Rock-A-Bye Baby

One of Everlee's favorite songs at this moment is Rock-A-Bye Baby. She loves it when I cradle her in my arms, sing her the song, and pretend to fall when the songs sings, "the cradle will fall". The other day in the tub she had her baby and I caught her singing the very same song to her doll. It was so endearing to see her mimicking what I do with her....cradle and all!

Egg Hunt 2011

On Sunday, April 10, 2011 we enjoyed our first Easter egg hunt of the season. We had a beautiful day celebrating with our close friends. Everlee had such a great time hunting the eggs, dashing through the yard in pursuit of candy filled eggs, and sharing her discoveries with her good friends. At first, she wanted to stop and open every single egg before going onto the next. We quickly reminded her to grab the eggs first and marvel over its contents later. All the kids were eager to share their eggs with each other along with their candy treats. It is so nice to see them sharing.....there might come a day when sharing doesn't come quite as easily. All in all, it we couldn't ask for a better day with better weather or better friends. We are so lucky to have such a great group of friends all with such wonderful children.

Posing for the Camera!
Racing for eggs with Stella!

Catch me if you can!
Stopping to wave to all your friends.
Scouting the area looking for eggs

The Race is on!

I Got it!

As days go by I try to make a mental note of every sweet thing Everlee attempts, says, experiences, etc. I have found it impossible no matter how hard I try. It is hard to believe as she grows older the days seem to get shorter. I find myself being in constant awe of her triumphs and struggles because no matter what she is facing Everlee has this amazing way of looking on the bright side of things. Through the eyes of a two year old she is reminding me to take a moment and be proud of even the little things I accomplish.

Everlee has become very self sufficient in the past few months whether it be unbuttoning and buttoning her coat, taking off her shoes, finding little treasures she has hidden throughout the day, or trying to use the potty. With every success, she jumps up and says, "I Got It!" She is so proud of herself and it shines through. Even if she has to ask for help (Momma help) she still concludes with "I Got it!" It is so refreshing to see her at such a young age exude such confidence.

It makes me wonder, "At what age do we start to doubt ourselves?" When do we start to lose our confidence and stop shouting from the roof tops "I Got It!"? Lack of confidence is obviously not something we are taught but maybe as we get older we need to reteach this lesson which comes so easily to a two year old. Thank you, Everlee, for reteaching me something I have long since forgotten. Thank you for reminding me it is okay to be proud of all of my accomplishments no matter how small and the next time I won't be afraid to shout, "I Got It!"

Fat Tuesday!

To celebrate Fat Tuesday we went to the local Chic-Fil-A where they had an entire evening planned with fun filled activities. We met Alison and Stella Reid for some fun and games. The girls enjoyed a Kids Meal followed by a scavenger hunt in play area. Everlee was a handy helper when it came to helping others find their treasures. Everlee was super excited to climb the slide for those who were nervous. I was so proud of her helpfulness. We all enjoyed making our very own sundaes and searching for the "baby doll" in the Mardi Gras themed cake. We didn't find it but had we, we would have won a year free of Chic-Fil-A. The best part was the face painter. Everlee and Stella did a remarkable job sitting still while the artist painted their entire face. I was impressed with their patience and her speed. We came away with a very friendly tiger. Everlee loved making tiger noises all the way home. It was a little sad when tubby time arrived and the paint was washed away. Luckily, we were able to capture the ferocious growl on video.

Tea Time!

Everlee, MiMi and I all went to the Wilmington Tea Room for the first time over my Winter Break. Everlee did a wonderful job sipping her tea and even managed to hold her little pinky in the air like a real tea drinker. I think her favorite part was the abundance of sugar cubes. Just like when I was little she loved eating them and dropping the cubes in every one's tea cup. We had the best time and it clearly with be on the tradition list.

Giddy Up!

Everlee's first horse ride!

Everlee was inviting to a birthday party by Camille, a little girl in her class. Since Camille likes to horse back ride she had her party at the Shady Paddock Ranch. I wasn't sure how Everlee would interact with the horses since she had no experience except her stuffed pony at home. She conquered the stuffed pony with ease and actually did the same with the real horses. Everlee never hesitated once when we asked her if she wanted to ride the horse. She did a great job wearing her helmet, holding onto the reigns, and riding like a real jockey. It was amazing to watch her and amazing to be reminded once again what a big girl she is becoming.

Pigtails!!