playing at the park

February 21, 2012 by Sarah Carlson in caroline, kate

Nick had the day off yesterday, so we took advantage of the nice weather and walked to the park. And my camera goes where I go...

Inside the tunnel...

Caroline kept eating the grass and leaves. Doesn't taste so good, huh?

downtown mckinney "krewe of barkus" dog parade

February 19, 2012 by Sarah Carlson in caroline, kate

After a really rough 2 year old morning, we turned things around for Kate by taking her to the dog parade in downtown McKinney this afternoon. We somehow missed the actual parade, but there were still plenty of dogs to be seen!

Caroline's first time in a real stroller seat.

It went okay. Just okay.

And Daddy got some smiles from this girl. She LOVED all the dogs!

This Golden puppy was such a sweetheart!

Next year we'll know to get there a little earlier so as not to miss the parade of the dogs in their costumes!

Kate macro

February 18, 2012 by Sarah Carlson in kate

Took this shot a few days ago w/ my new macro. Kate had been crying a few minutes before, and her lashes were still a bit wet.

Stuff Kate Says...

February 17, 2012 by Sarah Carlson in kate, videos

* I pulled my hair down from its ponytail, and it looked a mess. Kate looked disapprovingly at me and said, "Hairbrush, Mommy!" and went to get it for me.

* She sings the clean up song ("keem up, keem up, ev-body do share") when picking up Play-Doh toys or crayons.

* Yesterday she backed away from Kirby with her hands pulled in close to her and said "Kirby, wash hands" because a few days ago she heard my mom tell Kirby she wouldn't pet her because she'd just washed her hands. Monkey see, monkey do!

* She ran up to me, hugged me, and said, "Best friend!" Melt my heart.

* Kate loves to hum Beethoven's Symphony #5 she learned from Little Einsteins. She calls it the "giant's song" and sings "fee fi fo fum" to the tune, just like in the show. We currently have Symphony #5 on repeat in the car, and when Kate hears those 4 notes, she gives a squeal and says, "AHHH! A giant!!"

* She sings the tune of the Blue Danube waltz and dances in circles to it. (Also learned from Little Einsteins. Can you tell she loves that show??)

* She still asks "What is it?" a lot, and sometimes she'll follow with "I don't know what it is." She says it very deliberately so that she doesn't miss any of those little words.

* I don't know how we've avoided this word for so long, but Kate is now very into the word "MY..." and fill in the blank behind it. Since we got home she's been showing a little jealousy towards Caroline, and is very frustrated when Caroline touches her toys (even when she's not playing with them). Mommy is also not to be shared.

* Kate has an incredible sense of direction, and when I've turned a direction she doesn't like, she says, "No...home!" or "No...fries!" to indicate where she'd like to go instead.

* She dresses up in her tiara and necklaces and says, "Hi, Princess!" when she comes out to show off.

I caught this video of Kate talking to herself in her crib before I went up to get her a few mornings ago. She had just thrown a little stuffed mouse over the side of the crib, and she was talking to it. I translate a few things, and Caroline plays a little background music on the LeapFrog table behind me.

Here are some pictures of Princess Kate (who likes to put on her tiara backwards) dancing to the Blue Danube Waltz.

friday phone dump 1.27.12

January 28, 2012 by Sarah Carlson in caroline, iPhone, kate

I know I'm posting this a day late, but I'm going to date it for yesterday anyways.

Okay... this one's just so cool, I need to show it bigger...

iPhone | Instagram

friday phone dump 1.20.12

January 20, 2012 by Sarah Carlson in caroline, iPhone, kate

Kate's Farm-themed 2nd Birthday Party (Part 2: The Party Girl)

January 17, 2012 by Sarah Carlson in kate

Link to Part 1 (decorations)

Kate sure enjoyed being the center of attention during her farm birthday party! She played with the balloons and with the new stick pony she named "Pony Max." She kept pointing at the colorful "cupkates," but due to her allergy, she had her own vegan chocolate cake. She didn't mind one bit. (Helps that she's never had the real thing, I guess.) She did mind when Caroline kept trying to grab for it, though!

Next she opened presents and excitedly exclaimed, "A BOX!" after ripping the paper off each one. :) Kate received a dress up set from her aunt/uncle/cousins which was a huge hit! She was so proud of her pretty princess accessories.

I found the girls' party clothes at Old Navy. I thought Caroline's little red gingham dress perfectly fit our farm themed party, and I was sad they didn't have them large enough for Kate too. The little cherry top with jeans was darling on her, though.

I know I'm going overboard on the pictures, but it's really hard to narrow it down when they're of your own kid! :) My personal fave is the one of Nick blowing out Kate's candles. I love how she's looking up at him!

And if this wasn't enough pictures for you, there are more...

Kate's Farm-themed 2nd Birthday Party (Part 1: Decorations)

January 16, 2012 by Sarah Carlson in kate

January is a tough month for birthday parties since you usually have to stay indoors. Last year we had lots of friends and family over, and while it was fun, it felt tight in the house. So we decided to keep things simple this year and just have family over. It ended up being a very small crowd - just the four of us, our parents, and my grandmother. As for decorations, I still wanted to prepare a party table, but I didn't want to go overboard. Kate LOVES farm things, so I knew the theme would be a hit.

the goods...
Paper straws - Etsy (The Party Fairy)

Invitation and Party Printables - Etsy (Stockberry Studio)
Decorative hay bale - Michaels
Bushel baskets - Hobby Lobby

The invitation (address line removed)...