Latest Artwork

Millie's latest artwork:

I drew the stick figures, she drew the happy faces (which look a bit like blue scarves or possibly capes...cracked me up)

MDO craft where she got to pick out some of her fav foods...I like that she put bell peppers and strawberries in her cart!  I bet she thought those onions were actually apples though.

awesome happy faces for a birthday card

MDO: this was one of her favorites...duck in a pond.  She was proud of this one.

MDO: St. Patty's day craft using a bingo dotter, such a good idea...she had fun doing this one

MDO: sunflower handprint artwork...lovely

MDO: coffee filter beautiful butterfly

MDO: isn't this one pretty?!

MDO: isn't this one creepy?!  Supposed to be a bunny hiding in the grass...

At home handprint art: lion and elephant

Per her request, we made a turtle...she was very sassy when I asked her to hold it for a pic

MDO: bunny mask!  Love our little bunny <3

And this is Syd Pid's only recent artwork...sweet like her ;)

Gentry Zoo Trip

Sunday morning, we went on an adventure to the Gentry Wildlife Drive-Thru Safari and Petting Zoo.  We went last April too.  Maybe it will be an annual April event.  It rained on us both times, so perhaps we should pick another month. ;)  Anyhoo...it's an easy little 45 minute drive and a great excuse to get out of the house.  Mills is really into zoos and anything involving animals lately, so she had a blast.  And of course, she loved getting to drive!

Millie called him "Shere Khan" from the Jungle Book

absolutely loved it

Syd...not so much.  It was her nap time though...

Last year when we came, Mills wanted no part of going near the animals.  This year, she was much braver.  She touched some goats...

 ...and chased a lot of rabbits (see kangaroos lounging in the background).

She got distracted with some dandelions..."make a wish!"

A nice worker there gave us some lettuce to feed the giraffes.  This setup is a bit sad, but they do have access to a bigger yard outside.  I can't decide how I feel about these places.  I love animals and would never support any place that isn't trying to do right by them.  Most of these animal refuges are formed from a need to house exotic animals that would otherwise be put down...they only run on donations and entry fees.  So I feel like we are helping in a small way by going and paying the entry fee.  Plus, it's educational for Mills...

...she was very concerned about this pig possibly having poop on it.

I love watching these two...best buds.

Oh, hai!  A fun morning outing...

Currently

Auntie Midge sent us this awesome potty-themed book, and it's pretty hilarious.  However, about 24 hours after this pic was taken, I threw in the towel (which was no fault of the book).  I just couldn't do it anymore.  Mills was becoming increasingly defiant and started wetting her pants again.  I thought we had that one down!  Ugh.  The last straw was when she purposely peed on Syd's chair; when I asked her why, she said "cuz I wanted to".  It has been a much needed break from potty training, and since I made the decision, it has been so lovely around the house.  No more tension or grumpy mommy.  I guess we'll wait a month or two and try again this Summer.  

Big news: Syd's finally decided to give the sippy cup a shot!  She likes the straw ones, but I have yet to find a leak proof one.  Frustrating, but I feel better that she's starting to drink some water.

We've really enjoyed the new swing set this week!  It has a little play house area on the bottom with three little seats.

It's been fun to take Mills out on her own when Syd is napping.

It's finally been warm enough to show off these beautiful legs ;)  

sharing puffs

Mills showing me how tall she is...

Mills is so sweet with Syd, most of the time.  I can tell she's going to be an encouraging big sister.

chillin' in the wagon

chillin' in the swing...she'll happily sit in the swing the entire time we are all the neighborhood playground

happy when she is allowed to be bossy...here she's forcing me to slide with her ;)

I used to only make pancakes on the weekends.  However, Mills has been requesting these sprinkle pancakes every day lately.  They are delicious whole wheat pancakes and I add sprinkles: recipe here

She doesn't even need syrup or honey on them.  I consider it a win....

...especially since Syd loves them too!

bull-riding

not quite 8 seconds

I almost gave up on my plans to do the color run in Tulsa yesterday.  However, after a long week of working with Syd on bottle feeding, I was able to leave for a whole 8 hours!  It was glorious.  And fun.  I ran with a group of neighborhood girls.  So glad I went!

Plus, it was fun to prepare for the run...we had a couple of meetings to get together and make our tutus and matching outfits (and consume wine).

We did it!

The girls didn't even know I was gone...

Happy Easter

Papa came over early this morning to hunt Easter eggs with Mills.  It was so nice of him to come out and bring Easter baskets for the girls.  We had such a good time; Millie was in heaven.  Plus, JKK finished the swing set this weekend, so it was super awesome to break it in!  Such a beautiful day.  And when Papa told Mills he had to leave, she told him no.  He wasn't allowed to leave. ;)