Orange&Blue and Easter Bunny

The girls' first visit to The Swamp stadium, Orange & Blue Game 2011.

Thank goodness there was an actual alligator to hug! Taylor had been telling Reese we were going to see the alligators all day, and Reese was very eager to see real alligators. Alberta totally filled that need though, and in Reese's eyes, we came good on our promise. As Alberta walked the field, Reese followed her intently with her eyes saying, "I still see the alligator!" Taylor was into the actual football game, and the diplomacy of who to cheer for when we're on both sides (Orange and Blue).

Reese could barely be separated from the bunny. Taylor said, "Tell the man to please keep his hands to himself." Don't worry, she whispered it because I explained to her quickly that Reese still believed he was a real bunny. She totally got that and was very sweet about it.

Reese was in love. Taylor was looking at "the man inside the head". When we came home she immediately told Daddy that Reese kept hugging the man in the bunny costume. She wanted to make sure that was o.k. with him.

More of party one.

Baby was one of her favorite presents, so of course she was included in slide time.

A doggone happy family.

Yes, Reese is giving Daddy-doggy a stick.

How cute are they!?!

Parachute time is always a hit!

Reese turns 2. Party one.

Reesey-doggy ;o)

Taylor has always been the big sister to all of Reese's friends. She amazes me with how naturally skilled, careful, and compassionate she is with them all. The flock to her. And she's so sincere in her love for them. Here she is blowing bubbles with the bubble dog she had just given to Reese. Taylor picked out each of her gifts with such care: the dog bubble blower, a small dinosaur, and a gardening hat to match hers.

No matter how busy life is, always make time for Daddy.

Reese knew just what to do with the candles.

Good friends Evan, Laurali, Kirra, and Eli were there with their families to share in our celebration.

Best friend, Evan, brought a bouquet of flowers. The presentation left no dry eyes. Picture the slow walking across the field to a waiting Reese. Evan hands the bouquet, Reese accepts and sniffs the flowers. Both smile hugely, and Evan blushes. Oh!!!!

Big sister Taylor made a precious puppy!

The grandparents- Grammy & Poppa and Gamaw & Pawpaw were all so happy to be there.

The theme was chosen by Reese. I showed her catalogs and she was so insistent on dogs. She asked for them dozens of times. And she was so thrilled to see it all there at her party.

A happy girl prepares to go to her birthday party!

Friends

Pictured here are Elliana, Taylor, Sasha, Abigayle, and Emily. Not pictured good friends include Abigail, Kaitlyn, and "other" Taylor . This was taken just prior to Valentines 2011.

Pictured here are Salma, Kirra, Aidan, Evan, Reese, and Laurali. This picture was taken mid-March 2011. You have to love the lollipops, which were completely necessary to get six two-year olds in one picture. ;o)

What an accomplishment to get wonderful photos with both girls' friends. But what a greater accomplishment to have so many wonderful kids and their families in our lives. I feel so blessed to be able to give the girls a sense of community and the love that true friendships provide.

Reese sayings April 2011

While bringing me pretend food one day:

R: Here Mommy.

Me: Mmm, this looks good. Do I eat it?

R: No, Mommy. It's just pretend.

While catching a glimpse of one of Taylor's favorite shows, Dino Dan:

R: They were clapping.

What I found impressive was the use of "they" for a group, "were" for appropriate past-tense, and the use of "ing" correctly, and all in one sentence.

Developmentally, "over" and "under" are supposed to be the huge thing this month, but that was about four months ago in Reesey-land. I continue to be impressed.

Reese sayings March 2011

Sitting in the back seat of Grammy's car, noticing dandelions outside the window:

R: I want to pick a flower.

Me: You want to pick that flower?

R: Yes. Give me just one minute please (said while holding up pointer finger).

Mickey's Magic Show

We went to Mickey's Magic Show today. It had been a request of Taylor's for quite some time, so I was so pleasantly surprised to find out it was coming to Gainesville. Taylor, Reese, Poppa, Daddy, and I all had a wonderful time.

Reese clapped emphatically throughout the show and cheered Mickey's name repeatedly. Taylor was enthralled by the magic aspect of it all. The looks of surprise on her face (eyes wide, mouth hanging open, hands on cheeks) were priceless.

As always, the nighttime reports were fun for me:
Me- "Reese, did you have fun at Mickey?'
Reese- "Mickey, fun, Poppa, fun."
Me- "What was your favorite part?
Reese- "Candy!" (she had cotton candy)
She later answered this question with, "Popcorn!" and "Baby Kate, hold him" which was really Baby Matthew who we held. But in Reese's world all babies are still Baby Kate or Baby Jesus. Kim always says Kate is in good company. ;o)

Taylor's nighttime report was a series of questions on the logistics of a magic show.
Taylor began with, "Mom, I really liked the Mickey show. It was fun and exciting, but just a little bit scary." She proceeded with why/how on the sawing in half, the queen taking off heads, and the twisting of one of the magicians. I hadn't realized how much their was to be concerned about. ;o) I answered honestly with explanations of tricks/illusions and she felt much better, then said, "My favorite part was when the princess floated high into the air because that wasn't a trick at all, that was real magic!" She then said, "Mom, I'm tired, but I have so many questions left in my head."
Me- "Save some for tomorrow then."
Taylor- "But what if I dream about the show? I won't know what's really happening."
Me- "It'll be o.k. Taylor."
Taylor- sound asleep.

Ohhh! I love my kids. ;o)

Will post pics to this tomorrow.