Better late than never. Here are a few snapshots from our trip to Disney. We had so much fun. Gabby loved her first trip to the Magic Kingdom.

Ladybug had a rough morning

We had a tough morning getting dressed for school. She always tries to talk me into wearing her jammies to school and today she also tried talking me into wearing the cinderella dress. Once I convinced her to wear normal clothes, then the shoe battle began. She was insisting on flip flops. I explained it was too chilly & wet for her toes. She then thought about it and suggested wearing her ladybug boots (which are hand me downs from Hannah and about 2 sizes too big). She was freakin' out when I tried explaining the boots are too big. So, instead I let her put them on. First, she put on her cute ladybug tam, then slid her feet into the boots. She was super upset when she realized she couldn't walk too well in the big boots. Then we had a difficult time finding a pair of shoes that weren't too small (now that she has to wear socks.) I guess I need to do some shoe shopping today.

Cinderella??

Gabby wants to be Cinderella for Halloween. I thought I found the perfect dress on Ebay. I think it's a bit to small. She doesn't care - she LUVS it! I have to giggle every time I look at her. Jason thinks she looks like she should be waiting tables or dancing at Oktoberfest.

Vacation - Edisto Beach

Gabby & Jacob playing with the "buggy" board.

great napping on vacation

family photo on my birthday

boat ride - looking for alligators!

Morgan, Gabby & Jacob (front)
It's our first day back to reality after a week long stay in Edisto Beach with a bunch of the Stauber family (13 of us in total). We spent the entire week hanging out on the beach. It was so much fun to watch Gabby play with her cousins. She just adores her cousin Morgan (6). And currently has a love/hate relationship with Jacob (2). She also like to keep tabs on Faith (1). And didn't much like it when I gave attention to Liam (11 mo.) Tomorrow it's back to the grind - ick!

Big Day for Gabby (and Mom & Dad)

candy kisses

yummy

Morning at the beach on the last day of summer :(
Gabby wore big girl undies this evening and went pee in her potty for the first time. She was so proud! As a reward she got to enjoy a candy kiss. Then tonight she went to bed without a bottle - but of course there was a bit of a battle. Are we rounding the corner on both fronts?? We're hopeful.

Liberation

Gabby at home last week Friday. Was her first time in big girl undies and she was super excited. She danced around the living room for a good 15-minutes. Of course a few hours later the undies were wet, but she gave it a good try.

Monday at Home

It was chilly & gray today. It was impossible to convince Gabby to change out of her jammies. We spent the day reading books, snuggling, watching disney movies - her favorite these days is Beauty & the Beast. Mid-afternoon we snuggled into bed for a nice long nap. I finally conviced her to get dressed at 4:30. Just in time to get to the salon to get Gabby's hair trimmed. She was a very good girl at the salon. She got to watch a movie and received a balloon and a goodie bag. She's pretty excited about the Hershey's miniature and the pencil she received. We headed to the park for a bit of fresh air and then to Nana's for a quick dinner. Now we're home and back in jammies winding down for bedtime. All day we've been talking about giving up the bottle at bedtime, but we'll see what happens.

Weekend Getaway to Guelph

Kristine, Me, Carla, Susan & Heather

John, Susan & Rose

Susan & Mo (Maurizio)

Me & Kristine

Me & Susan
Kristine and I were in Guelph over the holiday weekend. Susan, our lifelong friend, got married on Saturday. We had a blast. It was so great to catch up with the girls, John and Rose. And having a weekend alone with my sister was priceless.

First Day of School

Today is Gabby's first day of pre-school. She was excited. She didn't have any issues when I dropped her off in the classroom. Although she did insist on giving me about 10 kisses & 10 hugs before walking away from me. She had to pick out a lunchbox & sleeping bag for school. At first she picked a spiderman lunchbox, but then quickly gave it up when she spotted the Barbie lunchbox. The sleeping bag she picked is pink and has Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty on it.

Typically I see clients all afternoon on Tuesdays, but scheduled very few for today (not knowing if I'd have to stick around at school with Gabby). So, I guess I have a day to myself! I think I'll go for a walk, meet Jason for lunch, catch up around the house and maybe even read a bit. Nice!

4th of July Festivities

Festive & adorable

Getting primed for the fireworks

Excitedly waiting for the fireworks

The first firework

Wow!

First glimpse of the parade

Gabby & her friend - Amber

Amber looks on as Gabby as her first tootsie roll

Watching every bite
We had a low key but festive Fourth. We went to the parade with our friends - Sara, George & Amber. Gabby & Amber LOVED the parade. Afterwards we were off to Nana & Bukka's for the typical holiday fare. Gabby took a nice, long nap late in the afternoon which meant she could stay up for the fireworks. She was pretty excited to see the fireworks and the airplanes in the night sky.

Bay Beach

Riding the train

Driving the lady bugs

Kel & Hannah at the top of the ferris wheel

flying!

Just got home from a late afternoon/evening trip to Bay Beach with my Dad, Hannah and Gabby. It was Gabby's first visit and she LOVED it. Our favorites were the Helicopter ride, giant slide and carousel. And Gabby got to ride a real pony! Everyone was exhausted and I think will sleep well tonight.

Slam Dunk!

Gabby & Hannah "slam dunking" the bubbles.

Bubbles

Jason left for San Francisco today. Gabby & I hung out with Nana, Bukka & Hannah most of the day. We visited "the farm" for breakfast and checked out all the animals. Gabby did NOT like the turkeys. Then we went downtown to watch bicycle races. While downtown we got a tour of the firehouse - including a peek inside the ambulance and fire truck. We wrapped up the day with some bubbles in Nana & Bukka's backyard.

First Visit to the Splash Pad

And she loved it!

Gabby has been begging for weeks to visit the splash park across the street from Nana & Bukka's house. Sunday was a beautiful day and she got her wish. She had a blast! And she got more daring each time she ventured into the water.

Happy Birthday Bukka!

We recently helped celebrate Bukka's birthday.

Gabby loved helping blow out the candles.