Two - Three year old beauties

We had a fun day yesterday with Marilyn, Eleanor and Wesley. This time we got together at Grandma and Grandpa Manning's house. The girls are growing up so fast and play together really well. Eleanor is still more petite than Olivia even though they are only a couple weeks apart in age. Eleanor is a few inches shorter and a couple pounds lighter.

Just for my own records....At Olivia's 3 year checkup she weighed in at 31 pounds (50%) and was 38" tall (75%)



Otherwise the girls are pretty equal as far as developing, what they like to eat or don't like to eat. They both love to talk your ears off and have a lot of the same interests.

They had fun playing at Grandma's house and running around outside for a little while. Blazer came along with us and Eleanor and Wesley were very curious about him too. A little shy to go up to pet him but always kept track of where he was.

It's always a lot of fun getting together with them but the time also goes so fast. All three kids still nap in the afternoon so they get tired soon after lunch time. We look forward to the next time we get together which will probably be in August when our adoption agency holds their annual summer picnic.

Don't forget about Eleanor's little brother Wesley! His is now 18 months old, walking around and getting into everything. He is the spitting image of his Dad, loves to eat and loves his big sister. He is also about the same weight as Eleanor and can hold his own pretty well.

Can't wait until we can see them again!

Summer Weekend Fun

It was a beautiful weekend to get outside and that's exactly what we did.

Saturday we decided to see what the Henry Vilas Zoo was all about in Madison.

It turned out to be a lot of fun, hard to believe it is free admission. They have a nice variety of animals and pretty decent facilities. It is not nearly as big as the Milwaukee Zoo but the price is much more reasonable. Olivia really liked the animals and especially liked riding on the carousel. We did that twice, she played on the playground for a little while and then Jenny and I rode the little train with her also.
She couldn't decide what she liked best and when we asked her what her favorite part of the day was she said "eveything!".

We stopped at a restaurant for dinner in Madison on the way home which of course is another one of her favorite things to do.

We were all pretty tired by the time we got home.

On Sunday, another gorgeous summer day, after church we packed some things up and headed out for Pike Lake. There we did some hiking, swimming (but the water was pretty cold), Olivia played on the playground and then we went for pizza and finished up with ice cream.

Again we were all pretty tired by the end of the day but it was good to get out, get some exercise and enjoy the summer weather.

Happy 4th of July 2009!

The 4th of July weekend was our annual camping weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Manning's home. It was a little smaller crowd this year since the kids are all getting older and have jobs, cars, etc. and reasons why they cannot make it or can't stay the whole time. But we had a good time with too much food and drinks again. The weather was perfect all weekend, not too hot and no rain.

We brought some games along this time and even Grandma got in on the whiffle ball game.









Olivia had a great time of course and keeps everyone going. Grandma bought her a little ladybug sand box and she spent a lot of time in that. She still does real well sleeping in the tent and really seems to enjoy it.

The highlight of her weekend was going to the neighbors farm and getting to see a pony they have taken in. Olivia loved "Holly" and even though she was pretty stiff and sore that day her owner let Olivia sit on her back and take a couple slow walks with her. Since then, every day Olivia asks "we going to see the horse now?". Or, "afer my nap we go see horse?". "Maybe we go see horse tomanow?"

Although we had a great weekend it is hard to believe we are into July already. Won't be long and we will have to think about school shopping!

3 Years Old

We had a big celebration on Saturday, which was Olivia's 3rd birthday. Both sides of our families got together at our house for a big cookout and it was a lot of fun. It was hot but really nice weather for everyone to be outside.


Olivia went all day without a nap and had a great time with everyone. She received so many nice presents and will have a lot of fun with all the toys she got.

Her Dad and I bought her the big playhouse and I think she will have many hours of playing with that, especially when we have playgroups at our house.

It was nice that so many of our family members were able to make it for the party. Thanks to everyone for the gifts and the food and fun! We hope you all had a great time.

After a much needed bath and goodbyes were said Olivia finally got to bed around 10:15pm. She was so exhausted I think she was asleep before I left her bedroom and she slept until 8:30 the next morning but then was ready to go again. That's the energy of a 3 year old.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVIA!!

WE LOVE YOU!

Yipeeee! I'm THREEEEE!!

I am THREE years old today and can't wait for everybody to come to my party!!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Happy Birthday to Grandma Manning!

She spent her birthday morning with Olivia while I ran around like mad all morning running errands and getting things for Olivia's birthday party this weekend.

To make up for having to chase around an "almost 3 year old" I also brought over lunch and birthday cake for us to enjoy.

Grandma said she and Olivia had a great time and Olivia almost fell asleep during our short ride home, she was all worn out. I'm guessing Grandma was all worn out too after we left. I think we all needed a nap today!

She always has to help blow out candles and then lick them off. Guess it is good practice for Saturday when she has 3 candles to blow out.

Hope you have a great birthday Grandma!

My BIG Girl

Olivia will be turning 3 years old in less than a week!

I can't believe how fast she is growing and changing.

Saturday, June 20th is her birthday and we are planning a big summer (or last day of spring) family party. She is very excited about having "evybody coming to my paaarty". Whenever someone asks what she wants for her birthday she just says "PRESENTS".

She tells everyone now that she is a big girl...NOT a baby. She has not worn diapers now for a few months and soon after that she decided she wanted the "big girl bed" set up and it wasn't long after that I folded up and packed away the crib. She also likes to sit in a "big shot chair" (booster seat) rather than a high chair. She actually eats a lot better when in the booster seat because she feels all grown up.

I look forward to her learning and growing all the time but I also miss all the baby stuff. The years just go by too fast!