Her actual 2nd Birthday...

Anna Claire though her birthday lasted for 2 weeks because we celebrated several different ways! We had the big party with her friends early so Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Matt could attend and she had a little party at her Mimi and Papa's house -

planting flowers and all!

On May 11th, her actual birthday, she celebrated in her classroom at school,

posed for a few shots with Mommy

and went to Chik-fil-a with her Dad. She loves that place!

She still sings happy birthday to herself on a regular basis and thinks any large gathering is a party for her. I love that about her. Who doesn't love a good party!!??

Anna Claire's 2nd Birthday Party - Strawberry STYLE!

A couple of months ago...We had such a great time at Anna Claire's 2nd birthday party! It was at our house and she chose a Strawberry Shortcake theme, whom she learned to adore from cousin JULIA :)! We had about 7 kids under the age of 4 over for playing, coloring, tattoos, cake and ice cream! WOW! It was so much fun for her and she was quite thrilled that it was an event that revolved around her. After the party Anna Claire received a battery operated car from me that was handed down from a co-workers daughter! It is in excellent condition and Anna Claire LOVED it! I can't believe it has been two years since she was born! I have never had so much fun in my life! Enjoy the pictures - FINALLY!

Big Girl...crib?

Well I've done it! I have let go and allowed Anna Claire to accomplish another very "grown up" milestone. For most people moving your child to a "big girl bed" from their crib is not a big deal. For me it was letting go of my "baby". I have to get over this. I mean it is ridiculous! I know she will always be my baby, but she is growing everyday becoming a very independent toddler. Sure she likes to snuggle and talk in this weird new baby talk and say

"I'm a wittle baby!" but it's not the same.

I remember the snugly, pink little bundle I used to lay in the crib at night...precious.

But as they say "out of the mouths of babes!"...I was tucking her in on her first night without her crib and she said "Mommy, where did my crib go?" I thought Oh no! I traumatized her because I removed it while she was at her Dad's for the weekend. "Well sweetheart we had to give it to another baby who needs it because you are a big girl now." "OK, thank you for my big girl crib!" Yes! Okay I can cope! This is not a "big girl bed" but a " big girl crib"! How sad that I am relying on my toddler's coping skills to deal with this myself.

Needless to say, the first night went very well and she only woke up 2 times, I think just to check and see what was going on! I however woke up, well let's see, at 3 AM I lost count. Paranoid?!? Not me! Just being safe ;) She woke up very proud of herself and I was proud of her too! We are now on night #4 and she has only fallen out once...on a pillow of course! HA!

Charlie is an Eagle Scout!!!

A couple of months ago, I attended an Eagle Scout ceremony for my cousin Charlie. He is my only boy first cousin on my Mother's side. Growing up I wasn't sure how well I knew him, but over the past several years I have learned this...he is loyal, determined, well liked by his peers, smart, musically talented, a great: son, brother, cousin, and grandson, he has a great sense of humor, he likes games ( and to win!), he has a calm and quiet spirit, is great with children, he works so hard at everything he does and most of all he finished one of the most prestigious honors in America - his Eagle Scout badge! Sitting through his ceremony I heard amazing statistics about how past Eagle Scouts have gone on to do amazing things in their lives and I know Charlie will as well. He has worked very hard and deserves this amazing honor. He is headed off to Texas Tech in the fall as a freshman and I couldn't be more proud for him. We love you Charles! :)

Where has the time gone...

It has been too long! I know...I know...I have so many blogs to catch you up on and pictures to post. We are REALLY tired of this rainy weather and running out of fun "summer" things to do in it. I will be posting more this weekend and I hope you are all doing well.

Love - Jill and Anna Claire

My Baby is Two...

Happy Birthday Sweet Anna Claire!

We are still alive...

I am honestly not quite sure where the time has gone!?!! We have been fine, busy, but fine. There will be a day when I will finally blog again. :) As for now, know that I am storing the entries in my head and preparing for great things! Hope you all are doing well.