanted to do everything herself. All the other kids were finishing up, and heading to the play area. Jim asked Reagan if she wanted to go play with the kids. She replied, "No dada, I not done yet!" She just stayed there and kept working on her butterfly! I must say it was a masterpiece! 

 The photo of the day is Reagan and her beautiful butterfly...

 Next is my funky new tennies...

 

Class, Circus & a Concert - 210/365

It was a busy day for everyone today! 

 Reagan had her first art class at All the Little Birds today. Jim had been wanting to do something with her, for their own daddy/daughter time, so this worked out perfect! 

They got to class and played a little bit with the other kids before class started. 

When it was time for class, they went back and started their project. Each child got a little 5x7 canvas, painters tape and a little tray with paint. They took the painters tape, made a design, then went to town. Reagan and Jim did a little "X". It came out great! 

 After class, they went out to the Canfield Fairgrounds to attend the little circus that was out there. It was only in town for one day. We went last year and it was fun. 

 Reagan was excited because grandma joined them for the evening! They were able to score front row tickets, so Reagan was thrilled to be able to see the animals up close. She said her favorite animal was the camel....lol! 

She hopped up on grandma's lap for a lot of the show and ate a whole box of popcorn. Her favorite!! They had a great time and didn't get home until 10:00. Party animals! 

While they were having their daddy/daughter time, mommy, Nana, Raymond and Jennifer hit the town. We started with dinner at Trax in Austintown. We hadn't been there in a long time, it was delicious! 

After that, we headed downtown to the Covelli Center for the 3 Doors Down/Daughtry show. 

We ended up getting in and out of dinner pretty quick, so we had time before the show to grab a drink. We decided to try the new Warehouse 50, which is actually the old BW3's. It was weird being in there and see it all different, since that was Jim and I's hangout in college. They did a nice job, but it's not our "B-dubs". 

We finished up our drink and made our way to the Covelli Center. It was shocking to see the place barely half full for a concert like that. 

We made it in time to hear a little bit of Halestorm. Whoa, they were something else! The lead singer was a girl and pretty much just screamed the whole time. They had a lot of fans there though, everyone had their Halestorm skull t-shirts on. 

3 Doors Down was next and were really good! I had forgotten about some of their songs. They were the very first event at the Covelli Center and we were lucky enough to have tickets to that show. It brought back some good memories. We also got a kick out of the lead singer becuase he kept saying, "my friends." We remembered that from the couple other times we had seen them. LOL!

 Daughtry came out last, but only did a 45 minute set. It was weird! He wasn't as good as the last time we saw him, but he was OK. 

It was a super fun night for everyone! We had a lot of laughs!

There are three pics today.  The first is Reagan at art class.....

The next is Jim, Grandma and Reagan at the circus....

The last is Nana, Raymond, Jennifer and I at Warehouse 50...