Annabelle-isms: January - September 2013

February 27, 2013
Austin: "Hey wife!" (Talking to me. Obviously...)
AB: "Daddy! No she isn't. She is Momma and you call her babe. She doesn't cut things!!"
Austin: {puzzled, blank stare}
Me: {right back at him}
Austin: {after a few seconds of confusion} "No, baby. I said 'wife'. Not 'knife'!
Me: {falling over laughing}

April 7, 2013
AB looking and looking for one of her favorite toy cupcakes:
"Ugh! Where is that thing? It's driving me nervous!!!"

April 18, 2013
AB: "Umm...Mommy. Landree just said, 'pizza.' Did you hear that?"
This comment came after trying to convince us to order pizza for dinner. I guess she figured if she couldn't convince us, Landree could. Coming from a baby that doesn't come close to making out words yet. It worked....by the way.

April 29, 2013
AB: "Hey, you know that green lizard guy? Yeah, he talks just like Ernie on Sesame Street!"
Ok. That "green lizard guy?" That would be Kermit the frog. It pains me she doesn't know who that is! And for that matter, thinks he's a lizard!!! On another note, I am impressed by her ability to make the voice connection, though. It's time to bust out my old Muppet movies!

June 4, 2013
"I can't believe you made that choice! That was a bad, bad choice. That poor bunny. His brothers and father and sisters and mother will be looking for him...(pause)...I don't even have any plans. I don't have any plans on how to make bunnies not dead!!"
-Annabelle, lecturing the dog after we found a lifeless baby bunny in her mouth. 

June 10, 2013
So, tried out a new restaurant for my "pretend" lunch today. AB calls it "Olive Garden" (but the menu is nothing like the original!) My lunch consisted of a waffle, tomato, a baguette, tomato and for dessert a cupcake with sprinkles. When I was getting ready to pay and get the heck out of there, my waitress,(Annabelle) said, "Ok, thanks. And next time you want food, you can just go shopping at the store. They have plenty of food there." Some customer service. Sheesh.

June 13, 2013
Annabelle: "Mommy, can I please have a grilled cheese from Wonderbooger?"
Me: "Absolutely!"
{And no, I didn't correct her and I hope she calls Whataburger, "wonderbooger" her whole life!}

June 15, 2013
AB: "Daddy! I had a wonderful dream last night!"
Austin: "Oh, yeah?"
AB: "Yes, I was a beautiful princess!!"
Austin: "Well, that wasn't a dream because you really are a beautiful princess!"
AB: {skeptical look}
.....pause for long silence....
Austin: "Ok, you're right it was a dream. I know you're a realist."

July 24, 2013
Austin: "Do you know where my iPad is?"
Me: "No. Annabelle was the last one to have it. Annabelle, do you know where Daddy's iPad is?"
AB: "Umm...no, I don't."
{Looking....looking...looking...}
Me: "Come on, AB. You were the last one to have it."
AB: "I don't know where it is! I mean, iPads don't just get up and walk away."

July 25, 2013

I would like to take a second and thank the tv shows, Cat in the Hat, Cailou, and Bubble Guppies. Because of them we found out AB can name four out of the eight planets, knows the sun is a star, and our galaxy is called the Milky Way. No folks, this is not a proud parenting moment, for she did not learn these things from us. But I will not complain the things she's picking up are educational, at least.

August 5, 2013
AB: "I'm perfect for you, huh, Momma?"
-- I don't know exactly in what context she was referring, but I couldn't agree with this more!

August 11, 2013
This might be my all time FAVORITE!
We were getting ready to go see Christ of the Ozarks...
AB: "I don't want to go. I don't like Jesus the statue. I like the real Jesus. The one who died and is in Heaven! Not a statue..."
Wow. I know she's too young to really get it, but so much of that statement has a crazy truth to it.

August 16, 2013
AB: "Momma. You're just too much for me!"

....I don't even know how to respond to that.

August 31, 2013
"Where's that indoor/outdoor booger place?"

- AB speak for In and Out Burger

September 7, 2013
AB: "Mommy, is this the best day you've ever had?"
Me: "Well. It is a good day. Every day with you is the best day!"
AB: "Yes, but is it the best day EVER?"
Me: "Sure!"
AB: "Good. You're welcome for the day."

Ummm....thank you? This kid...

September 21, 2013
An impromptu shopping spree, buying matching outfits for the girls, lead to this conversation...

Me: (thinking out loud) "Ooh. Daddy is going to be mad at me."
AB: "No. Daddy loves you!"
Me: "Well ok. I meant that Daddy is going to be disappointed in my decision to spend too much money."
AB: "You should pray about that."

September 22, 2013
AB: "You know. I'm a big girl now. I'm not little anymore."
(....pause....)
AB: "Can't you just feel like you will cry right now?"

Yes, AB I could. Stop growing up!! And better yet, stop rubbing it in!

September 25, 2013
AB: "Whoa, Momma! That just scared my life!"

First Day of Preschool 2013

I'm so thankful to be at a school with a supportive and understanding boss. One that will work around my schedule to leave work for an hour to take my four year to her first day of preschool! I was overjoyed I was able to do this. If I had to miss this, I don't think I could've pulled myself together to get through the day.

Austin met me at my school to take her to her new school! I think you can tell from these pictures, there's not one bit of hesitation or fear on her face. She was nothing but excited. This made my heart so happy. She was so ready for this.

It was surreal to see her with her back pack on and ready to head off to school. What happened to my newborn??

She talked about her sweet, new friend, Olivia, for weeks prior to starting preschool. I loved that I was able to get their picture together on her first day!!

Sweet girl walked in, hung up her back pack, posed for a picture for me and then was off playing with new friends. She was so ready and excited she could care less I was leaving her. I wouldn't have it any other way. So proud of who she is and who she's becoming. Can't wait to see how God works through her in the lives of others.

The Night Before Preschool

Oh, it's happening. It's really happening. My baby girl is going to preschool. I can't even believe it. I was actually a little too excited about all the fun first day of preschool preparations to be sad. The night before preschool we had everything ready to go for the next day, since Daddy would be taking her. 

Her "First Day of Preschool" sign was framed and ready for picture-taking the next morning! As well as "Rock Star" teacher goody bags for her teachers and their favorite things, and wish list items!

I had carefully laid out her clothes for the next day! She had the sweetest first day of preschool outfit -- thanks, Bri!!

She was so excited about preschool that there was absolutely zero arguing about bed time. She went right to sleep! She couldn't wait!

It wasn't until my own bed time that it really hit me. The tears flowed a little bit. My baby was just born yesterday, it seemed. Everyone says they grow up fast, but you think for some reason, your baby will be a baby forever. Nope. But she is still little and she's super sweet. Love her so much. 

2013 Family Vacation -- Eureka Springs: Saying "So Long"

Well, it was exactly how I had remembered it. Not much had changed and we got to do almost everything I wanted to. But I couldn't leave this place without stopping at my FAVORITE gift shop. I used to get my most favorite souvenirs here. AB thought it was fascinating because they sold specialty rocks. Treasure in her eyes.

We packed up and headed out for our long drive back home. This girl would miss climbing these stairs everyday at the hotel. I was the same way as a kid. Give me some stairs, and I was good. 

Goodbye, "Erka Springs" (AB speak for Eureka Springs). It was fun! Thanks for the memories and staying the same. I'm not big on change. Until next time, the Aldrich Four will be back as the Aldrich Five.

2013 Family Vacation -- Eureka Springs: Christ of the Ozarks and St. Elizabeth's Garden

One of the things that has left the biggest impression in my life is this guy. Lol...obviously, but this statue fascinated me as a kid and continues to fascinate me as an adult! I love the symbolism with this statue. Jesus is and should be such a huge part of our lives and he needs to seem so overwhelmingly in charge of our decisions and our actions. I feel overwhelmed with His presence when I'm here. I need to feel that way all the time, and I try, but I love how this statue is a constant reminder of His ultimate sacrifice and how He is sovereign and omnipresent. I don't think I could ever, ever get tired of seeing this sight.

It was 27 years ago that I first laid eyes on him. The same age AB is. She found him pretty impressive, too.

If you walk down aways, you can go and sit and look over the whole town at a little seating area. From Christ of the Ozarks you can see the oldest hotel in Eureka Springs, the Crescent hotel. Again, another one of my favorite things to do as a child. Such a peaceful and serene place.

My sad little iphone camera doesn't do it justice, but there's the hotel way back there.

Much better. We stopped at an observatory to take this one. Breathtaking! See the small bit of the red roof through the trees? That's St. Elizabeth Church.

The next day, on our way out, we stopped at St. Elizabeth Garden. It's part of the church and it's located right by the Crescent Hotel. We always made this stop the night before we left town. I love it because it's the opposite view of where we are when we visit the statue. Sadly, the trees are so overgrown now, you can't see the statue from the garden anymore.

We took some pictures and snapped my most favorite picture, ever, I think.

I've never seen anything sweeter.

Behind us is where you could use to see Christ of the Ozarks towering over the trees. Now the trees are so overgrown, you can't. Kind of a bummer, but I've had my picture taken in this exact place time and time again. Love to be sitting here with my AB.

2013 Family Vacation -- Eureka Springs: Shopping Downtown and a Trolley Ride

I have to admit, the three full days we were staying there just didn't seem like enough to get everything done that I wanted to do!! I knew the ins and outs of this place, and I wanted to do EVERYTHING! However, when you have two small kiddos, some sacrifices have to be made, but they were wonderful and very go with the flow.

After the zoo, we decided to venture downtown and do some shopping. No complaints from these two --all smiles and rearing to go!

First stop was lunch at little hole in the wall pizza/Italian place down town, Eureka Springs. AB requested her usual, spaghetti. And oh man, did she get some spaghetti!

The shops are quaint and just neat to go in, even if you aren't going to buy anything. We went into an old toy store. They sold old time toys and found a surprise when we checked out. This is why I LOVE this place. It's so homey and the shop owners will bring their pets and it adds to the experience for the kids. And apparently the Dads, too. It's not every day you go shopping and meet a huge standard poodle.

We stopped for ice cream and sno cones. Guess which one had the sno cone?

One thing that AB wanted to do ever since we arrived was ride on "Charlie." That's what she calls Trolleys. I try and explain that that the "tr" and "ch" sound the same in the word and the word is "T-ro-l-l-e-y," but she continued to call it "Charlie." Haha. She was fascinated by them because of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. So, we had to make sure we took a "Charlie" to and from downtown.

The second we got on the Trolley, AB crashed in Daddy's lap. LC, however, was fascinated! What's this? No car seat? No rear facing? You're buckling me into a big seat, Mom?

She even got to look out the window the whole time. I think she loved it.

Sweet girl. Such a snuggler. Love, love her.

After the "Charlie" ride, we tried to venture out to Blue Spring, botanical garden. Unfortunately, the drive out there and being in my first trimester didn't make it possible to go. I was feeling too nauseated. I was so upset. Blue Spring was always one of my favorite places to visit as a kid, and I knew AB would love it. Oh well, I had to give somewhere.

2013 Family Vacation -- Eureka Springs: Promised Land Zoo

When my parents took me to Eureka Springs the last time in 2006, we visited this sweet little drive-through zoo, The Promised Land Zoo. I was ecstatic to see it was still up and running and that we would get to take the girls. What an adventure it was, too. Some of the animals were quite friendly and had no shame when it came to sticking their heads right in the car to get some food. AB handled it quite well, and had almost no fear.

The deer were the most friendly and had no shame. They would push each other out of the way to get something to eat. I first made the mistake of having my window rolled all the way down, which only resulted big noses and sometimes antlers in our car. So, I ended up having to roll the windows up a bit.

AB loved feeding them and I was impressed with how gently they took the food. No missing fingers for this three year old!

They cracked me up how they would go around to Austin's side of the car, too. Even when his window wasn't rolled down, they thought they'd try and see what they could get out of it. It worked.

One of mine and AB's favorite books is Edward the Emu. We read it almost weekly and I love how the Emu is depicted in the story. Yeah. Whoever wrote that book hasn't ever met an Emu in real life I don't think. They're quite intimidating. These guys would walk right up to the car, and I'm pretty sure would peck our hands off if I hadn't kept the window rolled up. No fear, these guys. But they're smart and their mannerisms are hilarious.

Not all animals were able to roam freely, of course. But we had a wonderful glimpse of the zebras, kangaroos, peacocks, antelopes, and a bobcat.Very neat!

Oh, the camels were my absolute favorite. What friendly animals they were. I figured out that the reason they're fenced in is because they're a little too friendly. They would've come in the car had they not been behind the fence.

Five second after this picture was taken, this camel reached his long neck over the fence and put his whole head in the car!!!

Oh, this place was gorgeous! Absolutely beautiful. The rolling hills and green grass just made it so picturesque. All of these animals were rescued from their environment, and it made me happy to see how well they were being taken care of.

Oh, the Emus. This guy had his own little "station" set up. He would wait for the cars to come through the end of the tour where no other animals were - smart. And this worked well for him. He got fed. I fell for it.

This is the face of one happy girl feeding the animals. 

At the end of the drive, we could get out and go to the petting zoo. Lots of fun things to see and pet here. AB had her first experience with guinea pigs. If you know anything about my guinea pig experience, growing up, I told her to take a good look now, because we would NEVER own one!

She even got to pet a baby alligator!

The petting zoo had a baby camel, Jenny. It moaned and groaned at us when we would walk away or we didn't feed her. The zoo keeper said she was just grouchy.

Seriously. I want a camel.

I think this was the funnest part of the trip. We had such a fun time being with the animals and feeding them. Both girls enjoyed it! So did Momma and Daddy.

2013 Family Vacation -- Eureka Springs: First Night

Little Rock kicked off our vacation, and after such a wonderful visit with Dr. Schaefer, it made the start of our little vacation so much more fun!! We were going to head on to Eureka Springs after the appointment. I couldn't wait to get there! I hadn't been there since my parents took me when I graduated college. But the neatest thing of all was the first time I visited there, I was three. The same age as AB. I couldn't wait for her to see it and have the same experiences as I did.

After the drive from Little Rock, we were anxious to get the fun started! We arrived in Eureka Springs around 6:00 pm and we had to do my most favorite thing to do when I'm there -- drive through down town and spot Christ of the Ozarks through the trees and buildings. So neat to see! This, too, became a fun little adventure for AB. She would watch out her window carefully in hopes to catch a glimpse of the statue. The picture doesn't do it justice, but still, so pretty to see!

"I see him! I see Jesus!!!" - Annabelle

After our little drive through downtown, we headed to our hotel to get settled in before dinner. Whew. It's a lot of work unloading four people, two of them kids, and one of them who can't help carry anything at all - ha! But that's ok. What are dads  moms and dad's for? ;0)

We looked for a place that would be open for dinner at 9:00 at night and finally found one. It was in the middle of no where, but we ended up loving it! So, we took the girls and had dinner at 9:00 pm.

Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel to rest up for the next day's adventures!!