Our Diva turns 3!

Our Little Miss is getting so big! She turned 3 a couple of weeks ago. (Yes, that's how far behind I am with this blog) Her birthday ended up being on a school day. I felt bad sending her but things have been so crazy lately that I had to send her so I could go get her presents! I made strawberry cupcakes (because she wanted pink ones) for her class with princess wrappers and princess crowns on top. She also picked out some princess plates and napkins.

She wanted a picture of her holding one before leaving for school. She had a lot of fun at school that morning and she told me all about her friends singing to her.

After school we went to pick up a cake, a pink cake of course. The lady writing her name on it heard Audrey talking about the cakes with lady bugs on them and put a couple on her cake for her. After dinner we sang happy birthday to her. It was an Edgar's strawberry cake. Yumm! We are going to miss getting cakes from that bakery.

Too busy staring at the candles to look up for the picture. I know there's more than 3 candles on it but she wanted all those candles on because they were all pink.

Blowing out all her candles

Enjoying the yummy cake with her sweet big brother.After cake she got to open her princess wrapped presentsShe loves her my little pony! It reads 4 different books to her and sings songs. It's so cute to watch her sing along.

Recital preview

Last week was picture week at Audrey's studio. Instead of classes they had their individual and class pictures taken in their recital costumes. The photographers were great with the little ones and we can't wait to see how they turned out!

Audrey ready to head in for her pictures. You can't tell in these pictures but she even sat still for me that morning for me to curl her hair :) She looked adorable!

She loves that her tap costume is pink with dot dots on it.

With Tita Angela so proud of herself for smiling nice in her pictures. Audrey had so much fun with the photographer she told Chuck all about it when he got home.

That afternoon we had to take Tita Angela back to the airport :( I was terrible about taking pictures while she was here so we quick snapped one before leaving.

I've also been awful about taking belly pictures this time. We've been so busy with everything I just haven't taken the time. So this picture is the first one I have that shows my bump.

Bud's Best cookie tour

Last week Monday Carter had a class field trip to the Bud's Best Cookie factory. I drove and chaperoned for it and Tita Angela got to come along too. We got to ride on a train through the factory learning about the process and machinery. We even got to eat fresh warm cookies during the tour!

Goofy class shot before going inside

Carter and I looking oh so stylish in our hair nets :)

Carter and his friends Max & Walker on the train ready for the tour to start

Class picture in front of the train

more happenings

Here are some more things we were up to while Tita Angela was visiting.

Carter found some fuzzy caterpillars and had to pick them up and move them to a leaf. He wanted to make sure they were safe and had plenty to eat.

We took the kids bikes to Homewood park and let them show Tita Angela what a pro they are at riding them. People we didn't even know were impressed at how many times Audrey went around the track. After riding numerous times around they played until they were finally ready to leave. We let the kids cool off by getting 32 degrees on the way home. Yummy!

On the way home I needed to run through the car wash. The car was caked in pollen. I normally wash it myself at home so the kids aren't used to riding through them. Carter was amazed and thought it was cool but Audrey wasn't too sure about it. I think she did smile at one point.

We arrived home to another birthday package waiting at the door. Grandma Debbie and Mike's Minnie Mouse themed presents were inside.

The card had a punch out Minnie Mouse crown

Of course while Tita Angela was here we had to make a stop at the outlets. That is where we found Audrey's cute top and sandals she's wearing in the picture above :) So easy to get into trouble at the outlets! Can't wait to go back later this week after we find out if baby #3 is a boy or a girl.

Tita Angela's last visit to the 'ham

Tita Angela came down for one last visit before we move! I love the sound of that :) As always the kids ate up all the extra attention and had lots of fun with her.

We went to the botanical gardens to get some pictures of the kids for the Easter card.

Audrey's b-day presents from Tita Angela & Uncle Brett came while she was here. They got Audrey a princess music set among other goodies. Both Audrey and Carter love making lots of noise with all the instruments. I can't wait until they have kids. Pay back is going to be fun!

They always include a little something for Carter too. They found him fun Cars socks and Iron Man tattoos. He decided to model them on his feet and hands :) Audrey's modeling her new sparkly tutu. She loved it so much she slept in it that night.

Productive weekend

Chuck and I took a much needed last minute trip to Peoria, IL this last weekend. We needed to meet with the builder and get everything picked out for the house so they can start building. We got into Peoria after 10 pm Friday night and left at 5 am Tuesday. Our 3 days there were completely booked with meetings with all the suppliers.
Even though it was crazy busy we had an amazing time. We are trilled to have O'Neal builders building us our dream home! They are an amazing team and build beautiful homes. Our designer was an absolute pleasure to work with. She made the experience enjoyable instead of overwhelming. We worked around the clock with her while we were there and got it all done.

Here we are in front of part of our land. It's partially cleared here. They are getting all the permits and clearing the rest this week so they can dig the basement next week. They are going to keep us up to date with everything that's happening and will be e-mailing us pictures of the progress. We are so happy with our decision to build and can't wait to see all our selections come together!

While we were in Peoria we got an offer on our house in Birmingham! We came to an agreement with the buyer and the inspection was Tuesday. Now it's official that the kids and I will be in Peoria by June 1st. Chuck will crash with someone while he finishes through the end of June. Could the weekend have been any more productive?!?!?!

Astronaut & Alien day

Last week Friday Carter had astronaut and alien day at school to wrap their space unit. They got to dress up as an astronaut or alien. Carter chose to be an astronaut.

Here's the shirt I made him with the picture I copied. I painted all the patches on.

Carter modeling his shirt. I made him a short sleeve one instead of long sleeve since it's been so warm out. He had a lot of fun with all the special activities they got to do that day.

And here's Audrey having a Marilyn Monroe moment before leaving for ballet. She thought it was hilarious and was sad when the air stopped.