5th Anniversary

This past weekend Jason and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.  Usually this is all about the kids, so to continue with that theme, I will include the kids to say that...they weren't there!  Actually, I take that back, our actual anniverary was on a Friday night, and we decided we would be less tired that Saturday, so on Friday we took the kids out for dinner to Champps...nothing too exciting...it's nice and loud in there which is a good thing since the kids were singing at the top of theri lungs...I guess it's better than crying and complaining!!

The next day Grammie and Grandpa came over to babysit overnight.  Jason didn't tell me where we were going, which is cool with me, I love surprises!  He ended up taking me to the Motor City Casino.  They had the best hotel room ever (well, I don't have that high of standards since we don't travel all that often, so to me, it was awesome!)  I loved the bathroom...I even took pictures so one day...a very long time from now...I can remodel my bathroom (it will probably never happen, but hey...it might).  Anyway, when we got there, Jason popped open some champagne and then he told me to get ready for the spa...yayyyy!  It was so great!  They started off with a reflexology massage for the two of us, which was really relaxing!  Next, they sent us into a room with a hot tub and mud bath.  I felt really rich as I laid there with cucumbers over my eyes.  That is something that I would never find the time to do at home!  Finally, they gave us each an hour long body massage!  I think we were there for almost 3 hours!  Jason knows me well..it was perfect!  The only drawback was that the fire alarm went off during part of it.  I am kind of cursed when it comes to fire alarms...I won't get into that other than to say that I'm not surprised at all that it happened!  But fortunately, it happened in between two of the sessions.  But to make it up, they brought us cupcakes and gave us an aroma therapy treatment!

Then, it was time for dinner!  The Motor City has the only 5 star restaurant in Detroit, called Iridescence.  It was on the very top floor and had an amazing view.  It was a little expensive, but hey...we were celebrating!  It was REALLY good, and of course, I loved the dessert.  Jason and I shared one since I was so full (and because his 3 course meal came with one).  And just when I thought I couldn't eat anymore, the chef sent out an anniversary dessert for us.  I thought I was going to explode...but I ate it (of course).

Finally, it was time to gamble!  We played Craps and Blackjack!  We didn't hit it big, but it was great entertainment for a few hours!  One of these days I'll hit the jackpot!  Then is was off to bed...it was long but perfect day.  I almost forgot to mention the awesome present that I got, as if this wasn't enough...a new Nikon camera...it's really really nice...I love it!  I got Jason a sweatshirt...pretty much chopped liver compared to what he got me.  But in my defense...he begged me over and over again not to get him anything.  And now I see why...he spend a pretty penny on our anniversary celebration!

That morning I took a shower in the really nice shower and put on the robe that they let you borrow during your stay so I could feel all relaxed and care free before we headed home!  We ended up going out for breakfast and then back to reality...which wasn't a bad thing...I always miss the kids and was happy to see them, but it's always nice to have a break and a good night sleep!  It was a great weekend!

Stop!!!

Ms. Bossy (aka Lizzy) is really starting to figure out how to get under Sydney's skin, or maybe she's just irritated with annoying sounds.  But lately, if Sydney is whining about something, she says to Sydney, "stop it, you a bad girl", which just sends Sydney into orbit.  She does not like to hear that from Lizzy and then she just starts screaming and crying, so Lizzy's naturaly reply is, "Sydney, STOP crying" (and she really does emphasize "stop". I just don't think Sydney likes taking commands from her little sister, but sometimes I kind of agree with Lizzy and let her carry on.  Jason and I just laugh, which doesn't help the situation at all because then Sydney feels like she has no one on her side.  Lizzy, on the other hand, could care less if I or anyone else tells her that she's a bad girl, all she says is, "no, Lizzy a good girl", and goes about her business.

Lizzy is also the same way with Savannah.  Every time Savannah barks, she tells her to "BE QUIET", or she says, "Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Savannah, no barking".  Well, today, she just couldn't take it anymore.  Jason was out on business, and the three of us were sitting at the table eating (Savannah had already eaten and gone outside), but she was constantly barking at us for our food...she wouldn't stop...and I have to admit it was pretty annoying, but I was able to ignore it.  Afterall, it had been a long day, and I was starving, and I was definitely not getting up for the dog.  But all of a sudden, without saying anything, Lizzy got out of her chair (we had to retire the highchair by the way...Lizzy has no interest), went into the laundry room, got out the scooper, dumped some food in Savannah's bowl, and came back to the table.  So, I don't know if she's a really good helper or just can't stand annoying noises...but either way, it helped me out and was pretty darn cute!  I wasn't going to get up, but I had to snap a picture!

July 4th Weekend

Water, water, and more water.  That pretty much sums up the entire weekend.  Oh, and food...can't forget about the food!

I took Friday off of work to spend with the kids, so that gave me a nice four day weekend, and nice it was indeed!  The very second Lizzy woke up on Friday, she asked to go swimming...she loves it!  I didn't really have a reason to say no, so off we went to Grandpa's!  When we got home, Lily came over to play with Sydney while Lizzy napped, and what did they want to do?  Play in the water, of course!  So Shauna and I blew up our water slide and pool and the kids were in heaven! 

Since we didn't get enough water that day, we took the kids to the Troy Aquatics Center the next morning and met up with the Beckers and Schwartz's.  Grandma Sharon came too!  We had so much fun.  Lizzy was a little scared of the fountains (she is starting to show a little fear) in the toddler area, so I took her to the big pool which was zero depth, so she just splashed and played over there and had a blast!  Sydney couldn't get enough of the water slide!  She has been so brave lately...thank goodness for swimming lessons!  That night we went out for dinner at Modern (yum) to meet Grammie's sister Lisa...and of course we had to go to Dairy Queen after!  It was a very long day, but we HAD to light sparklers again...cuz Sydney said so!  Lizzy called the sparklers "happy birthdays".  She was having so much fun until Jason lit the fireworks we bought!  She was FREAKED out!  Sydney loved every minute of it though!

On the day of the 4th, it was so incredibly hot, but Lizzy wanted to walk to the pond in our neighborhood to see the turtle and quack quacks.  We brought bread along to feed the fishies.  I was lethargic, it was just too hot for me.  I hate the cold, but I also hate the extreme heat...a typical woman, I'm never pleased!  Savannah was so hot that she jumped in the pond.  So, we didn't stay long, but the kids had fun!  Savannah even stopped in the middle of the road on the way home, her feet were burning, so she walked on the grass the entire way home...poor dog!  That night we headed to the Alvin's for a bbq in Huntington Woods.  After dinner there was a concert in the park...Lizzy and Sydney were dancing to the music and enjoying the concert.  I was having fun until the heat started to get to me!  I just never drink enough water and then I get dehydrated!  So, I layed in the grass for a while waiting for the fireworks to start.  Jason lit sparklers with Sydney...guess she never gets sick of those!  I started feeling better by the time the fireworks started.  I thought Lizzy would go crazy after the way she reacted the night before, but surprisingly she liked them.  I was very impressed.  She kept saying, "oh my gosh", "pretty", "yaaaaaaaay".  It was a loooong day for the kids.  They didn't go to sleep until almost midnight!

And then the dreaded Monday...dreaded because I had to back to work the next day.  I always have a difficult time returning to reality.  I tried to make the best of the day.  We took the kids to a sprinkler park at Heritage Park near our house.  It was a great way to beat the heat!  Sydney had a blast, but Lizzy was a little scared...something about the fountains and water shooting out of the ground.  But she still had fun!

And last but not least...that night I got a new car....woohooooo!  I got a Chevy Equinox and I love it!  Lizzy keeps saying, "new car new car" over and over again...it's cute!  Sydney says she enjoys being up high, but she loves the hands free phone system.  She keeps asking me to call people so she can hear their voice over the speakers...I have to admit, I think it's fun too, so I call people just for fun!  I'm sure the novelty will wear off, but I'm definitely enjoying it!  I love new things!  This is the first time I've ever purchased a car...I ALWAYS lease...but with the prices these days, it just made sense to buy...hopefully I don't get sick of it...and if I do...I think it will just be too bad....Jason plans on me driving it into the ground...so, might be a while!  Now I have to start working on him for a new camera...among other things...I have a long list!!

And now...back to reality...

Sisters

I just can't get enough of Sydney and Lizzy playing so cute together!  They totally love eachother.  Of course, they get their fair share of fights in, but when it comes down to it, they really enjoy being together.  Lately, Sydney has been spending time at one of my parent's houses, because they both have pools, and school is out, so why not?  Might as well go swimming!  But Lizzy gets so upset when Sydney isn't there.  She mopes around the house asking "where Sydney? where Sydney?" and brings me my phone to call her.  Bedtime without her is hard as well because Lizzy likes a "kiss kiss" from her.  Sydney loves sleeping at her grandparent's house, but both times she went away, she asked to come home a day early, and she told me it was because she missed her sister...that makes me so happy to hear that...I can only hope their relationship continues.

The other day we went to Jason's friend's house on the lake for a little bbq and the girls were hysterically laughing with eachother and just running back and forth enjoying the great weather.  Their laughs were contagious! 

Sydney especially had fun because Jason's buddy Kevin was there, and for some reason, she has really taken a liking to him.  She has only met him a couple of times, but always talks about him.  So, she enjoyed kayaking and swimming with him in the lake.  Speaking of the lake, I thought there was no way Sydney would step foot in the lake with the rocks and sand, etc. at the bottom.  She was a little apprehensive at first, but LOVED it.  Lizzy was scared, but fortunately there was a lot of food, so natually she ate the entire time...not kidding!

I might be a little biased...but I've got two cute kids who are growing up so fast!!!

Father's Day Weekend

Our weekend started out at the old ball game on Friday night!  Jason and I had a great night with friends while the kids stayed home with Grandma Sharon!  I always like going out on Friday nights because for some reason it just makes the weekend seem a little longer!  Fortunately, the Tiger's won the game, and finished the game just in time before a huge storm rolled in!

We celebrated Father's day with Jason's parents on Saturday.  Joe and Polly don't have any deli's in Midland, so they always make a trip to the deli for corned beef when they are here...and we gladly helped them eat it up!  Lizzy was so cute, she kept saying, "hi, Joe" (instead of Grandpa).  Sydney hadn't seen Grandma Polly in a while and she had really been missing her, so she was happy to spend time with her!  We spent the day outside enjoying the awesome weather while the kids showed off the new swingset and played in the kiddie pool.  Lizzy had been begging to put on her "waters" (bathing suit).  She gets extremely jealous when Sydney goes to swim class and just sulks around with her bathing suit (on her head), so she finally got the opportunity to put hers on for once!  It was a great family day!

On Father's Day, the kids and I made breakfast in bed for Jason.  We made French toast, eggs, and fruit.  I had already given him his gift the other day (a barbeque), and I wanted the kids to be able to give him a little something, so we bought him a new casual shirt.  After he ate, we let him sleep in until 11, but after that, the kids couldn't take it anymore.  All they wanted to do was go swimming at Grandpa's!  And oh my goodness, they had such a blast!  I was so proud of Sydney.  I think the swim lessons are paying off.  She has come a long way since December in Disney World where she wouldn't let go of me for fear of her life and would only go in the baby pool.  She was jumping and going under the water and "kicking and scooping", as she says.  After two hours, I was getting cold and was ready to get out, but not Sydney!  Jason took Lizzy back to Grammie and Grandpa's for a litle nap and Sydney continued to swim.  I think this was the first time since Sydney was born, that I was able to relax by the pool and watch her swim.  Usually I have a kid clinging on to me the whole time.  So, it felt extremely good to just relax for a while!  That night we all went out for dinner at Modern, my new favorite restaurant ( I know, every restaurant is my favorite). But it was really good.  The chef came out to take our order.  They didn't have a kid's menu, they just ask the kids what they want, and try their best to accomodate and boy did they do a great job...it was amazing...we will be going back for sure!  I had stopped at the bakery earlier, so we went back to their house for dessert!  It was an awesome day!  Sydney slept over at their house, which was nice for me because Jason has to be away for work until Wednesday!  So, it's just me and cute little Lizzy until Sydney decides to come home.  I have a feeling that she won't want to leave the swimming pool life!

Sydney's Last Day of School

Today ended Sydney's very first year of preschool!  The kids put on a little good-bye presentation for the parents.  They wore these cute little outfits and sang three songs.  It would have been even cuter though, if Sydney actually sang the songs!  All of the kids were belting out these songs and doing all of these hand motions, and then there was my kid, just standing there!  Come to find out, she told me that she didn't sing because she was worried that I was going to take her picture!

After that, the teacher presented all of the parents with these books that the kids made, along with a CD of all of the songs that the kids enjoyed throughout the year.  The book was AMAZING!  The teacher basically documented the entire school year for me!  There were pictures that the teacher developed, along with projects, and a monthly documentation of Sydney's progression showing how she colored in September compared to now in June.  I was very impressed and I'm so lucky that she had such a fabulous teacher.  I did a lot of research looking for the right school for Sydney and as soon as I met this teacher, I knew she was right for Sydney. 

Sydney was pretty happy the whole time we were there.  Then, she gave her teachers the gifts we bought for them, and then it was time to.  And then her mood changed drastically.  It was time to say goodbye, and it finally clicked that today really was the last day.  Sydney didn't want to hug anyone goodbye and she got really moody and wanted me to carry her out to the car.  I refused to carry her, and kept telling her that she was a big girl and she could walk.  But she was not having that!  I said goodbye and basically dragged Sydney outside, and finally she broke down crying!  I was like, "what is up with you?"  She said, "I'm just going to miss my teachers and my friends and I love you, so please carry me right now!"  I caved and picked her up, she was just so upset!  When we finally made it to the car, I popped in the CD that her teacher made for her and instant smiles!!  She started singing and jamming (since she knew I wouldn't be taking pictures...stinker)!  I think we've listened to the CD like three times already.

It was a great year! 

Something in Your Car

Sydney has been obsessed with these little sour candy type things lately, but has absolutely no idea what to call them.  Jason always seems to keep some in his car, and Sydney always wants one.  So, it in the beginning, we would get in the car, start driving, and Sydney would randomly say, "can I have one?"  And we had no clue what she was talking about.  We would tell her that she had to tell us what she wants and to use her words and all of that type of stuff.  So, she said, "I want something in your car".  We eventually figured out that she wanted one of those sour candies.  And somehow, a few months later, she still calls them "something in your car".  She'll say, "mommy, can I have something in your car?" (yeah, I have to buy them now too).  I'm currently out of them, so today she says, "mommy, you really need to buy more somethings in your car."  And the funniest part is, that in that last couple of weeks, Lizzy started paying attention to these little candies, and what do you think she calls them?  That's right!  Although, she doesn't say it so perfectly!  She just says, "Mommy, something in car, something in car, something in car"....she doesn't stop until you give her one!

Other cute Lizzy phrases:

• "Bye, see ya!"
• When we tell her that we love her she says, "oh, that's nice".  She usually says, "Sydney, I wuv woo."  And then Syney tells her that she loves her too, and then she says, "oh, that's nice."
• If someone his sitting in a spot that she was previously sitting in, she says, "that's MY sit down."
• If we have company over and another child borrows her highchair, she says, "that's MY eats" (since that's where she eats...she is really quite clever)
• If we get water in her eyes in the bathtub, she always wants a towel to wipe her eyes.  So now, everytime she sees a towel, she says, "that's MY eyes" (since she uses it to wipe her eyes).

I could go on and on...basically she thinks everything is hers.  I made Jason a ham and cheese omelet today for dinner and she was almost crying to the point of tears as I made it..."that's MY ham,", "that's MY cheese"

But her favorite phrase is (and I'm almost positive Jason taught her this): "Mommy, you poopin'?"  Everyday when I drive her to daycare, she just thinks she is so hilarious.  She asks me if "I'm poopin'" in this really funny voice and then cracks up laughing.  And then she lists all of the people she knows and asks if they are pooping too.  This has Jason written all over it!