Week 2 - Swimming and the Library

Dear Kate,
What another great week!  We started the week off with visiting our pool (the Franklin Y) on Monday. It's our first time this year, but we had been last summer so we knew what to expect.  FUN - that's what we expected and that's what it was.  We love the zero entry pool and the water fountain thing that sprays water all over us.  You love to swim and loved sharing your toys, too.  Eventually they opened the baby pool which was a HUGE hit.  You didn't even have to wear your floaters and loved 'jumping' in the water.  We enjoyed a snack break as well and decided to come home to eat lunch, since we live so close.

 That afternoon consisted of sleep!  Then a little playtime outside then dinner then sleep again!
On Tuesday, we had a bit of a surprise.  Aunt Steph was off work, so she asked if we wanted to hang out with them.  We decided to take them to the 'waterpark' (the Maryland Farms Y) to show them what it's all about.  And they LOVED it.  Or, well, Ellie and Aunt Steph did.  Kipper's still a little hesitant on that whole water thing.  You saw sister jumping in all by herself and insisted on doing it yourself.  And you even tried the slide again, but bumped that head again, too.  You were fine and we enjoyed the warm sun and the cool water.  THEN, on Wednesday, we met Anna and Jacob and Miss Kristin at the same pool! That's right, 3 days in a row of pool!  They, too, had never been and were equally as impressed as the rest of us.  Anna and Jacob both loved all the water sprayers and the slide, too!  You must not have been feeling up to par this day (maybe it was the whole 3 days in a row of swimming!) because you wanted to stay close to Mommy pretty much the whole time.  You'd venture a little, but if water sprayed you in the face or slashed you, it was a meltdown.  We think maybe you were hungry because after you gobbled your lunch down, you seemed happier, or at least a little happier.  Nonetheless, this was not our most successful day at the pool, but it was still fun.  You made it home in time to take a nice long nap, which seemed to make you happier, too :)  After nap time, we enjoyed the playground in our own backyard!

 

 And Sister decided to show you a new trick... yeah, doesn't seem right does it.

On Thursday, we decided to change up the pace and head to story time at the library in Franklin.  It was a success, for sure!   

After the library, we ate lunch at Dumplings in downtown Franklin and walked to Sister's school (and your school in the fall!!) and picked up her friend Chloe, who was coming over to play for the afternoon.  After we picked her up, there was nothing to but head to Sweet Cece's!!   

 After ice cream, we headed home where Sister and Chloe played and you napped.  I had to again wake you up at 4:30 in order to take Chloe home.  It ended up being a little later getting home (and then supper) because Mommy is a little chatter box with Chloe's mommy, not to mention you love playing at their house (along with your sister) so dragging both of you out of there is a chore in itself!  When we got home, Daddy was already home from work, so the 2 of you played on the playground while Mommy made some dinner.  A little off schedule, but the day ended well!
Friday was another first for all of us.  We headed downtown to the public library for the puppet show and man alive was it awesome!  They have such a great theatre there and they put on such a great show.  At first you were wild as could be giggling and falling in Mommy's lap, but once the show started you sat perfectly still in Mommy's lap!  You loved it!  Afterwards, we had plans to go to SATCO for lunch, but we discovered a little restaurant in the library that was perfect, and delicious!  It even had lots of choices for desserts, which you and sister settled for chocolate cake - shocker!  A fun Friday morning with more adventures coming in the afternoon!

PS - did I mention Jacob and Anna met us again?!  We love hanging out with the Porters!! 

After the Library, we headed home to rest for a bit and then headed to the zoo for Member Night!  Again, another first for us - I love doing all these firsts with the fam!  We got to the zoo around 5:30ish and got to take Daddy around to all our favorite parts.  The train was free to ride, but you had to get a ticket and there were a limited number of said tickets, so we headed that direction first, spotting a few meerkats along the way!  

 You loved watching the crane walk in circles...

 And I loved watching you and Sister run in circles!

 You wanted to be the big girl and ride on the back part of the stroller and did a good job of sitting still!

 We finally made it to the train and Mommy decided to just watch and capture the fun on film.  You loved it (although I have to say, Daddy was not impressed.)

 After the train ride, we decided to head to the carousel, which was free rides all night!  We had to wait in line for a few minutes, but the weather was fantastic and with the carousel, time passes quickly.  Of course, neither you or your sis wanted to pose for a picture...

The good part about the free carousel is everyone gets to ride!!  Mommy and Daddy both got to ride and we got to ride several times.  By the end of the night, you were a pro on the carousel! 

 Mommy grabbed us some dinner while you and Daddy and Sister jumped on the bouncy houses and then one more carousel ride to top the night off.  We were all exhausted by the time we got home but it was a fun night with perfect weather.  Not sure how many of those we will get this summer!

On Saturday, Daddy and Uncle Jaybee took Ellie and Abby on an overnight camping trip, while Mommy got to spend the night in a house with you and Kipper!  Aunt Steph was working all weekend, so she couldn't enjoy any of the fun :(  I think you and Kipper were a little sad you didn't get to go camping with the girls...

 No worries though, we had tons of fun on our own.  You both went down for a nap shortly after everyone left so Mommy as able to pack for her big trip (more on that later!).  After naps, we enjoyed a snack...

 And then off to the playroom!  You two played so well together.  I had set up the water table to play with after naps, but you both were enjoying the play room too much to take you away from it!

 Yes, Kipper has a barrette and is sipping tea.  You found the barrette and asked to put it in his hair.  He  didn't say no, but I'm going to guess one day he will :)

 You decided to have a tea party yourself with your baby twins...

 You poured one of them tea...

 Then the other...

 Then Kipper stole the cakes while you passed out the tea!

 

 

 We had a good ole time just laying in the floor giggling.  Kipper would do whatever you did and you were being quite the funny girl!

 We even had a little petting zoo.

 And decided to go on a little walk around the neighborhood where we saw a puppy that Mommy wants to get.  You found a drain that stole both of yours attention for quite some time!

 After  a little drive through the house, we had dinner and then off to bed we went!

 Another great week of summer Sweet Kate!  Mommy had so much fun with you this week.  Next week is going to be a bit different though.  Mommy is headed to Germany on Wednesday for a little girl's trip with Sarah and you get to stay with Mimi for 12 whole days!!  Mommy is going to miss you like crazy, but I know you will have so much fun.  Mimi already has so many activities planned, not to mention Aunt G's house and Ash-ash's house.  I love you - always and always!!   Enjoy your time at Mimi's sweet girl!

First Week of Summer

Dear Kate,

Summer has begun!  And I am predicting it will the best summer yet.  You are at such a fun age this year, eager to do anything your sister does and always on the look out for fun.  You love being outdoors and on the playground and animals and can even sit still (for the most part) for short period of times.  With all that in mind, I have planned lots of activities for the three of us (Sister, Mommy and you!) for this summer.  We returned from vacation on Saturday and by Sunday, we were officially starting our summer.  Mommy and Sister went to see the Lion King at the TPAC (you definitely could not sit THAT still!) and you stayed home with Daddy.  You two went to Whole Foods to pick up some yummy food to grill and stopped by Blue Coast for lunch.  Daddy text me all excited because you ate a whole taco all by yourself, like a big girl - meaning you ate the taco the correct way.  It's the little things that make him smile.  

Daddy grilled for us Sunday night and we played outside and enjoyed our first night of summer.  On Monday Mimi headed home and you cried.  Seriously.  It was pretty sad.  But, you cheered up and Sarah stuck around (she was visiting and watched the show with us, too) and played with you in the playroom to make you feel better about Mimi's absence.  How dare Mimi leave after 12 straight days together :)  We took Sarah to lunch at Blue Coast.  You recommended it and it was yummy.  Actually, we wanted to sit outside because it was such a beautiful day and, well, who doesn't love Blue Coast, even if it is 2 days in a row.  You weren't as thrilled about eating your whole taco all by yourself this go round, but we still enjoyed the weather and the chips and dip.  We wrapped up Monday with a big grocery shopping spree, since we were bare minimum on food in the Clark household!

On Tuesday, we woke up early and geared up to head to the pool.  Our pool less than a mile away was closed due to a swim meet, so we ventured to the Maryland Farms Y and what a grand decision. It was fantastic!  So perfect for little kiddos like you and Sister.  There are fountains galore and sprayers and a big bucket that fills up and a zero entry pool that gets no deeper than 3 feet AND slides!! Now, you were so brave and wanted to go down the slide all by yourself, so I let you.  You had a little trouble with holding your head up while you slid, so you may have gotten a small bump on the back of your head and you may have gone under even though you preferred not to, BUT, I was so proud of you for trying it.  Granted, you didn't try it again (that day) but there were minimal tears and you jumped right back in the water once we dried those up.  We  (Sister, Mommy and you!) enjoyed a fun day at the pool!

We headed home around 1, just in time for you to take a nap.  Mommy's trying to stick to your nap schedule for most days and it's working out pretty darn good if I do say so myself.  You were in the bed by 1:30 and you have been sleeping until 4:30 or sometimes I am having to wake you up so you will go back to sleep that night!  Summer wears you out!  

On Wednesday, I had an eye appointment and forgot to take the stroller with me.  You, however, did great thanks to your sister helping out, sharing the phone, and just keeping you still in the chair.  Crisis averted.  I totally thought I was going to have to reschedule when I walked in with you in my arms.  Afterwards, we headed over to Miss Kay's pool (our next door neighbor).  Sister begged that we swim with you, instead of waiting until you take a nap, and since I thought that was so sweet, I agreed.  Sadly, your sister was in a foul mood and we had to march right back to our house within 20 minutes.  Don't worry, we will be back to their pool.  They are always insisting we come over and use it, so, I mean, it's our neighborly duty to do what they want :)

You went down for your nap and woke up in time to play outside for a bit then help mom cook dinner. You are getting to be such a big girl, thanks in part to your sister.  You saw her setting the table and unloading the dishwasher and insisted on helping.  You are very good about putting your silverware away :)

On Thursday, Mommy made a spur of the moment decision to head to the zoo, despite the weather forecast (a chance of rain, with lots of clouds).  It turned out PERFECT.  No rain at all, and no sunshine, which is nice for a change.  Not to mention, it was not crowded at all and we got to see a lot of animals roaming around! Even this stinky wart hog, who we have never seen moving.  He's always sleeping!  And, we, including you, sang Hakuna Matata to him.  Yes, you totally sing it.  It is the cutest thing I have ever heard.  

Sister also decided to take you on the back roads on the way to see the giraffes and, well, you somehow managed to fall face first, and really only your face, into a pile of mud.  Your hands got covered, too, but somehow your pants and white shirt remained clean (for the most part).  I had the camera out and caught you falling, but it was too awful (and you were crying) to get an after picture, but I was panicking a little, after all, you did have a white shirt on :)

We finally made it to the giraffes after a package of wipes and what a treat.  The daddy giraffe was being super friendly, just hanging out, chatting it up with us.  And the zoo keeper was right there to answer any questions, which Sister was filled with!

We saw the elephants and then headed straight to the carousel, which you rode for the first time with Mommy!!

We then headed to the other side of the zoo where watched our first animal show at the zoo.  It was pretty neat and you did really well with having to sit and watch all the animals.  We saw turtles and skunks and opossums, and even a hawk fly across the audience.  It was pretty neat and afterwards we got to see them close up. 

Next on the zoo agenda was the petting zoo, your fave!  And, the baby camels had finally arrived!!  We were all so excited to finally meet them and perfect timing because we got to see them get their morning bottle!  Such sweet little baby camels! 

You, of course, had to pet your share of goats, too!  

After the goats, we had our picnic lunch and played on the awesome playground for a bit.  You thoroughly enjoyed the swings and almost fell asleep.  At that point, I knew it was time to head on out! We found you sister and headed home and not too much after the car was cranked, you were out!  

Luckily, I was able to transfer you to your bed when we got home and you, again, slept until I was forced to wake you up!  Exhausted!!
Friday was a very exciting day for us.  The morning was pretty low key at the house.  I put you down for an early nap around 10:45ish because I had to wake you up at 1:00 to head to a goat farm!  That's right, we went to a local goat farm - Noble Springs Goat Farm, and had a tour set up, too.  Jacob and Anna met us at the farm and right from the start it was an adventure.  We weren't sure we had the right place because we drove down this long gravel driveway, but sure enough, it was and the farmer came out to greet us.  We started off by heading down a field to look at horses.  You insisted on walking yourself, like all the other kiddos, and I let you, which is why we are so far behind the rest of the crew!!

We looked and looked for those horses, but they were resting in the shade, so we headed back to look at the chickens.  You loved pointing out all the chickens and Sister even got to hold a blue egg, which amazed Mommy for some reason (the egg, not Sister holding it!)

This was our favorite chicken, with the fancy hair do!

And then there were the goats.  Ahhh, the goats.  You loved them, but were very hesitant to go straight up and touch them.  You kept your distance for the most part, but enjoyed watching them beg for attention from you!

We also got to pet baby chicks.  They were so sweet looking.  You again, kept your distance, but loved looking at them in the cage.  Next up was to see how the goats are milked and then how that milk is turned into delicious cheese!  We were all amazed at this part!  

We even got to try a little of the goat cheese.  You spit it out, sadly, but I bet one day you start loving it.  I mean, I love it, so you should too :)  We petted the goats one last time and headed off the farm.  We were so close to Leiper's Fork that I decided we'd just head to Puckett's for an afternoon treat.  Ice cream!!!  You had your own bowl of cookies and cream (and shared some with Mom) while Sister had her own chocolate ice cream cone.  

You were fine with the bowl until Sister offered a bite of hers, which was really nice, but... Well... 

Yeah, you didn't want to give it up, and you kind of got a little messy.  Kind of...

It was a fun Friday and we headed home.  Miss Lauren came over to watch you guys while Mommy and Daddy went on a date and she said you did perfect for her.  You are doing so good now with Miss Lauren, even running to give  her a hug!

On Saturday, Mommy ran some errands while you helped Daddy get set up for a party.  The gang was coming over for Daddy's birthday and Daddy made some delicious ribs!  We had tons of fun playing outside and you showed off your monkey bar tricks to Miss Leigh and Aunt Steph.  Although, they didn't care for Kipper or Jake to be watching, to get any crazy ideas :)

So much fun playing with everyone.  After we ate dinner, we got to sing Happy Birthday to Daddy and then eat yummy ice cream and chocolate cobbler.

It's so hard to believe you babies are such big kids now!!  But ever so cute!!
Sunday was Daddy's actual birthday and he decided that he wanted to go back to Puckett's in Leiper's Fork, since he didn't get to go with us the other day.  So, off we went for a delicious (but not so healthy) lunch which included corn dogs and french fries!  Oh, and live music, which we all loved!

Sister even got the band to sing Happy Birthday to Daddy and play Rocky Top!  I think Daddy was in a happy place for sure! It also didn't hurt that he got some ice cream, too!

And you had to take a bit or two of Sister's, again!

We walked around for just a minute or two, and then you decided you didn't want to hold Mommy's hand, so we decided that was a sign to get out of there!

We headed home and you took a nice long nap with Daddy while I ran a few errands then we had an easy peasy lemon squeezy dinner - leftovers!  A good birthday for Dad and a fun first week of summer, FOR SURE!!
Love you summer bug!