Anna Katherine-2 year milestones

So, SO hard to believe that my "baby" is now 2.  And as much as I HATE to admit it, she is rapidly becoming not a baby anymore.  Even though, in my world, she will always be.  But-that's another story. :)
I have learned on this crazy journey that we call motherhood that all the things you think you will never forget, sometimes you actually do.  It breaks my heart that I can't remember how Dalton sounded at 2 or what he said.  Fortunately it is recorded but it's amazing how fast these moments pass by.  So that having been said, I am going to record some Anna-isms so that I never ever forget...
* We are basically talking in sentences now!  Some favorites:
"I pay (play) Emma today!"
"Anna go time out.  Anna hit Dalton.  Anna cry.  Anna say wah, wah."  Followed by a laugh...!!!
"See ocean"  --this could be ocean or pool....
"That Char Char room!"--this is in reference to the guest room :)
 * Loves:
Big brother!!!  (even though they do bicker-see below!)
Singing-anything and everything!  Lately (sad but true) it has been Gangam Style.  You can imagine the looks you get when you have a 2 year old standing up in restaurant booth singing "Heeeyyyy...sexy Lady!" at the top of her lungs.  Just one of the perks of an older brother.  Also loves singing "Skinnamarinkydinky dink", "you are my sunshine", and "Twinkle twinkle little star"
Pasta-spaghetti especially!
CANDY!
Blueberries
"Squeezy packs"-AKA those organic pureed baby foods-still basically the only way she will eat veggies!
Accessories!  Especially necklaces...
Hello Kitty-one of the funniest things she does is throw her hello kitty stuffed character on the floor and say "Bye bye hello kitty!"
DORA THE EXPLORER-an ongoing love affair is in full force with our little Hispanic friend!
She is super social-loves "new friends" and is teacher's pet for sure!!  Must be in teacher's lap during circle time!!
Having toenails painted
Make up and sitting at Mommy's vanity
Looking at herself in the mirror :)
Books-loves to read.  So funny - her two favorite books are "The Little Red Hen" and "Snuggle Bunnies"--or "Nuggle Bunnies" as she calls it
*Dislikes:
Vegetables (much to my dismay)
When Dalton takes her toys or gets in her face-quick to hit him or pinch or worse-pull hair!!
Barking dogs (including Kip)-this terrifies her
Being put down-especially after school.  Always wants to be held and snuggled when she is tired!
Can't think of too much else for this category...she is so sweet and outgoing and there is not too much that she doesn't like!

"A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful memories of the present, and the hope and promise of the future"

I am so blessed to be the mother to this sweet angel.  She has completed our family and brings love and laughter to our home every day.  I look so forward to the journey of being your Mom, Anna!!  We love you so much!!

A little birdie....

  After we got back from the beach Saturday, we noticed a little visitor had come to our front porch and made themselves at home...literally!  Zack found a birds nest complete with eggs and baby birds in it on the porch.  Sunday morning when he stepped out, this little guy had undoubtedly fallen out.  It sure was neat to get to show the  kids!  They loved it!  Don't worry, after a little close observation, Zack put him back in his nest for Momma to take care of...

So sweet!!!  I will be back soon for...you guessed it....our first day of Kindergarten post!  Everyone say an extra prayer for my little man on Thursday.  I know he will do great but it's such a big change and he is just a wee bit nervous.  So think about him Thursday please :)

Also--will post some new house pics soon (Aunt Judy! :)

Have a great week all!!

Ocean Isle Beach

At night on the beach Crabbin'...a tradition we love!

 Hi Friends!
This past week, we went to Ocean Isle Beach with the Grahams.  This was actually our 11th year doing this trip.  So hard to believe!  Anyway, it's always great fun.   We stay in the same house every year that is one block from the beach and is a great layout for the whole family.  This year was no exception and we had a wonderful time!  Unfortunately, I was a ding-dong and forgot to pack my camera which I realized 2 hours after we had left from home.  So-thanks to Mrs. Graham, who kindly sent me these pictures!  The down side is that for some of them I can't figure out how to rotate them on Blogger (help Brooke!)

Anna and her crab carrier!  Dontcha love the outfit??  Ha!

All 3 kids swabbing the deck (is that what it's called??) on the pirate ship at Benjamins.  Also a tradition!

My buddy and I riding bikes.  This is one of my best memories of the trip this year.  We had such a fun time!!

Daddy painting Anna's toenails.  Safe to say that this little girl has him wrapped around her little finger!!

Colton and Little Bit!  These little ones sure love their big cousin!!

What a great vacation!  I treasure these times making memories so much...look forward to doing it again.  This trip somewhat marks the end of summer for me, especially with school starting this week.  It sure is a great way to end it though!!