the binkie bug

The Binkie Bug found our house!  He knew Maylee was such a big girl, so he didn't think she would mind if he snacked on her binkie.  Poor girl found her binkie with a little piece missing one night and from then on, the binkie became smaller and smaller until there was nothing left but the hard plastic part.  Maylee couldn't believe her binkie was "broken" at first and wanted it fixed, but all within a week she went from needing it to sleep- to it being gone.  She did great!  What a big girl.  The binkie bug left a little present the night he finished off the binkie.  A new "big girl" present.  That is Maylee's happy face.  Way to be so big Maylee!

Museum of Natural History

 panning for the shiny nuggets!

 digging for bones

Another playdate.  Maylee has been pretty intrigued with dinosaurs lately.  Not sure why.  Maybe that silly Dino Dan show on Nick Jr.  Ahhh, the influence of television.  So when we went to pick up the tickets at the library, she couldn't wait to go.  She was excited to go to the 'dinosaur museum' with Halle and Cailin and said that she would hold Halle's hand and help her to not be scared.

The girlies had a good time.  There was a lot to do since a little classroom on the bottom floor was open.  Lucky us!  They had all sorts of fun things to do- science activities, dinosaur rubbings, fishing...  Then we headed outside to pan for some gold.  It made me think of Jeff's new favorite show, Alaska Gold Rush.  I felt like I knew what to do just from watching those episodes every Friday night. ;) (Yet another influence of t.v., yikes!  Good thing we are canceling our cable soon! :)

We then went to a bakery and got a little variety of treats.  Yes that is Maylee with a cookie about the size of her head.  And yes, she thought she could eat it all by herself.  That is my girl!  Unfortunately for her, I made her share with me and then we took a cookie home for daddy.

Valentine's day

I absolutely love valentine's day.  I love the colors.  I love the idea (even if it is a "hallmark" holiday).  I love the crafts.  Our Valentine's day started out with heart shaped pancakes and eggs then off to class we went.  The kids passed out valentines to each other, searched for a valentine's bucket with goodies, and decorated cookies (something I feel like we have been doing a lot lately!  I won't complain and I don't think Maylee will either!)  And to top off the big day- NO cooking dinner!  Jeff brought home Pei Wei.

preparing for the day of love

Jeff and I had our Valentine's date a little early (1st weekend in Feb.).  My parents were so nice to watch the kiddos so we could go out.  We went to Firebirds.  De-lish-ous!  My prime rib did not disappoint.  We had a great date and I don't think the kids were too crazy for my parents.

The weekend before heart day I went a little crazy with- hearts!  Heart shaped pizza and heart shaped brownies (idea from iammommy- like the idea but I needed to cook my brownie a bit longer).

Then on Sunday, Feb. 13, we had our valentines dinner.  Salmon, steak, mashed potatoes, and asparagus.  Maylee LOVES the salmon and even like the asparagus. She sure is a good eater!

one of the zoo trips

 little Brooklyn being the cutie pie that she always is

 lunch break

We love our zoo membership and have been getting good use of it with the fabulous weather lately! Going with friends makes it even better.  Maylee really does like the carousel (which you'd never guess from the pic)- however, she wasn't always such a fan.  The animals with the sharp teeth used to scare her a bit.

The Farm

waiting in line...

 The food comes to you in a cute little basket.  The atmosphere is fabulous!

For one of our playdates, we met my dad for lunch at The Farm!  We all got a groupon and got a smokin' deal.  The food was delish, the company was great, and the grass for the girls to run on after lunch- heavenly! I hope another groupon comes out soon!

Valentines Party!

 BINGO

 mailboxes

COOKIE decorating!

Our little Valentine's party!  My mom went all out making cute valentine decorations and having the table set up so cute!  The girls had a blast playing and decorating sugar cookies.  Word of advice- don't eat the sugar cookies that Maylee decorates.  She will get some frosting, lick the knife, put a little on the cookie, lick knife, get more frosting, lick knife, put a little on cookie, repeat! ;)