Happy Birthday Nini!

We're posting this 1 day early because we're going to be busy tomorrow, but I don't think Nini will see this until after the fact anyway - it's the thought, right?

Ella's Movie

Had to delete because of the songs on it. If you want to see it, come on over. I will try to remove the songs and post the new version later. :o)

Drums - Day 1

I got the drum set for Holly last night at Toys R Us, thanks to everyone who chipped in with gift cards for it. I decided not to get the light-up one because of the horrible reviews it was getting. Basically, people said it's $50 extra for a feature that works for 10 minutes. So - we went with the blue one. I don't think the girls care. They already are having a ton of fun with it.

We were able to get a stool, sticks, and still have some money left over. Daddy wants to find a junior trumpet - I guess this isn't noisy enough. lol

Holly started banging on everything before I had the camera ready... as soon as she got the sticks in hand, she was happy.

She doesn't sit on the stool much, and she can't work the bass drum yet, but they've only been playing for 2 hours. She'll get it - Ella did.

This is Holly's "Animal" face. Can you see the resemblance?

Short clips of each of the girls playing.

Ella is trying to sing a Black Eyed Peas song while she's playing... too funny.

Mother's Day Brunch

These are pictures from Mother's Day brunch. We had Holly's party the same day, so these are the leftovers that aren't in that post.

One day, they will both look at the camera. Until then, we take what we can get.

Ella thoroughly enjoyed her 'mimosa' made with Sparkling Grape juice and orange juice. The Kiddie Mimosa if you will. She was excited to use the same kind of glass as everyone else. I'm surprised she didn't spill during all the "Cheers!" with everyone.

Brunch at the Yacht Club was pretty good. The kids didn't really eat anything, but I didn't expect them to. Thanks to everyone for helping Daddy with them so I got to enjoy brunch!

Holly's Birthday

Happy Birthday to my little 2-year-old! I love this age and I'm so glad I get to enjoy it a little more with Holly than Ella. I was a bit busy... lol.

My Jump Place in Lake Villa, IL. Holly's finally maintaining balance and starting to jump, that is, until Ella comes jumps right next to her.

Daddy knocked both of them down.

The slides are super-quick... here's Ella wiping out.

Slide train!

Everyone had fun, even though Mommy and Daddy got a few skinned elbows from keeping the kids from killing each other at the bottoms of the slides.

Ella beat Daddy down the slide ;) And Holly escaped from the Palm Tree bounce house.

Whee!

Holly likes the hamster tubes. She can't climb up high in the others with Ella, but she likes these just fine for now.

The place is big enough the kids aren't bored, but small enough you don't lose them. It's fun.

Holly was looking at me saying, "Momma? Momma?" As if to say, 'Aren't you coming in to play?'

Her favorite part about leaving the bouncy room...

Post nap present. She seemed reluctant to get out of bed. (And the pacifier is leaving soon, just didn't want Daddy to have to deal with that while I'm out of town.)

A little more awake, she tears into the goods.

C'mon! Open already! It's new bedding! The Elmo room is gone, hello Frog Princess room :o)

Some shots of her remodeled room...

Both girls got a balloon from My Jump Place - Ella's popped on the popcorn ceiling 20 seconds after getting home. Holly's make it for a bit longer.

She's in between stages at restaurants... If we're in a booth, we need a booster. A table, we need a high chair. Also - do you like how she "uses" her silverware? lol

We went to Friday's for dinner so the crazy wait staff would sing to her.

The next day, Mother's Day Brunch/Holly's Family Party

Ella opened Holly's presents so fast, I'm not sure exactly what came from where, but thanks to everyone! We'll be getting her drum set soon.

They don't make Princess and the Frog cakes everywhere yet, so we went with Holly's second favorite - Hello Kitty.

Yummy, messy, fun.

Holly got a Zhu Zhu hamster from Auntie Tina. Pork Chop does not like it. Hopefully - they she won't destroy it.