Phiaism

Yep our very first one! She is really starting to say some pretty funny stuff and I don't want to forget.

Tonight as we were outside playing Sophia went and sat down on the patio and of course Gracie immidiately started smothering her in kisses. Sophia looks at her sternly with her hand out and says "give me a mintute gracie, k...just give me a minute."

State Fair

I have always loved the fair and waited for the day I would have a child of my own to take. For one reason or another we did not go the past two years the main reason being Phia's strong hatred for strollers. Oh and I mean hate. :) While driving there we talked up the fair, prepared her for all that we were going to do and how she had to be a big girl. Surprisingly enough the stroller was not our biggest battle, it was trying to explain to a 2.5 yo that she had to wait in line. Yeah that didn't go over so well, but by the end of the day I think she grasped the concept. She was watching some of the rides and just chilling in her stroller when she hopped out and asked us "Is it my turn now?" Eric and I both laughed... aw that's my sweet girl.

Here is our day in pictures, oh and there are tons. Don't judge :)

First stop was of course a corny dog

Next up was the petting zoo where she fed many, many goats. The hand sanitizer stations became our new best friend.

After that we moved next door to the little hands on the farm. This little place was super cute and Phia loved it...after we got inside. Sigh
Yes a major meltdown happened right before this picture

She watered the trees and picked a peach.

milked a cow

she picked eggs and veggies

and even rode a tractor

Our little adrenaline junkie was ready for some rides. She was fearless and wanted more, more, more. She even proved to us she was tall enough to ride.

Look mom I am on an alligator, it says chomp, chomp, chomp.

She loved the way this one whipped around the corners letting out a squeal at each turn.

We all rode the Ferris wheel for the very first time.

Dad thought it would be funny to take a picture in front of the monster truck, obviously Sophia is not amused.

Last up was the "ducky" rides. Seeing all the turtles was her favorite part.

By the end of the ducky ride we were all pooped and ready to head home. The day was awesome and we will always remember how great our first family trip to the fair was... tantrums and all! :)

Fun with Aunt Kate

Aunt Kate has a great park and duck pond in her neighborhood so we headed over there this past Sunday to enjoy the awesome day. We just can't get enough of this awesome weather and we know it will be gone before we know it so we are taking advantage of every possibility to be outside. She loved the ducks of course and at times was little to close for our comfort. She kept wanting to feed the bread like she does a treat to Gracie. Kate and I kept saying throw it, throw it. Such s silly girl!

Here are some pictures from our fun day!

She made Aunt Kate go down the slide every time she did. Ha!

2.5

Sophia turned 2.5 last week and I keep asking myself how did this happen. How did my teeny, tiny baby become such a big girl. Even during the tantrums and near breakdowns on my part, I feel so incredibly blessed. She has changed so much over the past couple months and her vocabulary has just exploded with full on sentences and everything. We love hearing her adorable voice!

So what is miss thing up to?

* She is still taking ballet/ tap and loves it. Once she turns three we will put her back in gymnastics. She really enjoyed gymnastics and was good at it, but mommy/ daddy got really tired of having to do the class with her. At 3 she can do it on her own. :) Woo hoo

* She is a little ham and mimic. If she sees another child getting attention for doing something cute she will jump right in and do the same thing.

* She loves to sing and read books. She would prefer a book over any toy really.

* This girl loves her Gracie and Gracie loves her. I am so grateful for having such a tolerant dog. It amazes us how much Gracie will actually let Phia get away with all while looking up at us with those eyes like why are you letting her do this to me. Ha!

* If you ask Phia what she would like to eat, I can guarantee you she will probably answer with peanut butter or avocado. She LOVES both and can't get enough of it. She just started eating grilled chicken so this is awesome news. Still not a fan of pasta though we have certainly tried. Strange kid. :)

* Toy Story and Nemo are still on constant rotation at the house.

* Some common phrases said by little miss:
"No, I don't wanna"
"Bye babe... Love ya babe"
"Daddy, I'll be right back...k"
"Lay down with me mommy/daddy"
"Aww man"
"So cute"
There are much more but of course my mind has gone blank.

* She is now in a big girl bed and loves it. Phia and I went to Nac Labor Day weekend and when we got home Eric had her new twin bed all put together. We were prepared for some sleepless nights but she handled it like a champ and has never had an issue. This girl loves her sleep though so really I shouldn't be surprised.

* Oh and potty training... yeah that dreaded stage. We have made awesome progress, but we still have a ways to go. We tried pushing her in the beginning and it only made things miserable for all of us. Like I have said before she hates to be pushed into anything so we kind of let her take the lead on this. I do have to say she can go on her own and has no issues actually going once on the toilet, but it has not clicked about going once she has the urge. Oh well I know we will get there and she will not be 5 and still in pull-ups. We just keep working on it and offering up lots of praise and rewards.

Here are some cute videos and pictures of course.

Showing some tude.

Oh there is my happy girl.

Daddy's key and mommy's cell phone. We are in trouble!

Excuse me I am on the phone.

End of Summer fun

Cousin Jamie and Maddie came over recently to stay the night and we had so much fun. We enjoyed the splash park, dinner out and movies at home. The girls all did awesome and we can't wait for them to come back for another sleepover.