Train Park

We took Allie to the train park in Scottsdale last weekend. Had a great time!

More Halloween

Trick or Treat

Allie dressed up as Minnie Mouse this year. I was pleasantly surprised how much she enjoyed dressing up and going trick or treating. By the 3rd house she had the drill down and couldn't wait to get more candy. We could hardly keep up with her.

We had a wonderful time on Halloween seeing our friends, the Hatchett's and McCarty's. Always a pleasure to spend with such wonderful people. We miss you guys!

More Phoenix Zoo

Yes, we really are there ALL the time. Allie loves going, we love taking her, and best of all, we all take a really good nap when we get home!

A Really Messy Treat

Pure Joy

First (official) Haircut

We finally had to break down and take Allie to have her haircut. We took her to Cool Cuts 4 Kids. Fun place, great atmosphere. Our stylist, not so fun; she drove me bonkers. Allie did really well the entire time. Brian and I were both surprised she sat still for so long.

Ocean

On the second day of our trip we took Allie to see the ocean for the first time. She loved the sand but wasn't too thrilled with the cold water and waves.

San Diego Zoo part II

San Diego Zoo

Allie survived her first long car ride to San Diego in August. Kind of ironic, the child has been on 16 round trip flights but the longest she'd spent in a car up til this point was three hours. She did great, though.

We went to the San Diego Zoo for the day and had a ball. The weather was perfect, the animal exhibits were fabulous and we were able to catch up with some San Diego friends. Our two favorite exhibits were the polar and panda bears. Allie was mesmerized watching the polar bears swim and play; we must have stood there for 20 minutes.

New School

It is with a saddened heart that I share with you that Friday is Allie's last day at Miss Natalie's house. Allie has been cared for by Natalie since she was about four months old. She has done an amazing job with Allie. Allie will be so sad to say goodbye to Natalie and her best friend Makayla. Makayla and Allie are so cute and have such a blast when they're together. And not to leave Dillon out, Natalie's 11 month old son. Allie is sure to miss him as well.

We are enrolling Allie in Desert Dawn Private School. It is for kids ages 18 mos thru kindergarten. We have no doubt that Allie will continue to grow and learn at this new location. It seems like an amazing place. The tenure of the teachers is crazy. The place was opened 23 years ago and there are teachers that have been there as long as 21 years! Allie's own teacher has been there for 13 years and both of her children went through the program. The site also has a goat, sheep and chickens which will be a hit with Allie. Plus, they have a vegetable and flower garden that the kids help with.

I'm so nervous as Friday gets closer and Monday approaches. This is the most nerve-racking thing as a working parent that I can think of, hoping that you've made the right choice for your child. We definitely were lucky in finding Natalie, so I'm hoping we've made the best decision again. As these next few days go by, please keep Allie and us in your thoughts in prayers as we work through this transition.

Cousins Natalie and Blake's Sheep

We went to visit Cousins Natalie and Blake at the Gage County Fair in July. Allie enjoyed seeing all of the animals. Her love for them is evident. As one little boy walked up to pet a goat through the fence that Allie had previously been petting, she yelled out, "My goats! No! That's Allie's goat.", though, she had no clue who they belonged to. We were fortunate that Blake was taking the sheep for a walk when we arrived so Allie was able to see them up close. She even thought she was pretty cool when she held the rope all by herself.

Lincoln Children's Museum

Allie enjoyed going to the Lincoln Children's Museum with grandma and mom. Her favorite was the tractor. She would have us bang on the windows and have to her through it.

Water Park

Allie spent one afternoon at the water park with her second cousins while we were in Nebraska. She had so much fun splashing with Rudy in the water. At the end of the day, her great-grandma thought she had to have some ice cream. Very messy as you can tell.

Pablo

Allie can't get enough of Pablo, her Aunt Amanda's doggie. That poor dog was pushed in a stroller, chased, and teased this summer while we were back home. Allie adores him so much she even has her own stuffed Pablo that is one of the zillion animals that sleeps with her each night.

How I Love My Uncle Jesse!

Allie spending time with Uncle Jesse and Aunt Misuzu while in Nebraska in July.

Swimming

Allie started swim lessons last week at Hubbard Swim School. Not a fun night for me! It was our first class and we the regular instructor wasn't there so we had a sub. He was a nice guy but toddler swim lessons didn't exactly seem like his forte. Things were a little rough but we managed to get through the half hour lesson. Here's hoping things go better tomorrow night!

Boxed In

Allie decided to shut herself in between the screen door and front door at Grandma's house. She thought she was quite the innovative little star.