Amusement

Last Sunday was a fun day.  Mark had the inspired idea to take the kids to King's Island.


I made it a point to seek out rides that Morgan could ride.  It turns out there are a lot of them.


Once she got a taste for them she kept insisting to be released from her stroller so she could ride more.


Taylor and Charlie fought over who had the honor of sitting with her.


So they took turns.


Of course there were some that she was still too little to ride.


We counted about 15 rides in total that the family rode including Mom and Dad's individual excursions to Diamond Back.  We had a wonderful time.  It's corny, but my favorite part may have been when we ate at the buffet restaurant.  Just taking a little break for a casual family meal.  Sometimes it's the little things... Just ask Morgan.


This week has been pretty ordinary.  Taylor's off to school and me and the little ones hang.  I take photos, and Charlie disapproves.




We've got something pretty fun planned for the weekend.  Monumental in the life of a first grader.  Can you guess what it is???

First Grade and Feet

This week marked the end of summer for this little one.


She woke up early (and I mean EARLY) without a problem and we were at the bus stop 10 minutes early, as suggested for the first day.

She had a wonderful summer, but was so excited and ready for first grade.

After seeing her off, I drove to my sister's house to see these two on their first day.  (They are on the same bus as Taylor).


Then Jessica and I drove to the school for morning assembly.  I must say once again I was impressed by the students' behavior for Sr. Anne.  As soon as she rang her little bell, they were silent and ready to listen.  Pretty impressive amidst the first day excitement.


Then Taylor was off to her classroom.


When she came home, she told me all about her day.  She kept that up all week.  Last year she was not very forthcoming with information, but has really blessed her momma who misses her with many details of first grade.


Not everyone started back to school this week.  Charlie has one more year of preschool and his school does not return until September 10th.  Grandmama decided to take him to Kings Island to celebrate his extended summer.


More firsts this week:


She loves sitting on it, but only because she likes playing with toilet paper.


I also got to photograph my adorable niece to commemorate her first birthday.  I really love the look of these cake smash sessions and hope to offer it in my photography business.


After using my new pink background for the first time, I decided to try it out on Morgan.  Not an easy task.  First, I was getting her fake smile.


Then this assortment of expressions and poses.






I finally got a real smile, but of course, it was not in front of my backdrop.


Finally, after 20 minutes of frustrations, I got this shot. Phew!


Charlie continued his fun summer by having a sleepover at Grandma's house.  Morgan and I met them the next day for lunch in the park.  Afterwards, we fed the ducks.




Saturday started out with a day out with the girls.  Two of my dear friends have babies in their bellies (the second child for both of them).  We celebrated by getting pedicures and having lunch together.


I came home to find my children in these outfits (Taylor's cheerleading dress is size 18 months!)  We got to work making cookies for our outing later in the day.


Again, we made them the fun way.


We then went to the park.  We were meeting some special people for a pizza dinner, but spent some time on the play set first.










He loved this part of the play set and I loved photographing it.


Our special dinner companions?  Cousin Alison and Aunt Jan.  We enjoyed a nice dinner.


They brought some fun goodies and games for the kids, too.


Afterwards, Charlie's feet looked like this.


We stopped at grandma's for a quick bath and then headed home for bedtime.  We have one more day of our weekend and then we'll embark on Taylor's first full week of school.

Morgan Moo

Today's post is all about this little cutie:




I've learned in my (almost) seven years as a parent that children go through lots of phases.    My favorite are what I call the 'cute phases', and Morgan is going through one right now.  I'm mean, look at her!


I took her to the park with Grace and Taylor last week.  She loved it!


For some reason, she's lost her confidence on the slide and ends up going down like this.




I think part of what's making her so adorable right now is her deep desire to be a big kid, like her sister. (Notice the pony tail holders on her wrist?)




In her eyes, Taylor is amazingly talented.  (I'd have to agree with that!)


Morgan relishes any time she gets to interact with the big girls.


On Friday, I let her help out in the kitchen for the first time.


My favorite was when she grabbed an egg and threw it in the bowl!


She absolutely loved this.  I'm not sure why I haven't let her help before.  I remember a time when Taylor assisted me in every. single. meal.  It always took more time and more clean up, but I encouraged it and will again with Morgan.


This is what she was helping to make.


Yep, we finally held Morgan's two-year birthday party.  Taylor was in charge of games and created a pin-the-wing-on the butterfly game.  Here she is checking to see if Charlie can see through his blindfold. (There's another finger raised, you just can't see it!)




Then it was Morgan's turn.


Look how excited Taylor gets for her.  I love it!



It took awhile before Morgan understood that she was the guest of honor.  I think it began to sink in when I placed the cake in front of her.


However, she was little surprised when everyone started singing to her.  Good thing big sister was there to reassure her.


I adore this photo.  The look in her eye is so priceless.


We take a family photo at every child's birthday party (much to Mark's dismay).  I'm actually quite fond of this one even if they aren't all smiling like angels.


"Are you two morgan?"




Morgan did a great job opening her presents.  What's more, she hugged and thanked every person after opening their present to her.




Aunt Jan and Cousin Alison gave her this adorable little chef's hat and apron.  As you can see from the previous photo, she needed one (she was wearing Charlie's that he decorated when he was two.  It's always reminded me of a butcher's apron!)  Here she is smiling for Alison's camera.  A new skill she's acquired.


She also got a phone and car keys so she can be just like mom.


Before Grandpa left, we got all the grandkids to pose for a quick shot.


If you follow my 365 project you already know the story behind the next photo.  Our newest nightly ritual involves putting Morgan in bed with Taylor while we sing a lullaby.  Sometimes just I sing, sometimes me and Taylor, and other times all three of our voices intertwine in the sweetest sound you've ever heard.  Then we say our prayers, and finish off with a Morgan sandwich.  Life is good :)


Morgan is now a permanent fixture at our table and I'm getting ready to say goodbye to the old high chair.  (sniff, sniff)


Well there you have it. Without a doubt, Morgan is smack dab in the middle of a very cute phase.  In case you need further proof, here she is enjoying an ice cream cone with Daddy.  I mean, come on...