Easter Cookies and a Sundae - 92/365

Today was a busy day!

Reagan was off to school, Jim was off to work and I did some stuff around the house.

Grandma was going to pick Reagan up from school today and she was super excited! They went to spend a little time over her house after school and before ballet. They watched a little bit of Ariel, played dolls and even baked some Easter cookies. They had a great time!

This afternoon after ballet, Nana and I were meeting Papa and Jim at the Shale to head down to the farm for a visit. Grandma Downard hasn't been feeling well, so we wanted to see her before Easter. She's doing OK, but just very weak.

Reagan got to show them her outfit for her recital since we picked it up today. They just loved it! She even did a bit of her dance for them.

Reagan always loves visiting with Zeke, too! She would go and sit with him and have a little conversation. It was so cute. She said "Your hair is black and Brinkley's is gold. You're a good boy."

 We had a nice visit and it was good to see granddad and grandma.

After our visit, we headed back to the Shale to have dinner and pick up the car we left there.

Reagan gobbled up all her buttered noodles, so she got to have a little sundae! Well, BIG sundae! She was thrilled.

It was a good day!

An Easter Egg she colored at school.

Easter baking with Grandma

Sundae!

 

 

 

 

Brinkley Birthday Party - 67/365

We had nothing going on today, so we were going to spend the day at home! YAY!

Jim left for a little bit to do some grocery shopping, but other than that, we were home bound.

This afternoon, Reagan and I baked Brinkley an apple/peanut butter cake for his birthday. It was just an egg, peanut butter, chopped up apple and baking powder mixed up and baked for 20 minutes.

After it was done, we frosted it with peanut butter. She wanted him to have sprinkles on his "pupcake" so we ran one of his soft dog treats over the grater and made our own sprinkles. She was thrilled. We added two dog treats and a candle and we were ready for the party!

We took him downstairs in the open area and threw him his little party. We sang happy birthday, let him have his cake, and he opened his presents we got the other day. He seemed to like his party, but Reagan REALLY enjoyed it! LOL!

She sure loves her brother!

Little Betty Crocker

 The finished product

 Celebrate

YUM! 

 Presents

 

Mardi Gras Day - 48/365

It was a busy day today!

Reagan went off to school this morning. It was so cute when I picked her up, she was wearing a Mardi Gras Mask. They made one in class today. She was so proud! It was even more adorable when she took it off and her little nose turned pink from the mask.

Today she brought home a little book they made in preschool of colors and shapes. They colored and painted everything in there. It was super cute! We just love to see what she comes home with!

This afternoon, Nana, Reagan and I went to pick up Reagan's pink Cadillac from Toys R Us! She was so excited about it! Thank goodness Nana's car is huge, so we were able to fit it in there pretty good.

We still had to pick up Brinkley from the groomer, so he had to stand on the floor. Everyone and everything fit pretty well. The car would move forward every once and awhile with a stop of the car and Reagan would say "my pink thing is coming!" It was a hoot!

When we got home we saw that Brinkley's Bark Box was here for this month! When we opened it we were so surprised! Everything in there was Mardi Gras theme, it was too cute! How fun!

This evening, Reagan wanted to bake up some cookies in her new Easy Bake Oven. She made Jim and I chocolate chip cookies! They were only as big as a nickel, but they were still pretty good! I think she'll have a lot of fun baking us up some treats!

Mardi Gras Mask

 

Colors and shapes books

 Crowded Car

 
Mardi Gras Bark Box

 Our little Betty Crocker!

  

 

Baking Sugar Cookies - 356/365

Tonight, we spent some time baking our annual sugar cookies for Santa. Reagan just loves baking her Santa cookies. Her favorite part is stealing pieces of dough to eat, but who doesn't. She is an expert at rolling and loves arranging the cookie cutters on the dough. 

Her next favorite part is the sprinkles. She LOVES pouring the sprinkles. If you let her, she will pour half a bottle on one cookie. What a hoot!

They all came out great and I think Santa will be thrilled!

Baking Beauty!

 Frosting!

 Frosting Face!

 Done!

Frozen Cookies & Grossi Party - 334/365

This morning Reagan and I decided we were going to bake some cookies from a Frozen cookie kit Nana picked up for her. It was a box that came with sugar cookie mix, a cookie cutter, sugar pictures, and "paint" to decorate your cookies. Reagan is Frozen obsessed, as is the rest of the world, so she was pumped. Her favorite part was painting the cookies with the "paint." It was almost like water colors but edible. She loved it and I must say, they were delicious!

This afternoon, we were heading up to Cheryl and Larry Grossi's for a birthday party for Aunt Veronica and Papa. Papa, unfortunately, couldn't make it due to his fall, but they still went on with the party for Aunt Veronica. 

It was so great to see everyone! Cheryl and Larry had quite the spread of pasta, chicken, potatoes, veggies, salad and dessert. Cheryl made little ice cream cones filled with cake and frosting for the kids. They were a hit!

They did have the Browns game on, which turned out to be quite interesting. Brian Hoyer has been struggling the last couple weeks, so they ended up pulling him at half time and put in Manziel. He led the team down the field for a touchdown on his first possession. It was amazing! He didn't do much after that though. They ended up losing the game 26-10. I don't think Johnny is our guy, but we'll have to see!

Reagan making her Frozen cookies!

The finished product!

A few snaps of the kids on the way to the car!

 Love these kiddos!

Brinkley's SIXTH Birthday - 64/365

What a busy day it turned out to be! 

It was Brinkley's SIXTH birthday today! Holy moly, time flies! He has really been the best dog and we love him so much. He is truly part of our family. We don't know what we would do without him. We love when we come home and he's right at the door with one of his toys waiting to play!

We have always acknowledged Brinkley's birthday, even before Reagan came along. But, she has brought it to a whole new level. We throw a party now. We sing, have cake and open presents. She loves it! 

This morning, her and I got up and made Brinkley some birthday "pupcakes." We happened to have everything on hand to bake them, bonus! They were just peanut butter, honey, eggs, flour, vanilla and shredded carrots. We frosted them with peanut butter and topped them with a milk bone. (Thank you Pinterest!) Brinkley was lurking around the kitchen, I think he was loving the smell. 

After we got those done, we were off to Gymnastics! We had taken a couple months off in December and January, since it was so busy, so she finally got back into it today! It was heartbreaking for me, because she moved up to "Bouncing Bears." In this class, it's just the kids and the teacher. During her "Toddling Turtles" class, I could go in and help her. I thought she may be a little intimidated since she hadn't gone for awhile, but when the teacher called them on the floor, she just waved and said, "Bye, Mommy!" UGH, I wanted to CRY! My little girl is all grown up! She did so great on her own and listened to everything. I was so proud.

After gymnastics, we headed over to PetSmart to pick up some presents for Brinkley's Birthday! She loved picking everything out. She picked up this pink pig and excitedly said, "Look, a PIG! Brinkley will just love this!" It was so adorable. 

As the day went on, I started getting a sore throat. I woke up with a little scratchiness, that progressively got worse. It was getting so bad that I barely wanted to swallow. I put Reagan down for a nap when we got home and I decided to curl up in my bed, too! I took my temperature before I laid down. Turns out, I had a temp of 101.5. Uh oh! Jim had a similar sore throat problem over the summer and happened to still have some meds left, so I popped a few and closed my eyes. 

When Jim got home from work, Reagan insisted on Brinkley's birthday party. I wasn't feeling that into it, but you can't say no to an excited three-year-old about a birthday party, so we sang and gave Brinkley his treats and presents! She was thrilled! I was happy we did it, too! I can't let my baby boy down. Poor guy had to sit around and smell his "pupcakes" all day. He waited patiently!

 Since I was down for the count, Reagan and Jim decided to head down to Youngstown State and watch the girls basketball game. Reagan was thrilled because she snacked on chips and had a Kit Kat. Jim said she immediately went into a sugar high and was just giggling away. They had a great evening, even though the team lost. 

 The photo of the day is Brinkley at his party!

Next, Reagan baking and buying presents....

 Reagan at Gymnastics...

Finally, Reagan and Jim at the basketball game. 

 

Zoo Breakfast and Cookie Baking - 355/365

Today, we had an early wake up call! 

 We had reservations for breakfast with Santa and the Animals at Akron Zoo! We had to be there at 9:00, so we left home right at 8:00. We got there and were escorted to the big cafeteria. There, they had a huge breakfast buffet, cookie decorating, a craft, and of course, a visit with Santa! We decided to head straight for Santa, since we knew the line would get pretty long. We were some of his first visitors. It was cool, because he had Mrs. Claus with him! You don't get to see her very much! Reagan was a little bit shy, but warmed up after a few minutes. 

After she talked with him and we took our picture, he had a little gift bag for each kid. The bags had lots of snacks and a little stuffed Christmas Owl. It was so nice of Santa! 

We decided to eat next. The buffet was great! They had, cinnamon rolls, fruit, scrambled eggs, pancakes, hash browns, bacon and sausage. It was delicious! While we were eating, there was a little elf named, Ellie, walking around talking with the kids. She did a little magic trick and took their "picture" with a HUGE foam camera! 

While we were waiting for our group to be called for the rest of the activities, we went and decorated a cookie and did the craft. The craft was pretty cool. They glued a piece of paper to a plastic spoon. The paper had a little hole in the top half. The kids glued cotton balls all over it. When they were done, they could hold it up and it looked like they had a Santa beard. It was too funny! 

 In the basement of the building we were in, they had a HUGE model train set up. The kids were in awe of this. Reagan could have watched the trains go around and around all day. In fact, when we had to go upstairs to meet our group, she put up a fuss because she didn't want to leave! 

We finally had to go out to the carousel and find our group. We were then led over to the lion exhibit. The staff had put a Christmas tree in their pen with treats and stuff in it. It was neat to see them going at it trying to get their treats. 

Next, we took a short walk around the zoo while we waited for our turn to feed the penguins. When we got to the penguins, Reagan was so excited and not even grossed out by the dead fish in her hand. The penguins were just swimming round and round the platform waiting for the fish. She loved feeding them and asked to do it again, when we were out of fish. 

 When the event was over, the zoo opened to the public. We were allowed to stay, since our program included zoo admission. Even though it was raining, we decided to walk around a little more. We were already in our ponchos and it wasn't overly cold. It was actually really fun, because we were the only ones in the zoo. We only saw two other groups of three people. It was so funny. It was deserted! 

We had the best time playing with the Otters. They followed us to all the different windows in their tank. It was hilarious! Reagan would run to one window and they would follow, so she would run back the other way, and away they went. We spent about a half hour playing with them. 

We finally decided to call it a day and head home. 

 When we got home, Reagan and I decided we would roll and bake our cookies before her nap. Then, when she got up we could frost them. We had the best time cutting them out. She was an amazing helper! Our dough made MANY more cookies than we thought, so it was quite the task! LOL! 

 After nap, we had even more fun decorating them. Reagan actually hummed Rudolph and Jingle Bells to herself the WHOLE time she was doing it. It was the SWEETEST thing! She absolutely loved decorating and did almost every single one herself! 

 What a perfect family fun day we had!

The photo of the day is Reagan and her fish for the penguins.

And, our little cookie cutter....

Finally, us and our finished product!

Eppie Adventure - he took a trip to the zoo, too!

 

Baking and Sofia - 354/365

Busy day today, as they all are, around the holidays. 

 I picked Nana and Reagan up at Nana's around 9:30 to head out shopping. Just as I got there, the two ladies that clean for my mom and dad, were just arriving. They were so sweet and each had a gift bag of presents for Reagan. How incredibly sweet! She got two Disney outfits, Minnie pajamas, a Sofia the First hooded towel and some new books. She was so excited!
 After she opened all her stuff, we were off for the day. Nana and I got a TON accomplished today. We went to Sam's Club, Khol's, Five Below, Giant Eagle and a few other places. We pounded the pavement and knocked so much off our lists! Woo hoo! 

 This evening, Jim, Reagan and I were just going to hang around the house. Reagan and I decided we would try our hand at baking sugar cookies from scratch. She had so much fun at the Baking for Santa at Boardman Park that I wanted to do it with her again. We mixed up the batter and I have to say, it looked pretty good! Daddy even lent a hand! We were going to let it sit overnight to firm up and make the cookies the next day. We had so much fun and didn't even make that big of a mess! LOL! 

 Jim was giving Reagan her bath tonight and she was so pumped to use her new Sofia towel. She was running up and down the hall twirling. It was the cutest thing! Love that little peanut! 

The photo of the day is our little dough mixer... 

And our little Sofia...

Eppie Adventure - coloring

  

Baking for Santa & the Hobbit - 352/365

Christmas prep continued! 

 Jim went off to work and Reagan and I spent the morning hanging around the house. 

I ended up stuffing our Christmas cards; I got them all addressed, stamped, and in the mail. I was so happy! While I was getting them all together, Reagan did some Dora water paintings, she was so proud! 

This evening, Jim and his mom were off to see a movie. They had been wanting to see the Hobbit, so they finally got a chance to go today. A bonus for Jim was, Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch were in the movie. They are two of his favorites from the Sherlock TV show. 

 When it was over, they said they both really enjoyed the movie. They were really excited, but yet, frustrated with the cliffhanger ending. Now, they can't wait to go see the next one! LOL! It was a nice night for them.

 While they were off seeing the movie, Reagan and I had a special mommy daughter night. Boardman Park was hosting a little event where you could go and bake cookies for Santa. They provided the dough, cookie cutters, ovens, icing and sprinkles. Basically, everything you would need to bake some yummy cookies, without the mess in your house! BONUS! It really wasn't that crowded which was great. They let the perfect amount of people in to do it. Everyone had their own space to get their cookies done.

We got a spot at the big table and started rolling our dough. Reagan was just having a blast. She loved picking out the next shape to cut out. We did a few gingerbread men, tiny candy canes and tiny trees. Once we got them all cut out, we gave them to the lady to bake. 

While they were baking, we went in the other room to do some crafts and eat. They were making the kids Grinch waffles, in a Grinch waffle maker. They were even green! Too fun! Reagan loved them! 

After she ate, we did our crafts. They had a sheet where you could color Santa and then glue cotton balls on his face for his beard. They also had a little foam Santa ornament you could make. So fun! 

 We finally decided to go check on our cookies. They were all finished, so it was time to frost and decorate. Reagan absolutely loved this part. She was very serious about her decorating! She really loved the spreading the sprinkles!! She did not want to leave! LOL!

When were were all done, we decided to drive around and check out some lights. We did the Boardman Park drive through twice. She just adores the little singing Christmas trees. We had to see them a couple times. 

 After that, we decided to check out a few of the houses listed on Canfield Christmas Lights on the way home. We found a home on Aspen Lane. What an AMAZING display all set to music. We parked in front of the house for probably a good half hour just watching the lights. Reagan's car seat is on a rotating base, so I can swing her sideways when I'm buckling her in the car. For the lights, I just swung her sideways and we just sang and danced with the lights. It was so fun! It was great, because it was like she had a front row seat once she was rotated! We had a blast! 

The photo of the day is Reagan and her cut outs....

Next, Jim and his mom at the movie...

Eppie Adventure - doing a Doc McStuffins puzzle...

  

Happy Halloween! - 304/365

Happy Halloween! 

We were going to have a busy day today! 

Reagan and I started with a trip to the grocery store. We needed a few things, and I had promised her we would bake "ghost" cupcakes for our pizza party that night. I still needed all those supplies, too!

When we got back, Reagan and I were going to work on our final pumpkin. Nana had found this really cool Cinderella set, that had a stencil, sound maker and sensor. You carve the pumpkin. Then, put this sensor down inside, when you walk past the pumpkin, it talks in Cinderella's voice. Reagan was super excited and couldn't wait for it to be done. 

The carving went really well with my new knives! I was done in no time. Cinderella's eyes were a little tricky, but it still came out pretty good. 

When it got to be lunch time, we went to meet Nana and Mary Jane at Cheddar's for a girl's lunch. We had a fun time! We all got sandwiches. Nana and MJ got Philly Cheese Steaks. They were huge and looked delicious! 

 After lunch, they went visiting some friends, while Reagan and I went home to bake our cupcakes. Reagan was the best little mixer! Her favorite part was scraping the side of the bowl with the spatula. And of course, licking the beaters! LOL! She kept going, "MMMMMMM!" It was adorable! 

This evening, was finally trick or treat. The weather was horrible. It was raining and windy and it just kept getting worse. 

On a brighter note, every year since Reagan came along, the grandparents stop over to see her in her costume. Jim's mom and dad stopped over first. Greg came in with zombie teeth and black lips. Reagan just kept staring, not quite sure what to make of it. It took her a good 20 minutes to warm up to him. It was so funny! They stayed a little bit, then headed home to pass out their own candy. 

Papa, Nana and Mary Jane came in soon after with the pizza for our party! We have made it a tradition to have a pizza party Halloween night, before we head out for trick or treat. It's fun to sit with Reagan in her costume and chit chat! 

Parker and Ron were our first customers and they were soaked. Poor guys. They were in good spirits though! It was so sad to see all the kids coming to the door just drenched and cold. 

Finally, we decided it was our turn to brave the rain and set off to a few houses. We gave Reagan her little Dora umbrella and away we went. She wasn't bothered by the rain at all. She just had a good time. We only ended up going to four or five houses, but she had fun. 

When we got back, we dried off a bit, then drove up to Ron and Rachel's to visit them for a few minutes. We got to see Milana and chat with Ron Sr. and Sharon for a few minutes. Sharon made Reagan an adorable little treat bag. It was so sweet.

 When we got back home, Nana, MJ, Reagan and I set off to visit JoAnn for a few minutes. JoAnn always likes to see Reagan in her costume and give her a few treats. Her and Bobby got the biggest kick out of the Watermelon Fairy costume! 

Next up, it was off to Ray and Jenny's! They were so sweet, they had a little stuffed animal for Reagan and some Halloween stickers. We hung out over there for a little bit and chatted. They even had some "treats" for the adults! We got Miller Lites! Cheers! 

 Despite the weather, we had a really nice Halloween with our baby girl. It's hard to believe this was her third one already! 

The photo of the day is Reagan setting out in the rain for Trick or Treat.

 Next, is my cupcake baker and our ghost cupcakes. They HAD to have "frinkles", too! 

Finally, our talking Cinderella pumpkin...

 

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