A BIG Hip Hip Hooray...

... for the modern conveniences of parenting! I forgot we had this little wonder worker, all stored away in the basement... just begging to be played with! And Larren is complying very nicely!

Every Big Helper...

... needs proper attire! And Gramma Great made sure Alia was well equiped!

Alia got this apron for her birthday, and if she could have slept in it... she would have!!

Good As New

Alia and Jon repaired their first car together the other night!! (My, how I adore Jonathan in his role as father, by the way! I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful he is!) I fixed quite a number of vehicles with my Popsy... and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that Alia gets to have the same pleasure!

**Sorry for the HORRIBLE lighting and shadows in these pics... when there's a "moment", it needs to be captured, regardless of photography "correctness"! Thanks for your understanding in this matter!!**

The problem: A broken steering wheel linkage



The solution: A daddy who knows what he's doing and a little admirer who's MORE than willing to help! (And this round do hickey thing to hold it in place!)




A "thank you Daddy... you're the best" hug


Taking the car for a test spin (I should note that the opening door to her car is on the OTHER side... but she insisted on getting in "Dukes of Hazzard" style!)


The steering wheel is as good as new!


They make quite a pair, these two... Alia will be one well versed little girl!

"Thank You" Just Isn't Enough

I have had a difficult last couple of weeks... if I want to be honest! Just feeling overwhelmed, over emotional, over tired, over grouchy... and needing a change. Jon called his Mom last week, and she was here in a day and a half to lend a hand! Her help this past week has been amazing. The title of this post says it accurately... thank you is NOT enough!

On Tuesday, I was told to go out and do whatever I wanted for the evening. It took me awhile to think of what to do... but I decided to just grab my camera, head through the Tim Horton's drive through, and go for a drive! AHHHHHHHH! With each passing minute I felt myself relax more and more. I can't explain it, but it felt SO GOOD to be out of the house!

The sunset behind our place...


The lake near where we live...





I grew up in the flatlands, and I live in the flatlands... but boy, do I miss the mountains of Wyoming at times!! These cloud formations appear often, and when they do... I sometimes pretend they are mountains in the distance!



As the moon came out... I decided it was time to head on home!


And this is what was awaiting me... my mother in law cuddled up with my little sleeping beauty!

What beauty indeed.

Pure Joy

Not for Parking

We live in an old house... so, our window sills are quite wide. Just the right width for Alia to park her little derriere up there, in fact! I can't even count the number of times I've walked into the living room and found her perched on a sill... pleased as punch with herself!

Remote Fun

I got a new camera remote the other day... so Alia and I have been messing around a bit!

Here, Alia is in complete control of the remote... I LOVE how her little tongue comes out when she's concentrating!

For the Birds

Birds and I have never really gotten along. They freak me out just a tad... to be honest!
Well, this particular bird is going to be packing up and moving out VERY soon!

I just washed all the windows... inside and out. Which, I might add, is one of my least favorite chores (although I did actually somewhat enjoy it... and I cleaned the oven with a tad bit of joy, too... I'm baffled!).

And THIS is what my clean sparkly windows are destined for. With the occasional lick mark, finger print, and nose press from my 2 year old... but birds are much easier to relocate!

Treasure

Our driveway is of new fascination to Alia. There's nothing special about it, really. It's just full of gravel, and the odd rock.
Here's the sequence...
Head for a stroll

Find wonderful treasures

Examine the "gold"

Then stuff it in the "trunk" for later!

Later comes to a brief halt just around laundry time... when Mom empties pockets and pouches of sticks, gravel, rocks, and the odd coin Alia's managed to unearth!

Ahhh....

... my friend borrowed me their swing...

and oh... am I ever thankful! Why I haven't bought one, I'll never know! But now... now, I've experienced their wonderfulness, and there's no going back!

Glorious Sunshine!

After a number of days of rain... we finally got sunshine! So, of course... we spent our mornings outside, enjoying it!

While Larren took a nap on the verandah, Alia and I played!






Alia kept bossing the poor kitty around... "Num, ditty, num!" And when he wouldn't listen, she took action! (Please disregard ALL my weeds! Landscaping is scheduled for the end of June!)

Big Girl Bed, Part 2

So... Alia had a little "I wanna go back to my crib" moment awhile back. After a night or two, she got it out of her system and is in her big bed full time!!!! The crib bedding is fresh and clean, and waiting for Larren to take up new residence! Now I just have to let her go.. the move next door is harder for me than I thought it would be!

Here's pictures of Alia's official first night stay in her big bed!!

She woke up a little shocked to see a crazy Mommy with a camera standing before her!