A Supper Theif or a Supper Helper?

I have a new little helper in the kitchen! Although, my "help" keeps eating the ingredients!

Daddy Dress

Miss Ava and Grandma K had their own plans for daddy for Father's Day. My sister clued me in on these "Daddy Dresses" long before I even had a little girl. I instantlly fell in love with the idea and knew I had to do this if I ever had a little girl of my own. A Daddy Dress is a dress that is made from a man's button-up shirt. With a closet full of button-up shirts and a super creative mother-in-law like mine I knew this would be easy to accomplish. There are a few different patterns you can do with these dresses but this is the one we chose. My sister, Becca, was so kind to snap a few shots for us to give to Matt on Father's Day.

That is right! Matt no longer has a green shirt, but Ava has a new green dress! ;-)

Not a great shot of the dress but just couldn't resist those little baby hands.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy! ~Love, Ava

Game Day for Dad

This year for Father's Day we went with a "Game" theme...sort of by accident. But it was fun! Matt and I are addicted to this game called Settlers of Catan - now for those of you who know me, you know that I LOVE games but not this kind of game. But for some reason, I am addicted to this highly strategic game - maybe it's the time with my honey that I love about it. :-) I came up with the idea to create the game board out of cupcakes with a few decorations. It took Matt a minute but he got it and loved it. Once we put the kids to bed we of course had to play a game of Catan while eating our Catancakes. I don't care if it is Father's Day...I didn't let him win.

Sticking with the Game theme, Jeremiah got his Daddy the new Zelda game for his 3DS and I got him a new Catan Dice game...lots of "playin'" around at our house! Ava and Grandma K worked up a little something special for Daddy for Father's Day - I'll post on that a little later. Happy Father's Day, Matthew! Hope you enjoyed it!

Birthday Besties

My neice, Zeda Lyn, has got to be one of the funniest, smartest, sassiest, prettiest, most loving little girl that I have ever met. I have the pleasure of watching her one day a week and we have become quite the buddies...until Miss Ava arrived. Zeda now thinks Aunt Sarah is "okay" but "Baby Ava" is usually who she asks for first now. These girls are almost exactly one year apart and already love each other (and act like) sisters. This picture was taken at Zeda's 2nd Birthday Party (another fun party hosted by Social Graces). Happy Birthday, Zeda!

Murray's Do Chicago - 2011

It was our first big family vacation as a family of four. We road tripped - some thought we were crazy for road tripping with a 4-year-old and 1-year-old - maybe so but we had fun nonetheless! Here are some of the highlights...

A tea party at The Magic House, St. Louis

Diggin' for Dino bones in the Chicago Children's Museum



LegoLand with our Lego Dad

Jey is getting up close and personal with the Black Bears at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago

Events By Aunt BeBe...I mean Social Graces

My kids are so spoiled with their Fantastic Birthday Parties!!! We had in our mind that the "major" birthdays would get a lot of attention (i.e. The first birthday....then maybe the Sweet 16th Birthday?) - but not when your sister is a Party Planner! My sister, Becca, and her bestie Megan, debuted their event planning business - Social Graces. Definitely check out their blog - it has great tips and ideas for all types of parties or give them a call and they'll take care of it for you! (Which is my favorite part!) :-) We celebrated Ava's first birthday a couple of weeks ago and while Aunt BeBe blogged about it herself here, this momma wanted to share some of her favorite moments of the day. Thank you, Aunt BeBe, for helping celebrate our Ava!

This cake was made especially for Ava by her Aunt BaBa (Amber) - like I said, my kids are SPOILED by all of these creative people! I'm so thankful my kids are loved this much! :-)

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

I CANNOT believe how fast the past year has gone! Miss Ava was celebrated in a big way! Daddy took the day off for us to enjoy a family day at Silver Dollar City and then we enjoyed a super fun birthday party at our home. We love you, Ava Becca!

Time Management

Yes, yes, I know...it's been a long time since I've posted. But rest assurred it is NOT because I don't have anything to say! My reason for not posting? Let's face it, I'm a mom of 2 VERY active babies and when they ask to play, how can I say no?!? For all of you other mom bloggers out there - KUDOS! I can't seem to find time for everything I want to do (and need to do) because of these beautiful babies! But, here I go, back to blogging...until someone wants me to play Ninja Turtles, Weeble Wobbles, or Candy Land.