So, you all know I am a sucker for pumpkin patches and fall festivals, so we went to another one today! :) How I love visiting all the local farms and seeing the girls have so much fun! This was a nice farm and the owners were really great. The owner talked to us about the farm, upcoming events in the area and some other tours available to schools. And I couldn't believe the price of their activities! The barrel train ride was $0.50 a child, the hay maze was FREE and the hayride was FREE! We even got two small pumpkins for Lillian and Lydia for a $1.00 each! Who knew prices like these still existed...FREE? When is the last time you got something for free that was worth it? The girls had a great time and I couldn't get Lydia off the barrel train ride. She rode it four times and lucky for me it was cheap! :) She also loved the swinging horse hanging from the tree. Lydia kept coming back for the train ride and just kept choosing a different barrel though while Lillian hung in there and rode it every time with her. Lillian enjoyed the hay maze the most and the barrel ride too. Lillian ran the maze four times and then kept procrastinating at the end of the evening by "getting lost" in the maze. She was just trying not to leave that place! :) And we ran into Abigail the Cow and a peacock! We have ran into so many farm animals that remind of us our friends back in Texas..no offense guys! And you know who we are talking about if it is you! :) Another great day on the farm and everyone is tucked into bed tonight including me in a little while! :) Nothing like a hard day of work on the farm to make you sleep well at night! :) Happy Fall!Love,Julie
The girls and I went to a Fall Festival this morning. We left early this morning to try to beat the rain. When it rains in KS, IT RAINS! So, we headed out to pick some pumpkins.
The farm really had a wide variety of pumpkins to chose from. I never knew there were so many different types of pumpkins. The girls quickly picked out the one they wanted and we picked some out for friends too. Then, off to see all the animals. AGAIN! We have gone three times since we have lived here and they still get excited to see the animals. But, they did have baby chickens and pigs this time. Those pigs were adorable!The pigs were so new they had not been named yet. So, Lillian told the farm help to name one Bella (how do you like that Nikki?)! Bella is a friend from TX and she is 6 years old. Too cute!
We loaded up our pumpkins in the car and decided to take our chance on a hay ride and pony ride. It wasn't raining yet, so we crossed our fingers. The hay ride horses were named Briggs and Stratton which I thought was funny even though the girls didn't understand why it was funny. :) And they are the sames horses that pull the Cinderella coach in Kansas City and Santa's Sleigh during the holidays. We made it to both and then decided to head home. The girls were excited to decorate their pumpkins! Later on today we will paint some too!
So, a good start to the fall. And fall arrived in KS as it was only 61 degrees at the farm this morning! The high is 65 tomorrow...please don't let the winter come too soon! UGH! I don't want to trick or treat in the snow! :) Happy Fall!
Today was a great last day with GG and Grandpa! We started the day with the girls "helping" Grandpa make homemade biscuits. Lydia took out her stool and wanted to help just as much as Lillian. They mixed, measured and poured and had poor Grandpa all mixed up too! By the time the biscuits went in the over, Grandpa remembered he left out one ingredient- Crisco. He was so worried the biscuits would turn out like rocks, but I thought they were delicious just the way they were. Grandpa isn't used to having so much help in the kitchen!
Next, we went out to Olathe, KS which is about an hour from Fort Leavenworth. We took Lillian to DeAnna Children Farm when she was 2 1/2 years old when we were stationed out of Fort Riley, KS. So, it was another nice event to take Lydia this time around and the family!
It turned out to be a warm day in KS, but we all made it through the three hours at the farm. We went mining with the girls, rode ponies, rode tractors, fed the goats a bottle and managed a hay ride too. The farm has so many neat attractions and animals to see that you hardly noticed you have been there all afternoon. The girls had a blast and still didn't want to leave to go to dinner.
We finally managed to drag the girls out of there and head to T-Rex cafe for dinner. GG thought that place was fascinating and enjoyed seeing all the decor. Of course, Lillian took them on a tour! After dinner, GG treated us all to yummy ice cream! So, what could be better than a day on the farm, dinner at T-Rex and ice cream? Nothing!
Tomorrow Grandpa and GG have to leave to go home. I know the girls will miss them so much. Lydia can now call Phil Grandpa and she points to GG and says that too. It is so sweet to see how much she has bonded with them in such a short time. Too short! It makes us miss our family so much more in NC!
Thanks for a wonderful visit! We love you all so much!
So, it is not a Harley, but it is still bad to the bone! :) Lydia loves her new ride and she enjoyed showing off for everyone this afternoon. She woke up from a nice long nap and came downstairs to more presents. She is getting used to presents and I am sure she is expecting something tomorrow too! :)
It was a great morning celebrating Lydia turning 2 years old! We all loaded in the car bright and early and headed to Chuck E Cheese. It was one of the easiest parties I have ever hosted because I just had to show up. I usually get a little crazy and have them at my house with way too many kiddos, food and decorations!
Lydia had ten children come to her party and help her enjoy being 2 years old. If you ask Lydia how old she is, then she will tell you two (slurred) and try to hold up two fingers. It is adorable! She enjoyed all her friends today and hugged each and every one of them. She was running around all morning playing all the games and riding all the rides. She didn't stop for a second!
The kiddos all had a good time when Chuck E came out to play too! Except Lydia! She didn't want anything to do with him today which is not usual for her. She usually loves that mouse, but not today. Oh well, we just moved on! She got her crown, star medallion and so many other treats that it didn't matter whether she liked that mouse!
She loved her cake! I can't think Zoe enough for making such a beautiful cake for Lydia. It was amazing and I must say tasted fabulous! All the adults agreed and we had a little contest to see which flavor was better- chocolate or vanilla. Still debating, but man was it yummy! Lydia even blew out her own candle and was so proud of herself. Of course, Lydia enjoyed every bite and ate almost all her ice cream too!
Lydia and Lillian got to go into the Ticketron too. Lydia was fine at first, but as soon as the air came on, then she was out of there! She didn't like it, but her big sissy stayed in and won Lydia 300 tickets. Wasn't that awesome? She didn't even complain when she gave them to her sister!
It was a fun party and she got lots of great presents too. But, I must say, I think Grandpa had just as much fun as the children! Rich and his dad played some basketball and I am not sure who won that game. But, Grandpa enjoyed himself which was great too. He even got a picture of him and Lillian as she sat for all of thirty seconds.
Now, Lydia is napping and we are setting things up for the afternoon. We are giving her a pink motorcycle and she is going to flip when she sees it! More good times ahead of us! Happy Birthday Lydia! I asked her if she had a great party and she said, "YEAH!" That is all that matters to me! I love you sweetheart! I hope you are dreaming happy dreams!
Today GG King and Grandpa Martin arrived in Kansas! It was so great seeing them again and they both look wonderful! Of course, Lillian was on pins and needles waiting for them to arrive. She had early release today and from the moment she got home she just sat waiting to see them pull up in the driveway. She didn't want to play or watch television. She just wanted to sit at the window and wait for them to arrive. She opened the garage door as soon as they pulled in and went running to them! So sweet!
Of course, they both agreed she was so big now and just like a mini adult. They were impressed by her, but they have to be! :) Lydia wasn't too sure at first, but then she warmed up to her usual sassy self. She was sleeping when they arrived and isn't used to people being here when she wakes up from her nap. So, it took her a little while to warm up, but she did. Both GG and Grandpa agree she has a lot of attitude!
We all went to Octoberfest on post this afternoon. It was pretty cute. They had a small ride, hayrides, mini train ride, bounce houses, face painting, rock wall and lots of food and beer. It was a good time and my girls can turn anything into a three hour ordeal! They enjoyed it all and it was a nice afternoon spent outside. Lillian even convinced Grandpa to ride the swinging boat ride and to build a tool box with her! Adorable! The only bad part was I spilled water all over my camera! One camera down, but at least we have back up for the party in the morning.
We came home and got the girls ready for bed. We have a big day for tomorrow. It was so nice watching Rich and Phil put together Lydia's motorcycle for her gift. Special moments! So, now we are all saying good night and hello party in the morning!
Today Lydia had her two year old check up. She was right on track for all of her developmental stages and ahead in some areas. She weighs 28.4 lbs and is 34 1/2 inches long. She did so well and didn't cry one time. She even let the doctor check her ears and she held out her tongue too! So impressive!
Lydia is having her two year old birthday party tomorrow at Chuck E Cheese. I can't wait for her to go and see all her friends who are coming to celebrate with her. She LOVES Chuck E Cheese, so this was the perfect place for her party. Plus, she gets to have her Grandpa Martin and GG Martin at her party. They are flying in today from NC for a visit. So, more pictures to come tomorrow from her party. Let the 2 year old adventure begin..or have they started already?
Happy Birthday sweetheart! You are one amazing little girl full of life, sass and attitude! I love the way you tell me to hush when I am speaking, run your Barbie Jeep into light posts and have no fear! I love how you adore your Lillian and think that life is always better when she is around you. I love how you always think of Lillian and always want her to have dessert too! :) You are truly wonderful and I am so lucky to have you everyday...even though I do think you are a handful. And I love your smile!! Happy Birthday baby!
Today, Lillian's school and all schools on post walked in the Freedom Walk. All the children took a walk on post and met in the stadium field. It took about 20 minutes to arrive from Bradley Elementary to the field, but all the children did great! Everyone was dressed in red, white and blue today and it was awesome seeing all the children waving their flags!
When we arrived at the stadium, we all waited patiently for all the other schools to arrive. It took a little while, but it was great seeing all the children on the field. The ceremony began with the posting of the colors and then we all sang the National Anthem. We listened to a speaker or two and then the children sang a couple of songs. It was adorable listening to them say the Pledge of Allegiance.
It was a great walk and all to remember September 11th. We took the time to honor all those who lost their lives on that day and for those who continue to fight for our freedom. I know I haven't forgotten!
We went to the Kansas City Zoo today with Mandi, Brian and their two children- Abby and Cody. We had such a good time and the weather was pretty nice. It was cool this morning with a wonderful breeze. It did warm up in the afternoon, but nothing we Texans couldn't handle!
We managed to stay and see the whole zoo this time. We took Lillian to the Kansas City Zoo when she was 2 1/2 years old, but of course, she doesn't remember too much. So, it was nice to take both girls this time. Plus, the last time we visited the zoo, we didn't get to see the whole zoo. Lillian and I got really sick and we had to cut our trip short and head home. At that time, we lived in Fort Riley, KS and we were over two hours away. This time it was just down the road and no one is sick...so far! :)
Lydia loved the monkeys! She stayed and watched all the different types and was the last one to leave each exhibit. Lillian loved all the animals, but I think the polar bear exhibit the best. The polar bear was adorable swimming around in his water pool. This was a new exhibit.
We managed to ride the carousel a couple of times, ride the train and ride the tram. Everyone did great today and Lillian loved having her girlfriend with her today. And Lydia has a new boyfriend too! :) She is a flirt! All in all, it was one complete day and the girls are exhausted now. It was a great way to end the long weekend. Back to school tomorrow! Happy Labor Day! Love you all!
Well, it seems like they were just babies...isn't that what everyone says? Or how about, "They grow so fast!" Sounds like just words, but such powerful words!We had the girls take their birthday pictures today.
Lydia is turning 2 years old in a matter of weeks. Really? A two year old? She has such personality...is that the right word? :) It showed in her pictures. She doesn't really smile, but does her best to shine. The picture I chose for her birthday pictures is just so her and I will see if you can pick it out. She is the bully of the family and has such spunk in her little eyes. She throws fits every five minutes, smiles and melts your heart and then tells me this morning to ssssh as I was disciplining her. UGH! She is all those things wrapped up into one special girl..who thinks she is as old as Lillian. She already tells me she is going bye bye and going to school. She would follow her sister anywhere!
Lillian is turning 6 years old in four weeks. She is a bright child who has an amazing charm about her, but also a LOT of SASS! She would take pictures for hours and poses all by herself. I love this age because I don't have to jump up and down, try to make her smile, or act like I am "going to get you!" It is nice to see her in action! She has a smile that brights up any room! She loves school, adores her friends and she is so talented in my eyes. She has grown into such a big girl and I just don't want to let her go or see her get any older. She will be my little one that wants to wear makeup, shave her legs and stay out late with her friends. :)
So, another year of birthday pictures are taken and they are both amazing little girls! Here is to another year of growing and becoming their own individual little person. I just hope they always know that I am here to hold their hand, pick them up when they fall and will love them no matter what comes our way!
Today was Lillian's turn to finally have her own activity! We started mommy and me gymnastics this morning and it was fun! It so reminded me of being with Lillian when she was that age and now look where she is? Kindergarten and a gymnastics drop out! hee hee What can I say? Lillian just loves to dance!
Lydia started crying as soon as we walked in the door. I think she thought I was going to leave her! I kept telling her I was staying with her and she finally got the idea. She loved all the obstacles, loved bouncing on the trampoline and loved the balance beam. I was so proud of her and she even walked some beams all by herself! Okay, I don't see her on the Olympic Team just yet, but you never know what is in store for your little one! ha ha
It was just a fun time and I enjoyed having some one on one time with her. She smiled and made some new friends her age instead of hanging out with big sister's older friends. She loved getting her hand stamped too when class ended and was so proud to show her little hand with her stamp. We got in the car and I asked her she had had fun. And she said, "Thank you!" Now, that melted my heart! Doesn't she deserve a pink pony? She knows how to win me over and make my heart melt into pieces.
Then, at lunchtime, I asked her what she liked the most about gymnastics. Lydia said,"Babies." I said, "You liked making new friends?" And she said, "Yeah!" Isn't that just sweet? Now, keep in mind she is the youngest in the class, but to her they are her baby friends and she can't wait to go next week.
Of course, she passed out for nap time. She didn't take 30 seconds to go to sleep today. She will be ready to tell her sister all about it when we pick Lillian up from school. She wants to show Lillian her stamps. Boy, she misses sharing the day with Lillian. Me too! But, what a treasure to do something just the two of us!
