The day has finally arrived, the day Lexi gets her "mice" cake. She has been so excited for her Mickey Mouse Birthday Party with her friends and her cake. Well, the whole time we have been planning this birthday party Rick and I have worried about the weather being too hot and how were we going to keep the party guests cool. Mother nature took care of that worry and instead "blessed" us with a down pour of rain at 8:00 am. It was suppose to be an outdoor party and right as we were setting up tables in the backyard the skies decided to open up and it poured for 45 minutes. We were in total panic - the guests were due to arrive at 9:30 for a Mickey Mouse birthday party and we didn't know where we were going to put them all. Thankfully, Grandma Cindy was here and she was working hard in the kitchen to make sure all the food was ready to go. We set the tables up inside for the time being and then at 9:20 the rain stopped and the sun came out so we moved the tables back outside as the guests were arriving. It was a little chaotic but I think everyone understood. Anyways, the party began. Lexi was ecstatic every time the doorbell rang. She greeted her friends with their very own set of ears.
The kids were able to play outdoors in Lexi's little playhouse and the parents were able to eat.
Just as everyone was getting restless, Mickey Mouse arrived at the door and the kids couldn't have been more surprised. Lexi didn't leave Mickey's side or stop smiling the whole time he was here! It was great. This was the part of the party Rick and I couldn't wait for (we didn't tell anyone he was coming).
After some dancing and some photos with Mickey it was time for him to leave and to serve the cake!
Quick family photo before we sing Happy Birthday!
And then a little gift opening - Lexi had Giavanna to help her with that part.
Saying goodbye to our friends and giving them their treat bags.
As if the birthday party wasn't enough excitement for one day, we had to make a trip to the railroad park to ride the train with Grandma and Papa.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Happy 2nd Birthday Alexis!
Today is the big day! Lexi has been telling people she is "two" for the last month and today is finally the day. Where has the last year gone? You went from learning to take your first steps and saying a few words to a chattering, running, full of life and energy, and eager to learn everything little girl. We picked up grandma & papa from the airport today - they came all the way from Iowa to help Lexi celebrate her 2nd birthday. The spoiling started the moment they arrived and we will have to have grandparent detox after they leave on Monday. ;)
Papa, Alexis, and Grandma - Sept. 3 , 2009
I think my horsey would like to put on a party hat, too.
Just waiting for mommy to look away so that I can stick my finger in the frosting.
Lexi's favorite part of any birthday celebration - the "CAKE"!!The 2 year old birthday party that never ends . . .
4 birthday celebrations down and 2 more to go!
Lexi is one loved and lucky little girl.
Happy Birthday Sweet Pea!P.S. pictures and details from our vacation and the birthday parties are coming soon
Monday, August 31, 2009
New York, New York
The best way to share the highlights of our trip to New York is through the pictures . . .
On Wednesday, August 19th we left on the airplane for New York in the morning and arrived there in the evening. It was a long 5 hour flight but I was a good girl on the plane.
I watched movies, had lunch and some snacks, and even took a nap.
Thursday, August 20th - I had pizza and ice cream with Mr. & Mrs. N, Mrs. N gave me this big Mickey doll and we had a fun time rocking in the little chair. 
We went to the Nautical Mile for dinner and I played on the boat outside the restaurant.
Friday, August 21st - Time to see the Atlantic Ocean, we went to Long Beach and took a walk on the boardwalk and found a playground for me. This is the day I had my first big fall - right on my little nose. It was all scraped up and hurt a lot. 
Friday night, while mommy and daddy went out with some friends I stayed in with Mema and Aunt Deb.
Saturday, August 22nd - Uncle Eric took me out on his sister's boat into the Long Island Sound. We attempted the ocean but due to the hurricane it was really rough.
Takin' the wheel of the boat. I loved wearing my new "coat" (mommy and daddy were so happy I liked the life vest).
Saturday night it was dinner with daddy's friends. There were lots of new and exciting things - Scarlet the bird, movie theater with popcorn, piano, and a doll house.
I played the piano with my piano fingers (everyone used to tell me I had piano fingers).
We got to meet a former Mrs. United America and try on her crown.
I didn't care for the crown so much but Mommy sure did have fun posing with it.
Sunday, August 23rd - Today was my birthday party at Mema's house. I got to meet all my aunts, uncles, and cousins in daddy's family. I had so much fun opening presents, playing with Molly B., and eating cake.
Giving Molly B. a "sip" from my big Princess cup that she gave me.
Giving my new Minnie doll a big hug.
Mema and me clapping while everyone is singing "Happy Birthday" to me.
Hanging out with cousins Jack and Anthony.
Monday, August 24th - Auntie Deb and Mema took me to Adventureland. It was my first time to a theme park and I had a blast! I went on some of the rides all by myself. Mommy was kind of scared to let me go alone but I showed her what a big girl I am now.
Driving the Sheriff's car - let's hope I'm never in the back!
Riding the pink motorcycle - making daddy proud!
Driving the yellow NYC taxi - the ride was so much fun I had to do it again.
Taking a break with Mema and Deb.
Having a good time on the catapillar ride - I chose the front car.
Tuesday, August 25th - Today we met Elaine, Michel, Elise, and baby John at the Long Island Game Farm. After we visited the farm and watched a cool tiger show we all went to lunch and then did some shopping at the outlets. These are friends of mommy & daddy's from before anyone had children. When I met Elise it was like my long lost friend, we were best friends from the time we met in the parking lot. In fact, I still talk about her whenever Mommy says we are going to meet some friends. 
Elise showing Lexi the way into the farm.
Petting the baby deer.
Best friends - Lexi's first long distance friendship
Riding in the tea cups with Elise and her daddy, Michel.
We went back to Elise's house for dinner and she showed me all her toys. We went swimming in her pool and we had matching Little Mermaid swimsuits. We drove the jeep together, played with sidewalk chalk and finished the evening with a bath together. I really miss my new friend Elise.
Wednesday, August 26th - It was off to the city bright and early this morning. We took the train from Long Island into New York City. Riding a real choo-choo train was probably my favorite part of visiting the city. We visited a lot of places when we were there: Today Show plaza, Rockefeller Plaza, American Girl store, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Tiffany's, Disney store, FAO Schwartz, The Plaza hotel (where Eloise lives), Central Park carousel, Tavern on the Green, Late Show with David Letterman, Times Square, M & M store, and Penn Station.
Mommy wanted to meet her friends Matt, Meridith, Ann, & Al from the Today Show. We did miss them doing the back to school set but it was still fun to be out on the plaza.
We made a stop by the original Tiffany & Co. - they gave me my very own little blue bag!
My favorite part of the FAO Schwartz store was where they were making the muppets.
I love "mnms"!
Wednesday night cousins Fran & Chrissy and Aunt Stephanie invited me over to visit and surprised me with an ice cream birthday cake!
Thursday, August 27th - Today, was the day to spend some time with my Uncle Russ, Auntie Robin, and Molly B. We took Molly B. on a long walk around the pond. 
I even got to walk her on the leash all by myself. I love chasing Molly.
Giving Molly a treat in my new Minnie jammies.
Uncle Russell picks out the best cakes - he picked this special one for me!
Friday, August 28th - Today we spent some time with Mema in the morning and then in the afternoon we got ready for cousin Christine's wedding. We were very excited to be able to help her celebrate her special day. There was lots of good food, drinks, and dancing.
The cousins on the dance floor with the bride and maid of honor (cousin Fran).
Dancing with cousin Julia.
Saturday, August 29th - Tom, Patricia, and family hosted a bbq and invited all of daddy's friends so that we could see everyone and they could meet me. 
Dan, Roberta, and baby Evan. I like Evan but I don't like mommy to hold him.
The New Yorkers know how to eat and no one leaves hungry. We had a full and delicious meal and then came the buffet of deserts. I didn't mind - I love cake, ice cream, cookies, and chocolate!
Here's the whole group - what a fun bunch of good friends. Wish we could see them more often.
Sunday, August 30th - Time to go home to our own beds. In the morning, we went to church and then out to breakfast with Tom, Patricia, & family. We made one last stop at Jones beach to get some fresh sea air before we headed to the airport to catch our plane.
Watching the planes land and having a little snack before we board the plane.
It was a wonderful trip, we wish New York was closer so we could see all our family and friends more often. Thanks to everyone who hosted us and made our trip so enjoyable!
