She was also here to help us celebrate Cicilee's 2nd birthday. Mom and I ran to the local doughnut shop where we requested a pink doughnut just for the birthday girl. Cic is obsessed with all things pink at the moment and was so happy to see her pink doughnut for breakfast.
We had her birthday party a day after her actual birthday so these pictures seem out of order but they aren't really.
One thing that my Mom and I love to do together is go to Garage Sales. We went garage sale-ing just about every weekend that she was here and got some GREAT finds. It was so much fun and so nice that the sun actually came out for a bit.
Love these shots.
I hope my kids always remember how much fun their grandmother is.
Cici's 2nd Birthday party~
We had a few neighbors over again this year to help us celebrate. We have the best neighbors and always feel so loved.My Mom was in town to help make Cici's cake this year. Cic loves Tinkerbell and after seeing the music box on the first movie, I decided that would be my inspiration for the cake this year. I learned a very important lesson with this cake. I WILL NEVER USE A SPRAY ON COLOR FOR FONDANT EVER AGAIN. It was a nightmare. The cake did not turn out like I had hoped, but Cic was happy and that's all that really matters.
Our favorite neighbor, Jackie (and her hubby Nick). They have been to every single one of our kids birthday parties. Talk about dedication! We are so lucky to live next door to them and love them dearly!
Grandma with the birthday girl.
Cic with her cake.
Family shot before we sang "Happy Birthday".
Blowing out the candle.
It took a few tries.
Love this pic.
In case you are wondering...Yes, Kai is wearing a swimsuit. My mom is so thoughtful that she decided to give Kai a gift on Cici's birthday. It was perfect b/c he got pretty jealous when he saw all the presents she opened.
Cic was stoked about all her gifts!
I don't think she could smile any bigger.
Kai gave Cic her very own blanket (to match her zebra pillow pet). Kai has the puppy blanket that matches his and she has always wanted one. Lucky for us they just released her matching blanket a few days before her birthday. Perfect timing! She is so in love with it.
Took this shot one day after church. My Mom is such a big help!
When Ben was in town we decided to take advantage of my Mom's presence and went on a date! Yup, we haven't been on a date (without the kids) since Kai was born. I know, that's almost 4 years. We are terrible about it. It was actually really nice to get out and not have to worry about keeping anyone happy or keeping track of where everyone is. Ahhh, relaxation! When we got home the kids were already in bed asleep. It was a dream! Thanks Mom!
One of the things we bought at a garage sale was another lawn mower. We had gotten Kai a lawn mower a few days before Cic was born. It has always been a source of conflict b/c Cic wants to use it and we only have one. Mom and I found a matching one at a garage sale for $2. Now both kids are happy and love to "help" Ben every time he mows the lawn. They ask him everyday if it is time to mow the lawn again.
Just hangin' out with Grandma.
My Mom's trip wouldn't be complete if she didn't help me with my yard.
Luckily the sun came out and things started to bloom.
Love these iris' that we planted a few years ago together.
We also planted this bleeding heart.
My peonies are about to bloom...CAN'T wait!
One of the trees in my backyard died this winter...so my Mom cut it down, dug out the roots, and even chopped it up for me. We then went shopping to find something to put in it's place.
We immediately fell in love with this metal tree. We opted to plant vines all around the base and in a few years hopefully this will be covered with vines. We bought two clematis vines, a trumpet vine, and a wisteria vine. It is one of my favorite things in the backyard now. I love it!
Here is the tree. It even has a bird feeder on top.
I have another tower next to it that has a few different clematis vines all over it. It is in full bloom right now. I'll have to post a better picture of it soon.
More shots from the backyard...
Columbine
For Memorial Day we looked and looked for local activities going on and couldn't find much so decided to head downtown. It was so much fun. We just happened upon an art festival at the 16th street mall. My Mom and I love things like this...Ben, not so much. He was a trooper though and didn't complain once.
The day before my Mom left the weather warmed up enough to take the kids to the fountain park. They were in heaven.
Ben even joined us during his lunch break for a bit.
We played in the water and even flew kites afterwards.
Played until the kids CRASHED!
It was a good day...
...but then again everyday with my Mom is a good day. I took her to the airport and bawled like a baby on the way home. It's never an easy thing to say goodbye to her. Lucky for me she will return for the birth of our new little man.
I'm so lucky to have such a great relationship with my Mom. She is my best friend. I talk with her several times a day and miss her terribly when she is not around. She is such a work horse while she is here and helps out with everything. She is one of those people who comes to visit and makes life easier while she is here. Pulls her own weight and at times I feel like she is the host and I am the guest at my own house. She is always serving others. I want to be just like her.
Can't wait for her next visit. Love you Mom!
