Annie's Big Girl Bed

We (Daddy) set up Annie's big girl bed this past weekend. We have been talking it up for a few weeks now, so we thought that Annie would be ready and excited to finally have it set up... So far it is a work in progress! She is asleep in it tonight without any fuss at all and it is only the third night, but she is still waking during the night and calling to us. Hopefully that all gets better as she gets more comfortable with her new 'big girl bed.'

She is very proud of herself and pumps her fists in the air as she sings, 'I'm a big kid now!' when we are getting ready for bed- which is encouraging and also heart-breaking for Mommy and Daddy. She is growing up too fast!!

The first few pics are of Annie brushing her teeth by herself- a skill she is perfecting- and she is wearing the tye-dye outfit she recently made and has worn everyday since!! Such a cutie!!

The Perfect Disney Evening

We had the best night at Disneyland! We ate dinner at a cute bakery in Downtown Disney and then arrived to Disneyland just as the fireworks were beginning. Ben 'flew' Annie in like Dumbo and then she sat atop his shoulders to watch the stunning fireworks show. After the show we headed in the opposite direction of the huge crowd that was leaving and enjoyed no-wait lines for our favorite rides! On our way out Annie spotted Pluto near the exit. We hopped in the short line and were able to meet him-- Annie gave him a big hug and kissed his snout and he gave her a big 'puppy kiss' in return! Just as we were saying good-bye to Pluto, Mickey and Minnie Mouse came out together! Ben jumped into the line that was quickly forming to meet them and, after another very short wait, Annie ran up and gave both big hugs!! It was such a true delight to see her enjoy herself so much. The evening was filled with precious memories that had both Ben and I talking about what a perfect time we had at Disneyland.

Baby Brother's 'First Visit' to Disneyland!

Disney's theme for 2010 is Celebrate You! They hand out pins at the entrance according to different things you may be celebrating at Disney this year. Baby brother celebrated his 'first time' at Disneyland. We are sure he totally enjoyed it... especially the delicious kettle corn Mommy ate so much of!

Annie loves rides at Disneyland!

After heading to the hotel for a nice long nap we freshened up and made our way back to Disney for dinner and some rides. We arrived at the perfect time- right at the beginning of the firework show! Not only was the firework show beautiful, but after it was over a huge crowd of people left for the evening- which meant no more long lines! Annie was able to choose several rides to go on, including Dumbo, the carousel, The Teacups (twice!), and It's a Small World. She loved all the rides and kept telling us she wanted to go faster!! I didn't join Annie and Daddy on the Dumbo ride because I was denied entrance to a similar ride at Sea World due to being pregnant. Annie remembered that and told me that I couldn't go on the Dumbo ride with them. She looked at me very sweetly and said, "Mommy, when baby brother comes out then you can go on the Dumbo ride, okay?"

Disney Princesses

We headed straight to the princesses when we got to Disney! Annie and Daddy did some shopping and got Annie's face painted like a kitty while mommy waited in line to meet the princesses. Annie was tired by the time it was her turn to meet them, but she was still super excited to meet Belle, Ariel, and Tiana! Belle really liked Annie-- she talked to her for quite a while... The conversation seemed very sincere and almost serious- Annie kept nodding her head and didn't break eye-contact with Belle the whole time. We asked Annie what Belle told her, but she didn't share it with us. We think it was some sort of insider princess advice!

Disney!!!

Grandma Nancy's House!

Annie working on some masterpieces for her gallery.

Annie baking 'chocolate chip muffins' with her new baking stuff.

Reading Fancy Nancy books to Grandma Nancy!

Getting ready to swim with arm floaties on!

Pretend napping with her panda buddy. He was a sleepy panda!

Baking Mickey and Minnie Mouse cookies-- they turned out great! Even Sea World Barbie loved them!

Annie and I had the best time at Grandma Nancy's house. She was a fabulous host and had tons of activities to keep Annie happy and busy all week long! I think Annie would have liked to stay longer, she was disappointed when we said good-bye to head up to Disney-- she really wanted Grandma Nancy to come with us!! Hopefully we didn't wear Nancy out too much- we want her to come visit us this fall! Annie's 'two-ness' was really showing while we were there... a memorable quote of the week: "Mommy, please don't tell Annie 'no.' Kids don't like to hear no!" She had lots of other great pointers for me... good thing she is so cute and sweet!!