Toddler Tuedays

Toddler Tuesdays at The Mall of America.  Sounds...well a little chaotic to me.  However, this particular Tuesday we decided to venture out to the mall filled with toddlers and other mom's to see Bella's new favorite character STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE!  The ad says, meet and greet Strawberry Shortcake 10-12.  Sounds great, we got there at 10:30 thinking we would have plenty of time to "meet and greet" do a little project and have lunch.  Much to my surprise it was packed.  After realizing we would have to wait in line for 45 minutes I was a little nervous about how my precious little angels would handle this.  I am happy to say the girls did great.  The staff passed out Strawberry bars for a snack and had a Strawberry Shortcake movie playing on the big screen.  After all the waiting we finally got to meet her...it was worth the wait!  We ended the day we a few rides and lunch.  No tears or whining the whole time.  Overall a great trip out!

A visit to the apple orchard

We had so much fun this past weekend going to Aamodt's Apple Orchard.  They had hay rides, tracker rides, a petting zoo, apple tasting and of course apple picking.  The girls had a blast.  Bella loved trying all the apples and then picking which ones she wanted.  

School Starts

Bella started "preschool" this fall.  Actually, it is an ECFE class where her and I go together, but she calls it preschool.  So far she LOVES it.  She loves the songs and playing in the gym.  She also is quite the artist.  We have yet to come home with less than 3 pictures she has painted or colored.  Above is her first day of school, we had ice cream after.  She is getting SO big!

Gracie walking

Gracie walking...9 1/2 months.

Gracie walks

Our big news of the week is that our tiny little nine month peanut is walking.  I can hardly believe how fast she is growing up.  I am happy and sad at the same time.  She is cruising faster and faster each day and I am sure she will be running after Bella in no time.  It makes me stop and think about how amazing these little girls are and how lucky I am to be their mom.  My camera is being crazy...but when it is fixed I will post a video of her walking!!!

Fun weekend with Grandma and Papa

Today we celebrate three years as a married couple.  Wow...crazy how fast time goes.  Happy Anniversary Ricky!  Looking forward to what life will bless us with in the next 3 years...30 years and beyond!  Since I have the most amazing parents, Ricky and I were lucky enough to have the whole day on Saturday to spend with each other.  It was so nice to spend time alone...but we did miss the girls.  The best part though...sleeping in until 10:00 (so sorry Ricky, but I am sure he agrees).  Bella and Gracie got to spend all day Saturday with Grandma Terri (although it is pronounced by Bella as "Mama Terti") and Papa Tim.  They went to Target and they certainly didn't come home empty handed.  There were a few new barbies and art supplies at Grandma's house.  They also went to McDonald's to play in the play land and have dinner.  Pretty much Bella couldn't ask for a better night!  She made sure I knew she would be doing that again very soon...asking me everyday since to sleep over there.  I think they missed us a little bit, but enjoyed their time with Grandma and Papa.

Ricky was on vacation last week and got to spend everyday with us!  We loved having him home and did a lot of fun family things!!

At the Schreier Cabin...it was sooooo hot!

 Swinging with Grandpa Rick and the girls.

 Bella loved to pretend she was taking the boat for a spin.

After a long HOT afternoon Bella cuddled with her cousins and watched a movie to cool off.
On Friday, Ricky and I took the girls to Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground.  They had so much fun!  They have a trampoline, slides, tunnels and huge climbers.  They both took a three hour nap after....NICE!

 They loved the rock wall....

 Gracie tried...

and tried...

and tried....maybe next year!

We also had so much fun just hanging out at home playing dress up and swimming in the pool!