Happy 3rd Birthday!

Sorry to keep you all waiting to hear about Ali's birthday. It was two days of cooking for an hour an a half of party. heh. It was a good day. Today is the first day I've felt like we've not had to run around to get something done, today.. is a good day. :D

Right off the start we were celebrating Ali's special day. I had the camera ready to go and Mark had rigged up Ali's bedroom door with balloons.

Uncle Ron and Aunt Gail had given Ali her birthday present early. The card had a picture of a cake in the shape of a three with flowers on it. I was determined, if nothing else, Ali would get her cake! I found hard icing flowers that looked the same as on the card on ebay, and Pinterest had a link to instructions to build a number three using round cake pans. It's been a looooong time since I've baked a cake, so Saturday morning after I followed the pictures on the box to add the ingredients and I poured the batter into one round cake pan. Can anyone guess what happened? Anyone? Well, if I had kept going with the directions I would've seen I should've used TWO round cake pans. Whatta mess! I was still determined, so into town I went to get some oven cleaner and another box of cake mix. Voila! Special thanks to Mark for cleaning the oven as I got Ali down for a nap.

I think I did pretty well, all things considered!

A few days prior, we received a parcel from Gramma and Pops, a parcel full to the brim and super heavy. Ali and I Skyped with Gramma and took what felt like the entire afternoon to upack all the goodies. It was a treasure chest that included a tailored princess dress with a wand and tiara to go with it, a tutu and tons of toys and fun goodies and more more more!

After a visit with Courtney and Leroy and before the guests arrived we had a short condensed cupcake celebration with Oma and Opa.

Then it was time to celebrate with friends! Madison and Lily, and Ashley and Lauren. Uncle Matt and Cindi came for the night too!

It was so fun celebrating Ali's birthday with her. It's a gift to share growing up with her and with all of you too. Ali has grown into a caring, curious lively little girl. She's the first to offer comfort when anyone close cries or hurt.

First day of Preschool

Today was Ali's first day of preschool and all went well. She's been looking forward to school since I volunteered to be on the board. Mind you, going to sit and play during a board meeting isn't the same as going for school, which Ali realized today.

I was there the whole 2 hours, but I was outside the room helping to process paperwork and forms. Ali was there the whole 2 hours, but she was outside the room for the beginning...until she saw the other kids leave the room to go for a tour. Her leaving them was her decision, but them leaving her... she'd have none of it. So she ambled off after the group and was content from there on in!

Yes, I got her a little sophisticated, I dare say nerdy, outfit for the first day. I cute blouse sweater vest, in pink of course, and a pink and black plaid skirt to match! Notice the new smile? It's her photo smile.

These are too cute not to share. She just gets cuter and cuter I tell ya. She was even kinda cute tonight, the second night of not wanting to go to bed. One more hug, one more song...

I got her to sing a song for you! It's the swing song, and one I made up on the fly at the beginning of the year. She likes it...

This one is Ali helping Momma knit her scarf. If you miss it..it's got hearts on it. 

Squeezing in the last of summer

What a week! We were busy doing last minute things to get ready for preschool starting on the 17th, getting some birthday shopping for the little princess and a few other things thrown in to keep me hopping and from thinking too much. That means you'll have to settle for lots of pictures instead of an introspective ramble from the Momma.

Last weekend was our neighborhood's annual mini golf and BBQ. Neighbors create their own mini golf holes and put them in their driveway, or garage or yard and all of us wander around with putters and take scores. Last year we didn't make it golfing but crashed the BBQ. This year I didn't think we were going to make it either. Ali and I were a little out of character after Mark working just over two weeks of 12 hour days and then being home for just over a week. We were kinda out of sorts. I'm happy to say Ali and I made it to all the mini golf holes with KeeKee.

It's becoming a tradition to get a picture of Ali and KeeKee at the BBQ!

On Wednesday the Momma had a short meet and greet with a new doctor and Ali stayed with Ashley and her Mom for a few hours. All was good, it seems Ashley loves doing Alexiss's make up and Ali loves being pampered and attended to.

The next day we had a visit from Ali's friend Jack. Ali had to..err..use the facilities. I closed to door to give her some privacy and so the stink would kinda stay in the bathroom. But Jack had other plans. It was too quite so I went to see where Jack was. Seems he was keeping Ali company and Ali didn't mind at all. Kids are amazing! 

Today was a family BBQ hosted by Mark's work. We had a ball, inflatable jumpy house and slides, sno-cones, popcorn, cotton candy, a clown that did balloons and a dunk tank. Yes, Mark was voluntold to participate and be a dunkee..sorry no picture.

Excuse me, is that a butterfly on your cheek?

The crowned princess is starting to fizzle out a bit.

Playin in the yard

Sorry this one's sideways, but it's too cute to not share.