Cruising & Crafting

Just a few pictures of the girls and their favorite activities of late.

 They got to spend a few days at a different friend's house than usual while I was at work.  Apparently painting and crafting were Libby's favorite things to do.  She was very proud of her artwork she got to show me at the end of each day!

 This was "Libby's Flower Garden" and was accompanied with real flowers that she picked for me each day - how sweet!

 Meanwhile, the cruiser just keeps on cruising.  That girl is non-stop, I swear!

 Don't you just want to eat her up?!

 And blowing kisses is a new favorite pastime, as well.  So darling!

 Just for fun!

I love that little out-stretched hand.  She just wants to reach out and grab anything in sight.

Birthday Loot

Lexi made out like a bandit at the party!

 

 

 She got her very own Baby Huggems doll from Grandma,

 

 

 some books and games,

and lots of really cute clothes!

But this one topped the charts!  She got a motorcycle!!!

(or just a chance to sit on one - how fun!)

Lexi's First Birthday Party

On Saturday, May 18th Lexi and her best buddy, Connor had a joint Mickey and Minnie Mouse party at the park.  It was quite the event and made their older siblings proud! ;)

 Some of the set-up crew at the park.

I was so lucky that Grandma, Aunt Jayann, and Uncle Paul came into town to help celebrate!

 Sarah made these adorable party-favors.

 This was the gift from my parents and from the moment it arrived, Lexi was hooked!  She wanted to cruise around everywhere with that thing and would cry if anyone attempted to pry it away from her. 

 The moms and the stars. One year olds are sooooo cute - even if they're not smiling.

 Grammy and the older siblings playing with bubbles.

 The spread.  It was all pretty delicious, too!

 The Changs and the Macbeths

 Part of the party-goers enjoying some good eats.

 Diann made the girls their Minnie Mouse dresses that were perfect for the theme - and even nailed it on Libby getting the pink version and Lexi getting the black and red.  So perfect!

 Among the activities were the traditional "Diaper Derby" - Lexi was the uncontested winner, continuing the Macbeth tradition of victory.  (Quite hilarious, actually, but her competition never even left the starting line!  Fortunately, we had her new walking toy to coax her forward - don't worry, it was not employed until AFTER her race.  We may be competitive, but we don't cheat!)

 Then it was obstacle-course time for the "big" kids.

 And water balloons for when the even bigger kids decided to give it a go.

 Brad was the first of the dads (AKA "bigger kids") to compete.  Notice Ian is primed and ready for the kill with his water balloon.

 Then it was cupcake time.  We started off with kids in hand, but soon opted for the ground to avoid a complete disaster of our own clothing, too.

 Yeah, I'd say she liked it!

 The clean, and the not-so-clean

 "Oh, Connor, I see you're not totally covered in chocolate - let me help you!"

 "Or, better yet, let me steal your cupcake and then wipe it on your pants!"

 Libby and her buddies enjoyed the cupcakes, too.

All in all, I'd say it was a GREAT first birthday party!  Can't believe my little girl is growing up so fast already!  We sure do love you, Lexi!

Angel Game

As part of Brad's birthday present, my parents got us all tickets to the Angel game last Friday night. 

 Brad met us there, but the rest of us got to ride the train up to the game.  It was such a great way to go - no traffic, no gas, and no paying for parking, not to mention a ton of fun for the kids!

 The girls and I right before departure.  We were the initial station, so it was relatively empty, but filled up completely by the time we arrived at the stadium.

 Lexi sure seemed to think cruising the aisles was a heck of a lot better than being strapped in a carseat the whole way there!  Trains are GREAT!

 Daddy was happy to meet us there and show off his little angel in her Angel attire.

 Libby and I enjoying the bottomless tub of popcorn.

 She was a little jealous that I had a hat and she didn't, so she stole it for a bit.

 The rest of the gang: the Fosters and Coopers

 Another reason Lexi loved the train - you don't get to do this on the way home in the car!

Libby managed to be completely wired the whole time.  At one point I dozed off and woke to my mom chasing Libby down the aisle as she was parading past, waving to all the passengers.  It was past 11:30 before we got off the train and I thought for sure she'd crash in the car, but no.  She stayed awake and then hit her what? - fourth wind by now, when we got home and had company to play with!  More on that to come!

Fun with Daddy

The girls are always so excited when Daddy comes home.  Here's a sample of the home-from-work fun they always look forward to.

 Daddy as a personal jungle-gym.

 Airplane Libby takes off!

And Lexi gets a turn, too (though always sandwiched by big-sister Libby's turns, of course!), but not before Libby decided to decorate her with stickers.  I was in the other room and heard Libby exclaim, "Mommy, I'm decorating Lexi with stickers and now she's got an eye patch like a pirate!"  Niiiice!

Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day with my family.  I am so glad there is so much love in my life!

 My mom with her "You Are Special" plate for the day.  She requested chicken parmesan.  It was my first time ever making it, but I have to say, it was pretty darn delicious!

 New mom, Britt and Mike joined us, too, with baby Reagan

 The Macbeth end of the table.  It was a hot day, so dining outside was PERFECT! (And, no mess to clean up inside!)

 After dinner we went for a walk at one of my favorite spots - Badlands Park. 

 

 I love my family!

 What cute parents I have!

 Three generations of girls.  So glad I get to raise girls, just like my mom before me.

 The sunset was awesome. 

Lexi loved riding on my shoulders.  Well, she really just loved pulling my hat off, but whatever!

I love being a mom to the two greatest girls in the world! :)