Strawberry Pickin'

I remember pickin' strawberries with my mom when I was little and how good they tasted with some powdered sugar on the side when I came in from playing outside with my siblings on a hot summer day. I also remember going to my Ma and Pa's house to pick blackberries and how black my fingers would get, but it was well worth it!!

I remember my mom putting her hair back in a bandanna and sweating through the job of picking berries just to give her family a nice desert treat. Now here I am in my early 30s, trying to give my daughter the same memory. I didn't sweat and work nearly as hard as my mom would, I didn't take Lydia to a family berry location and I didn't wear my hair tied back in a bandanna.

BUT, we did get to pick some wonderful strawberries!!! YUMMO! We traveled to a place right outside of our state line and along with Lydia and her 2 year old buddies, we got to see berries ripe and ready to be picked. Lydia was the first to jump in and pick the first berry and put it in her basket, however she decided very soon that she would rather pick the flowers and play with weeds and sticks...then we had a fun 2 year old meltdown and were ready to call it a day! Thankfully, a trip to McDonalds saved the day!!! We will try it again and just maybe.... I will wear a bandanna!

Daddy's Girl

 
Josh took his girl on a date last week to the fancy Chick fil-et where they were hosting a special Daddy/Daughter Dinner night. They had a great time. Here are some pics I took right before they left. That girl sure does love her daddy, but who wouldn't!!

Lydia is TWO

Happy Birthday to my sweet 2 year old Lydia Ann. I can't believe how fast two years have gone by. Her birthday was a few weeks ago on April 23. We celebrated with an Elmo party at the park. She loved having her Papa drive her up on his bike and be suprised at all the friends and family that were waiting for her! She had a great time celebrating and playing with everyone!

She is our sweet baby girl, although she is now more of toddler than a baby. She has a very lively personality that is always ready to meet someone new and explore places around her. She is so funny and loves to dance, sing and read! Elmo and Belle are her favorite characters. She loves any book, picture, doll or movie with either one of them. I can't believe how much she talks and says anything she wants too now. I am daily reminded of the true gift she is to us! We love her so very much and that love is always growing!!

Meeting Elmo

La la la la, La la la la, Elmo's World.....
Today was a special day and a great way to start off Lydia's birthday week. Lydia got to meet Elmo and his creator Kevin Clash. Elmo was so kind to take time with Lydia and other boys and girls in our area to talk one-on-one with them. First we got to hear Kevin talk about his new book and what it was like being the voice behind Elmo and then him and Elmo answered some questions. After having some individual picture and greeting time with Elmo, we then stood in line to get a Elmo book autographed by Elmo and Kevin. They were both so kind! Lydia absolutely loved it! She smiled from ear to ear the whole time! Clifford the Big Red Dog was also there at the bookfest but Lydia didn't much care for his largeness! Thursday Lydia will be celebrating her 2nd birthday with an Elmo/Sesame St. theme. She sure does love that red monster!!!

Playing Catch Up

Wow, I haven't blogged for 2 and half months! So I have lots of catching up to do! The last time I blogged it was a cold and snowy January- much like today, except it is cold, snowy and APRIL!!! Well that's KY weather for you!

As far as updates, our family of 3 is enjoying each day that comes at us. Josh just had a 2 week Spring Break and returned today. We loved having Daddy home with us for those two weeks. We tried to relax as much as possible and do special things for Lydia. We went to the park, library, shopping, out to eat, and Imagination Station. We also visited with both sets of her grandparents and even got to see some Great-Grandparents.

We have celebrated a lot of birthdays lately- Jameson turned 5, Ally turned 4, Paul turned 1, and Brayden, Zoe, and Reese turned 2. Lydia really got into celebrating with yummy cake and helping her cousins and friends open fun gifts. Her birthday is right around the corner- April 23! Big 2 here we come!!!

Right now Easter has been on the mind. She has visited the Easter Bunny or "Rabbit" as she calls him/her at the Mall. She won't sit in his/her lap but did manage to give them "high five" and "rock." So hopefully the Easter Bunny will still pay us a visit next Sunday. We went to Grandmommie and Graddaddy's town for a Easter Hunt on Sat. and she loved hunting and putting eggs in her basket.

I have gotten to substitute teach a lot at Josh's school in the Elementary part (he is in the Middle School part) since last time I blogged. I have really enjoyed getting back into teaching and seeing what is going on in the classrooms and getting new fresh ideas. Also, I am subbing at our church pre-school too when needed. We are really fortunate that Lydia gets to have time with Nana and Papa while I go out and make some extra money and get to do something I love so much one day a week.

We are looking forward to warmer weather when we can play outside with our friends more at the parks. And of course, we can't wait until pool days and going out without bundling up first!!!

Here are a few snapshots from the past couple of months:

Snow Day

Happy 35th Anniversary to Nana & Papa!

Lydia's grandparents celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary Sat. night with a few family and friends at their home. Their love is a wonderful example to us all! Here are a few family pics from the evening: