Princess for a Day

Saturday I took Millie to a local charity event called Princess for a Day.  Little girls are encouraged to dress up like their favorite princess and come meet the "real" princesses.  There was also fingernail painting, makeup, crafts, and snacks.  We went with Elle and Hadley, and after a bit of a warm-up period, Millie had a great time!  She's not a huge fan of people in costume, but I think the princesses were too pretty to resist...and she was especially excited to meet Tinkerbell and Elsa!

See why I was a bit worried at first?!

But then she saw Cinderella!

Ariel was a real highlight

Tinkerbell was magical

She said Elsa was her favorite because she loves her dress

Watching the girl apply makeup to Millie was comical

Proud of the finished product! ;)

Rapunzel!

The girls were starting to wear down at this point, so we headed out to lunch.  What a fun day for the big girls and mommies!

Snow Day!!

Finally...it snowed!  Millie was thrilled, and Syd was curious.  It was so fun to take them out for some play time and break in those snowsuits.  Millie loved eating the snow and made about 20 snow angels.  Syd was a bit timid at first, but she really warmed up to it after awhile.  Success!

Turpentine Creek Outing

We love Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.  It is about an hour from here, just outside of Eureka Springs.  They take in wild animals that people have tried, unsuccessfully, to keep as pets...mostly big cats and a few bears.  It always baffles me that people think they can keep one of these as a pet, especially after seeing them in person.  JKK and I used to go a lot before we had kids; this is the first time we've taken the girls there...and it made me a little nervous.  Those animals are so powerful, it's frightening.  We just stayed long enough to say hi to the kitties and see our brick at Bam Bam the bear's new enclosure.  Please note: this was on Valentines Day, which is why the girls are wearing their Vday outfits.  Should be the last time we see those outfits for awhile ;)

This is Bam Bam!

A fun little outing on a beautiful day!

Valentine's Day

I guess it is going to be tradition to get the girls Valentine's shirts...I just love them!  I don't love the photo shoots quite as much.  Millie is getting to an age where she'll actually cooperate just as Syd's getting to the age where she won't. ;)  Still got a few cute ones though...this was on Thursday morning before school and their class parties.

I made five batches (!!) of Rice Krispie treats for their Valentines.  Dip the tops in almond bark and they turn out super cute.  I almost made myself sick eating the leftovers from the cutouts...the secret ingredient is Frosted Rice Krispies cereal.  Apparently Syd felt the same way.  I caught her eating the leftovers out of the trash can, not once, but twice!  Gah!

I stapled these vintage Valentines from Pottery Barn Kids to the tops of the bags, and voila...easy as can be.

Syd didn't really have a true class party, but Millie did, and I got to attend.  Here she is next to her class BFF, Hadleigh.  I'm so glad she has chosen her as a best friend this year because Hadleigh is the sweetest, happiest little girl.  A great influence, for sure.

Mrs. Kim showing off the balloon.  Ohhhhh, the balloon.  Earlier in the week, I took Millie to Walmart with me and there were V-day balloons everywhere.  She picked out this huge bear balloon to take to school for her party on Thursday.  As we were walking to the car, it flew away, of course.  We looked so silly chasing it across the parking lot and then it flew on top of the building and it was over.  Millie was so sad.  I went back a different day and got another one.  Then I regretted it as I'm walking the girls in to school Thursday morning, carrying Syd along with 2 backpacks, a nap mat, and 2 bags of Valentines...with that balloon whipping me in the face.   The car line had a good show.

Mrs. Kim is so patient and kind.  The kids love her.

Millie was not happy that I was leaving her at school after the party.

Some cute Valentines Syd received this year:  this one is from her friend Tate (she calls him "Tatey")

Such a cute idea for the pouches

Some of Millie's favorites:  Lily Kate loves Pete the Cat...and so does Mills!

Shelby gave these homemade heart necklaces...such an adorable idea

Valentines school art:

JKK and I even got a date night!  Our 12th Valentines together <3

Saturday was actual Valentines Day and I had to put them in their outfits one more time

Syd was over it though...

Happy Birthday, Papa

Saturday, we spent the day with my dad, Grandma Tricia, and Hillery.  We had a little early birthday celebration for him, but the real prize was getting to spend the most gorgeous day outside with family.  We've been so lucky with great weather this winter...really lifts the spirits. ;)

Papa didn't disappoint on the grill, and Millie enjoyed going over to periodically "check the meat"

Millie loves her Papa

We had a fun walk to see the geese and play at the playground

 Gma Tricia & Piddy

Hill & Mills

Syd really loves her some Papa.  Every man we pass in a store or restaurant that also has a beard, she calls Papa.

Papa was kind enough to share the birthday spotlight with Millie ;)  It's nowhere near her birthday, but she likes to practice blowing out candles.

Syd was just happy to finally get some cake.

 Happy Birthday, Papa...we love you!!