Horses, Cake and Party Fun

It's official!  Lily Grace has blown out the candles on the birthday cake.  

Lily Grace along with several of her friends celebrated her birthday on Saturday with a party!  (Thanks to Gran for serving as the entertainment committee Saturday morning so that Daddy and I could get things ready for the party.)  Her party had a  horse theme this year.  Horses have been among her favorites lately.  Painting is one of  her other favorites and we also enjoyed that at the party too.  In fact, the kids kicked the party off by painting their own horses.  

Speaking of paint, I can't publish this post without placing a little special emphasis on the paint. You see, one of my friends who's name I won't mention, KATHY showed up 30 minutes early to the party.  I still had rollers in my hair.  About 10 minutes before the party was due to begin and the guest arrive, Kathy's little boy was trying to reach for one of the horse balloons and accidentally knocked over a bucket of the paints I had put together.  No big deal here, I had put the paints in small containers for little hands and only filled them half full.  KATHY being a good mom went in to pick up the paints and put them nicely back in the container and then...  I hear a scream as I am bustling about the kitchen getting all the food on the table.  I round the corner and there it is-  paint all over the hardwood floors and KATHY.  Now I must admit, I could give two cents about my friend at this point but my floors, the party, the guest Oh Lord!!!!  That small half container of paint looks like a gallon when spread out and black no doubt.  No worries, Matt went promptly to retrieve his "Schneider Bucket"  (as it has been referred to- an industrial sized mop bucket-  No he isn't a neat freak!)   along with an old toothbrush and he begins to clean the floors.  Matt manages to get the floor cleaned with about a minute to spare.   Needless to say, this isn't your typical party memory but...  Just giving you a hard time Kathy.  We will take all the memories of our little girl's milestones that we can get.  She is growing up too fast. 

We also constructed a horse from straw bails,  real saddle and a stick horse.  The kids each took a turn sitting on the horse to get their picture taken.  Lily Grace loved this thing.  Hint, hint Daddy- a real horse would last longer. HA! HA!

Much cake was consumed and several presents were opened and the party came to a close, but the memories of a cute little girl wearing a pink cowgirl hat with a a smile on her face is in our hearts forever.  

This was yet another special time carved out to remind us how very blessed we are.  Lily Grace is such a sweet spirit and watching her smile is absolutely the most fulfilling thing in the world.  Matt and I would move mountains for her.  We cherish parenthood and our little girl.  

Thanks to all of our friends for joining us and making the day so special and memorable.

Until next time.... 

Happy Birthday Lily Grace!

Breakfast in bed began Lily Grace's first day as a 2 year old.  Matt and I surprised her with heart shaped pancakes in bed.  She was so excited!!  After a few minutes, she acted as if breakfast in bed was her usual routine.  She was just too cute!

When we announced we had another surprise for her, she quickly finished the last bite of pancake and she was off.  She found her new tricycle and broke into giggles.  She is also quite fond of the Dora balloon.  Dora has had several hugs and kisses- and using Dora to chase and scare Darby, well that is just a bonus in Lily Grace's eyes. 

Daddy has pushed her all around the house and cove today.  Watching the two of them together as he tries to teach her what to do with her feet is really something special.  

This evening she put on her new '2" shirt and we took her to dinner.  We love watching her try to make two with her fingers.  She was all to proud to let you know that her shirt said "twooooo."

We ended the evening with a bowl of ice cream and of course sprinkles added by the birthday girl.  

Her birthday party is tomorrow and we are looking forward to another day of fun.   

 As I reflect on today and how much fun we have had making her feel extra special, I'm not quite sure how much, if any of this she will remember.  My only hope is that tonight, she went to bed with her heart feeling a little fuller.  I know ours is!  

Until next time...  (or tomorrow evening provided I survive the party- Ha!)

 

Almost 2!

Tomorrow is the Big Day!  Lily Grace turns two years old.  Matt and I have a fun filled day planned for her.  We are sooooo excited.  We couldn't wait to put her tricycle out.  After being served breakfast in bed, she will find her new ride outside her room.  

All she really understands is that on her "happy" she's going to be "twoooo" and it involves "prises." Too cute!

Until tomorrow...

No Place Like Home

What a wonderful weekend.  First of all, no rain and it was confirmed that the sun does still exist.  

The weekend got off to a good start on Thursday when Lily Grace's newest big girl bed was delivered.  We are much happier with this one and it is just adorable.  Thanks Daddy for ALL of your patience!

Friday night was like always in the Stowe house.  It's family fun night around here and that means homemade Pizza (or pia according to Lily) piling up on the couch and watching a funny show.

Saturday and Sunday however were very different.  Daddy (along with Lily's help) put together her new outside cottage.  It is so cute.  She just loves it and has already had daddy over to sit a spell.  She has even invited Darby in for some water.  

Lily Grace and I planted some new flowers for her window box.  She and Darby did a great job watering them!

There really is no place like home.  I love special memories like this weekend.  I look forward to all the ones that Lily Grace will create as she plays outside in her own little house.

Sorry the pictures are out of order.

Until next time...