My Little Girl is 3!

How did this happen? How is my baby girl already three years old? Saying Zoe is a girly girl is probably an understatement. She loves all the princesses and everything that goes along with it. Zoe got "Beauty and the Beast" a few days before her birthday. She requested a "beast cake" for her birthday. I'm pretty sure this is what she meant. It was a very easy cake to make and I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Zoe's Top Ten (in no particular order)

1. Princesses-all of them

2. Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street

3. Dancing-she dances to the music Peyton's toys play.

4. Singing- she will make up her own songs in the car. Brandon tries to get her to sing about purple hippopotamuses and most of the time it works. Do you know how funny it is to hear a three year old try to say "purple hippopotamus?"
5. Polly Pocket-she now has the princesses in pocket size and plays with them every day
6. Dresses-we have a hard time getting her to wear anything else.
7. Driving her older brother crazy!
8. French Fries-she doesn't care anything about the burger, she just wants the fries.
9. Make up-every time I put my make up on, Zoe stands on the toilet and waits her turn. She then asks me to hold her up to look in the mirror.
10. Talking on the phone-she asks to talk to Daddy every day. I know she loves her Daddy but she will find a way to get on the phone.

Happy birthday to my baby girl!

Payton and Peyton

We named Peyton Douglass after Brandon's brother and my brother. This is the first time Peyton met his Uncle Payton. They look like the best of friends.

New York City

Last weekend we met Brandon's brother Payton in New York City. My cousin was nice enough to take care of Zoe and Jacob while we were there. That means we only had one child all day! It felt so weird and wonderful at the same time. Brandon's brother came up to see his friend Michael, who was our own personal tour guide. We walked, and walked, and walked! We had so much fun hanging out and seeing the city.

While we were in Central Park Brandon asked, "Is there anywhere you can go inside the park where you CAN'T see the buildings?" Michael responded by saying, "Yeah, if you go under the water or lay down in the grass...face down." You don't get comments like that from a normal tour guide!

John Lennon Memorial

FAO Schwarz

Tiffany's! I tried on a $139,000 ring. My day was complete. I wish I had gotten a picture of that! This is a set up for a wedding shower.

St. Peter's Cathedral

Someone was getting married. My first thought was,
"How much would it cost to get married here?"

Hanging out in Time Square. Brandon, Peyton, Payton and Michael

St. Paul's Church. This church is across the street from the twin towers. When the towers came down, all the buildings around them were damaged. This church didn't even have a broken window.

Slip and Slide

As a child, I never had a slip and slide. Atleast not that I can remember. Therefore, I have been scarred for life. As a parent isn't it our goal to give our kids everything we didn't have whether they like it or not? Well, luckily for us, Jacob and Zoe loved the slip and slide...until they realized it got them wet. Don't worry I will torture them with it all throughout the summer. Something my Mom says as she grits her teeth, "We are gonna go play and you are gonna have fun!"

Peyton laughed at Jacob, Zoe and Daddy on the slide.

"Mommy, I all WET!"

The End

Peyton's First Tooth

It is here! Peyton's first tooth. If you look closely, not at the drool, you can see it. The second one is coming in right behind it. I didn't even know he was teething until he stuck my finger in his mouth and bit me. Let's hope all of his teeth come in this easily!

Sesame Place...Last Installment

The kids had no idea what to expect from Sesame Place. Now, all they talk about is "Elmo's World." Zoe sleeps with her Sesame Street figurines and Jacob asks if we get to go back "tomorrow."

My favorite conversation from the whole trip was with Zoe. In the van on the way home,
Zoe: Mommy?
Me: Yes Zoe?
Zoe: I want Daddy.
Brandon: What is it Zoe?
Zoe: NO DADDY I'M TALKING TO MOMMY!

Brandon and I couldn't help but laugh. She is such a drama queen!

jumping on Big Bird's bed

Ride 'em cowgirl

Peyton was so good in the backpack!

He was tuckered out with all the excitement!

Climb up...

...slide down

endless amounts of fun

Face Painting

When I think of face painting I think of, little rainbows on the cheek. At Sesame Place they do not play around with the face painting. Jacob was a pirate and Zoe a princess. Priceless!

This is his "ARRRRRGH" face.

Oh...my...goodness they are so cute!

Help me! I can't handle all this cuteness!

The Monsters & Zoe

Zoe loved seeing all the Monsters! Jacob didn't want to have anything to do with them.

Zoe ran to Grover for a big hug then said, "I wub (love) you Grover!"

Abby Cadabby is Zoe's absolute favorite! Notice the same pose with the feet. Zoe saw Abby during the parade. Before I knew it she had run out into the street to follow Abby. The security guards brought her back to me.

Sesame Place-Rides

We went to Sesame Place this past Friday. This was our first experience taking the kids to an amusement park and we had so much fun! This was the best place to go for our kids. This first picture looks just like a toy we have for the kids.

Jacob loved this ride!

Zoe did too, but it took a few times.

So cute!

This is Mommy trying not to throw up...I hate teacups!

I'm surprised Brandon got a picture of us all looking at the camera!

Jacob and I loved this ride. Zoe did not!

This was the first time Zoe rode this one. As you can see, it took some time for her to like it.

There are many more pictures to come!

Uncle John

My Great Uncle John Stockton passed away Sunday, May 2nd. We were fortunate enough to spend some time with him and family a few months ago. We were all able to go to his funeral and spend time with family after.

I think Zoe is trying to boss Papa around in this picture.

Zoe had so much fun with Sarah, Melissa, Emily that she didn't want to leave them! She was very dramatic about saying her goodbyes. She cried, "My girls, I can't leave my girls!" We are looking forward to seeing them again.

Jacob and Zoe were thoroughly entertained...I was very happy!

Running Day 2

Day 2 of running I ran/walked 2.2 miles. I did notice that my achilles tendons are hurting! That has to do with my 5 finger shoes. I need to walk more to strengthen my feet and tendons before they can handle all the running. I still intend to run, I just need to strengthen first.

Day One

Day One on my C25K plan: 2.2 miles walking/running. My first day in my new 5 finger shoes. Other than the blisters on my big toes, I love them! Maybe if I tape my toes next time I can avoid the blisters. We will see.

Couch to 5K

I am not a runner and never have been. I am trying to change that now. Coolrunning.com has a variety of different programs. The one I have chosen is "couch to 5K." I will be posting my progress to hold myself accountable for the next 9 weeks. I am hoping this will start a love for running. Is that too big of a hope? If not love, then at least tolerate. Wish me luck!