Kitty Cookie Time

We decided to try and make cute kitty cookies. Some of them turned our a little creepy, but I'll let you be the judge! It was fun anyways and of course, they were still delicious!!!!

Ava ready to bake!

Rylinn showing off her first Kitty Cookie

Ava and Mommy's Day

Yesterday was Rylinn's first day of 1st grade! I can't believe it!! She is getting so big so fast! I will post pictures and write about that milestone a little later!!

Since one of my babies is now going to be in school for a full day I decided it is now time to focus on my little Ava Shea. She is getting bigger and I think she needs a little independence from constantly being the little sister.

It has been really interesting to watch her the last two days. It may sound crazy, but I can already tell she is loving her new independence and she already seems so much more mature.

I decided after dropping Rylinn off at school (tears...) I would take Ava to go see a movie just the two of us. When we got there she picked out a box of Gummie Bears and a drink.....$9.00 later LOL! She ended up sitting next to another 3 year old who she quickly befriended. Normally she has her big sister who does all the talking and 'friend making,' but not this time!

Shortly after making a friend, Ava decided on her own she would share her candy with her. Next thing I knew Ava decided she wanted to give her friend the WHOLE entire box of Gummie Bears! The Gummie Bears cost about $4, but seeing Ava growing and giving by herself was completely priceless!

Here's the Space Chimps movie poster :)

Summer Beach Fun 2009

Kennedy, Ava, Chase, Rylinn and Olivia

Ava in her tent

Brock

Mommy and Rylinn's Special Day

Yesterday Rylinn and I decided to spend a much needed day together-just the two of us! Lately it has been very difficult to balance myself between both of my girls. It seems like when one is happy with me the other is not. I try so hard to be fair, but it is impossible to perfect this balancing act!

So....I decided to try spending a special day with each daughter at least two times a month. Cord and I take turns with the girls, so that means Ava and Daddy had a special day too. This seems to have already helped with some of the sibling rivalry issues we've been having.

I let Rylinn pick what she wanted to do for her special day. She decided going to the movies and the mall with Mommy would be the most fun. First, we went to Red Robin and ate appetizers. She chose onion rings of all things, but it was HER day!!

Next, we went to the movies and watched the new Disney movie 'G-Force' in 3-D. I have to admit the movie was very entertaining and full of Disney action.

After the movies, we went to the mall to buy a gift for her friend from school where we found a cute little cupcake shop called CBS Cupcakes. The shop was so cute. Everything was pink and black, so we just had to take a couple of pictures of Rylinn posing in it after we finished our sugary treats. I'm not sure where she learned these poses, but she is cute as always!

At the end of the day I realized how important having these days with each of my girls is. I've been so busy being a mom to Rylinn AND Ava that I almost forgot that they are individuals. Rylinn and I had so much fun and I felt we reconnected our special bond.

I can't wait for my next special day with Ry!!!

Mommy's Day With the Girlies

Where Does the Time go....Seriously???

I have no idea how or why time keeps flying by so fast! It seems like Rylinn just started kindergarten and now we're getting ready to send her off to 1st grade in a little over 3 weeks!!! Where did the summer go? As a matter of fact, where did the past 5 years go?

I thought by now I would have mastered motherhood, but I guess I'm only a regular human-not Supermom. It's still hard to balance being a mother, wife, future career...oh yeah, and ME! Sometimes I forget, as many of us mothers do, about the importance of doing the things WE love too!

Maui Fun Video