Time to update you on what I've been up to lately, which is to say a lot!
I get to dress myself, and this is what I chose one day. Mom thought I looked just like a little school girl, which of course was adorable. This outfit was one of my better choices. I have also worn patterned socks with sandals, patterns that don't match, pink with red with fuschia, and yesterday I even wore a coat to the park in 92 degree weather. Have I mentioned I'm fiercely independent and Mom and Dad realized long ago that letting me pick my clothes was one way to make their lives easier. Plus what harm is there in it. Mom gets funny looks when I wear a coat or stocking cap to the park or a helmet while I walk, but who cares, I'm 2!
Helping mom make pancakes for dinner one night. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to help her in the kitchen, whether she wants me to or not.
Do you like this picture? I took it. I have taken a serious liking to photography lately. I grab the camera any time I can and take pictures. Mom has turned the camera on before to find 20 + pictures I have snapped without them knowing. They are not always so clear, but this one sure was. I guess I'm a scrapbooker in training. Whenever Mom and DAd are watching a movie and there is a framed picture like this in the house they always ask who took that picture. Pay attention next time you watch a movie there are always cute couple's pictures, many of which are situations you wouldn't usually have someone else photographing, and now we know. They must have had a young (2 year old) photographer in their house.
The first weekend of May we went to Dixon to surprise Grandma for her birthday. Bakka arranged to have us all at the Wine Bar she likes to go to with co-workers. Yes, that's right all us cousins got together at the wine bar. I enjoyed some water and popcorn.
Once us kids got restless at the wine bar we went on a walk to visit Uncle Brian at the fire station. He got called in and since it was only a couple blocks walk we went on a field trip. We sang songs on the way there. Uncle Brian acted like it was no big deal, but I think he secretly loved having us all come visit.
Yep, this picture says it all. Molly holds on for dear life, Carly stands up like a rebel, while wild Emily drives us around. Can you imagine what I am saying, "Be careful Emily" I'm sure I was trying to take the wheel from her and drive safely. If you aren't familiar with my backseat driving, well it involves me saying, "Be careful" an awful lot.
That same weekend Mom ran in her first half-marathon. She was running it with her friend Abbey and Abbey's uncle Mark. Abbey had bronchitis that week and was unable to finish the race, what a bummer after 12 weeks of training. Mom finished in 2 hours 16 minutes and 40 seconds. While she ran Dad and I slowly got up at home, got dressed, ate breakfast, drove 45 minutes to the finish line and waited. I even got to cheer and high five other runners before mom finished.Mom said it was a really bad run for her, but at least she finished, and didn't walk.
Here we are waiting for the bus to take us back to our car. Dad and I got mom a 13.1 magnet to go on her car. She was very excited.
The finisher's medal. Someday I think I'm going to run races too. In fact there is a race later this month with mom's running group that I think I'm going to run.
A couple weeks ago the Schahls came and stayed overnight with me. We went with Mom, Aunt Kim and Aunt Jen to the DuPage Children's Museum. It was a fun girls day.
The water play was a big hit, but the Schahl girls insisted on not wearing the smocks that keep you dry. I was dry, but Carly and Molly were soaked!
Aunt Jen taught me how to blow the huge bubbles.
Here we are before we left the musuem.
We then went to lunch at Potbelly and then to a place called Cookie Dough Creations where you can get ice cream or cookie dough, served like ice cream.It was delicious.
The next day we just hung out at home. One of mom's coworkers got a new office chair and they all decided that Mom should get to take the box home for me. It has been a hit ever since. I have colored on it, painted it, and hid inside of it. If you're looking for something fun and inexpensive get a box.
Before the girls left for Dixon we enjoyed a snack. We were going to go across the street to the park, but we each insisted on sitting in a stroller, which made it very difficult to go to the park, because while Aunt Kim packed up the car my Mom couldn't possibly push 3 strollers. Instead we had a snack and chatted. Luckily I had three strollers so we all had one.
we moved the box onto the 3 seasons porch so I could paint while Mom cooked dinner. Mom thought that was a great idea.
Since Abbey was unable to finish the half marathon with mom she quickly signed up for another half marathon 2 weeks later. Mom, me and two of her friends went to cheer Abbey on. We made signs. Here we are with Abbey after the race. Abbey and I love to stretch after races so I helped her yet again. I should really start charging a fee for my services. I have to say the sign I made, got a few people choked up at mile 9. Mom said she would have if she had read that sign. I guess running a race is an emotional thing, I'll find out in a couple of weeks.
Well that is it for now. I hope everyone has a nice long weekend. We are doing some work around the house this weekend, including painting the living room and putting up new curtains. I wonder if mom knows that I plan to "help" her paint. I mean I have been practicing on my box a lot lately.
