4th of July 2011 (AKA: Sparkler day!)

Not sure why I thought this would be a good idea, but since Maddie doesn't stay up late enough to watch Fireworks, we let her hold a "sparkler" which she immediately held too close to her face and attempted to extinguish with her hand. Bad call.

We did however, enjoy some time at the beach and barbecue-ing with no potential injury to be had!

Just a yucky day...with a tutu on.

She really wanted to dress herself today. And go out in a storm. Sure, seems like a great idea.
Little Miss Independent.

Maddie, meet the potty.

Um, I don't think that's how you use it!

Guess we're gonna need puppy pads.



I thought getting Maddie comfortable with the potty would be, well, a good thing. I certainly don't expect her, at almost-two, to potty train completely, but I figured "meeting" the potty, getting to understand the process might be fun. Well, if having a new "puppy" to clean up accidents after is fun, then this was a BLAST! Hee, hee... We'll keep practicing, but I think we may wanna hold off just a little longer! She seems interested but not quite ready...she does love her new Minnie panties, however :)

Saving pennies for a rainy day.

Our old neighbor got Maddie this ceramic pig when she was born. I have decided Maddie will learn the value of the dollar...at an early age! I grew up very lower middle class so there were chores with no allowance, hand-me-downs (from older BROTHERS) and simple meals. Hoping better for her, but still understanding the importance of appreciating hard work and it's pay-offs as well as saving is something we want her to appreciate. For now, it's a fun lesson in dexterity trying to put spare change in the frustrating little slot! And our little "spirited" child definitely gets frustrated!

Mother's Day 2011

What sounds like a great day to me? The beach and my family. Being spoiled a little (which I was). Pretty much perfection!!

Lookin for Ladybugs!

Maddie happened upon one of the spotted-winged beauties and was quite captivated....

GOATS!!!!!!!!!!

So there is this little...farm?... in town kind of by a major road which is weird...anyway, there are a buncha goats just wandering around in a fenced area. Rumor has it kids love it! You can buy feed and watch them go crazy but since it was Sunday and they were closed, we improvised with grass. I have a feeling it had a similar affect....