Little Beach Bunny

We have not been to the beach in months. I know, nuts! The last time we took Maddie she wasn't walking and ate the sand and all the pleasantries that occur with a barely-toddler. Now...now it is a whole different story! This child had an absolute blast! She had no fear (much to the dismay of her Nervous Nellie Mamma) and just ran into the water! It was a perfect beach day too. We went early so no traffic. It was warm but not too brutal yet. There were some people but it wasn't crowded. Granted, it was 9am. Hey, whatever makes for an easy, fun day!

 

There was an older lady watching us and admiring Maddie...she kindly offered to take some pics of the three of us. So glad she did (not that more shots of me in a bikini are something I was excited about, but it's a memory!:)

I couldn't find her hat, so I convinced her to wear mine. I was worried about her still-baldish head burning. It worked great (and looked precious).

Not five minutes after we got in the car. Night-night, Lovebug.

Bella and Maddie Art Day

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain one once we've grown up.

~Pablo Picasso

And so it begins....

Ahhh...Thank goodness for an old vinyl tablecloth!
Bella is all smiles but Maddie...well, she is quite the serious artiste

The final Masterpieces!

They made a mess but had so much fun. The bathwater afterwards was quite interesting, but hey, no poop so I'd say it was a success.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S!!!

Were it not for Gwen Stefani, I wouldn't even know how to spell it!

911...on speed dial

Oh Heavens. She has finally figured it out. Maddie can officially crawl on the couch by herself. Oh, and running back and forth is awesome. Ugh.

Leave it to me....

It all started so innocently. My friend Colleen invited me to the pool for a "Girl's Day". Sounded fab (and oh-so-needed) for a couple reasons, A. I am the shade of a piece of paper and B. Mamma needs a break! Basketball season is killing me since Garret is away alot. I invited the two of them until it was Maddie's naptime and then it would be all relaxation time!

Then Maddie and Garret left. Ahhhhh........

Me to Garret: "On my way to the ER. My toe is pointing due East. See you there."

Yes, only I can manage to fracture and dislocate my toe stubbing it on a decorative brick paver. At least it was toward the end of the day and didn't ruin Girl's Day completely. Klutz....

Maddie's first Parade!

Tonight was The Edison Festival of Lights annual parade. Maddie's first. She had a great time...what's not to love?? Running around, amazing BBQ, great company and beautiful weather. A 19 month old's dream come true!

What makes this baby happiest?? Free reign...

Maddie claimed her spot early...

Letting kids run on the highway...good idea.

Maddie actually shared her ball with Riley...kinda. She'd hold it out to her then just pull it away. Hey, baby steps.

Monique couldn't help herself. She had to get these hats. Notice Bella's "Sassy Cowgirl" expression.

Shortly after the parade started, she was getting soooo sleepy (as evidenced by her eyes!), so we gave her light-up toy to entertain her. Works every time!

Bella was so excited about the Royal Court. Mo asked her if she wanted to be a Clogger when the float came by and she said "No, I wanna be a Princess and just sit and wave at people." That's my girl....

The floats were kinda....eh, but Maddie liked the lights and music. She's easy!