Daddy's Secret Shopper

Daddy and Katie had some much needed time together over the Christmas holiday.  One of their favorite things was to shop for a Christmas present.  :)  Katie insisted that I needed purple running shoes and Justin was happy to buy them after listening to Katie's reasoning.  "Of course Mommy needs these, they are so colorful!"  So glad these Katie loves her Daddy! (and I do love my new running shoes :)

Another Katie Mommy Date!

Sunday. Katie and I had the blessing of going to a local kids museum called Marbles. It was filled with energy, kids and lots of smiles. We purchased from Living Social reduced tickets! After church, while Owen and daddy thankfully did the grocery shopping, Katie and I toured around Marbles, jumping from one activity to the next. She was overwhelmed with all the things to do, but by the end was running to the next area to jump into the play. Thanks for the date Katie Grace. I loved playing with you!

We did some driving around town....

Mailed some packages for friends at the Post Office...Katie loved the rollers that rolled the packages down into the trucks. And my package only cost $4.00!

Called some friends and had them meet her at the museum.

Played in the splash zone.

Took care of some animals-feeding, walking and grooming them.
This was one of her favorite areas!

I even got to order a meal from the sports restaurant! It was delicious-I had one of everything in the cafe!

Oh little girl. I had so SO much fun with you. You are my favorite princess and I can't think of a better way to spend a few hours then with you. You are growing up to be a beautiful, sweet, creative girl. Love you, Momma

PS I love this photo.

Blessing Katie

Katie has had a GREAT weekend! She has had a joyful heart as she as played and her attitude has been loving with Owen, so we decided to bless her. Our first trip on Saturday was to Build A Bear to use her Christmas present certificate from Aunt Pie and Uncle Dustin. She was did a fantastic job at looking at everything then thinking through with me how to spend the money to get more then just one thing. She learned that some animals would cost all the money she had and instead opted for a bunny and an outfit-therefore she got two things!

The wall of animals-look at all the choices, whew!

After a stop at the stuffing machine and adding a heart...next up...Air drying the bunny!

can you tell she is LOVING it?

The bunny received the name, Libby Lou and this was Libby Lou's first outfit to try on....Katie didn't settle on this one and we tried a few more outfits. Katie did a great job at looking at shoes and purses and dresses and undies and all the other zillion of other things there are to buy....She didn't complain once when we talked through prices and how much money she had....-Katie, wonderful job shopping!

Leaving the store with Libby in her house. Katie had to keep telling Libby that she couldn't get out of the box until we got to the car. "Silly Libby, stay in your house, don't jump out!"

(Thanks Daddy and Owen for doing a few other things while the girls did our shopping!)

Ta Dah! Here is our new furry friend. Complete with new spring dress, white undies and yellow bows. We have had SO much fun with Libby Lou. Thank you Aunt Pie and Uncle Dustin!

step one of our garden

We are doing another garden this year and opted to try to start a few things from seed. Mostly because we want Katie (and Owen) to be a part of the process from seed to table. Normally we like to go to the State Farmers Market and buy some plants since they are easier to maintain and we love buying from the farmers. But we are trying our hand at our own this year. (we tried from seed two years ago and it pretty much failed so there is always the chance we will go to the Farmer's Market anyway, later on down the road. :)

And as you see, Katie also had some input into getting some other seeds...'princess' flowers! (the above photo) Katie and Daddy's date was to grow some flowers-so they are maintaining the mini flower greenhouse as well as the veggies.

Saturday morning we planted our seeds in a mock greenhouse. When I say we, if truth be told it was mostly daddy planting. :)

A few of the veggies that came in the starter kit. We are excited for everything to begin to germinate.
*Katie and I just checked and we already have flowers, lettuce and a bean coming up!
More updates soon.

A Daddy Daughter Date

Tonight it is a bit quiet around here. Justin took Katie this evening to a high school football game at a local school, just for fun. I am sure I will hear all about the game, cheerleaders, popcorn, band...It is the perfect night for such a date. She was SO excited to go with Daddy. Oh and the second photo shows her jumping-yes, she got air! She was showing me a cheer.

Owen has gone to bed (only waking up once so far :) and I get to do a few things around the house. The quiet is a blessing to me right now. Though I know someday I will miss the noise.

Momma/Daughter date.

Thanks Katie for our date this weekend. I LOVED having a tea party with you at the Tea Room. I LOVED going to the farmers market looking for peaches. I LOVED looking in a few stores for a stool for your bed. I LOVED BEING WITH YOU!

A beautiful morning.

Katie is growing up so quickly. It seems everytime we turn around we hear something new pour out of her mouth. Last week, Daddy told Katie that it was a beautiful morning and that he thought we should enjoy playing outside before it got to hot. A few moments later Katie asked Daddy, "Would you like to join me outside for a picnic breakfast?" What a special time for Daddy and Katie! Justin LOVES cool mornings and it was a treat to enjoy it with Katie before he left for work. They had oatmeal bake and good conversation around her table. Plus, it was a bonus that she was wearing her princess pjs. That made it even better!
I watched from inside and was amazed at how much she is growing up. We are blessed to have you, Pippers.

Time for Tea!

katie and I took a MUCH NEEDED Momma Daughter date on a recent Saturday in Wake Forest to the Olde English Tea Room. It is a delightful spot to get tea, scone, lunch, etc. It is always filled with mums and dots, dressed up in their "tea clothes". We ordered raspberry tea (which for some odd reason is the kind of tea Katie ALWAYS makes at her pretend tea parties at home) and a chocolate chip scone. Both of which were delicious! Katie was amazed at sugar cubes, which she was affectionately referring to as ice cubes. She wanted A LOT of cubes; I limited it to one per cup. :) We had a wonderful time trying on hats and gloves and pearls-all of which are in a large wooden box for just these types of occasions at the Tea Room.
Thank you little girl, for the SPECIAL time at the Tea Room. We will definitely have to do it again and SOON.
I love you like crazy!
Your, Momma

Our Weekend

 

 

 

We dog sat again and LOVED it. We have done this for the past 6 or so years and as always feel as if we are on a mini vacation. The kids loved it too-thankfully all played hard and slept well!

And HAPPY EASTER! Deeply thankful for our Hope in Jesus.

Making Special Christmas Memories w/Daddy - Disney on Ice

The morning started with Katie getting ready for our special day. Mommy fixed her hair extra curly like the princesses and did a wonderful job at that! What a beautiful little girl!

Quick photo in front of the Christmas tree and we're off...

The show was quite impressive. Katie simply tried her best to take it all in at first, but by the end she was up on her feet dancing and clapping. In fact, during one song she was lifting her hands (mimicking worship from church) and joining right in the fun. She really did have a great time!

Mr. Hugh saved the day with a special treat during intermission - popcorn. Without it we'd (meaning Hugh and I) would have been in some real trouble, but Katie enjoyed that as well.

Thank you Katie for sharing such a special day with me, I truly enjoyed spending it with you. I'm often filled to overflowing as I watch you grow up into all that God has made you to be. You are beautiful, fun-loving, and a smart little girl...and my little sweetheart. When God enables me to see beyond my own selfish ambitions I'm amazed at His grace in giving you to me (and to us). While I know that you are in desperate need of a regenerate heart and far from perfection, you often appear so to me. I love you pippers Grace and I'm so thankful to be your daddy.

Katie and Daddy--Owen and Momma time

 
 
 
 

Katie, has done an exceptional job at welcoming Owen into our home. One of the best things is that she and her daddy have gotten some fun play time.

Here they are on "Katie's Park".

Then yesterday Justin and Katie went on a Daddy date. They went to the pet store, library, grocery store for me, and Chic-Fil-A.

Katie was determined to have a date at Chic-Fil-A. She has been asking to go there ever sense seeing a video of her friend Catie Beth's date with her daddy (who went to Chic-Fil-A). I guess Chic-Fil-A is THE place to be for dates. They got to share french fries for a treat.

*Story-So, Katie took the last two fries, but after Daddy asked for a last fry too, she quietly dipped it in the Ketchup and then put it in Justin's mouth. Ohhh...Precious.

And at home Owen and Momma spent sometime sleeping, eating and making a pumpkin pie cake-pretty much like a pumpkin bread-that I was dying for!

We LOVE you Katie Grace and Owen Bradley