July 4th weekend and more

We were so happy to have our friends Katie and Craig VanTornhout visit us this year for July 4th. Katie has been one of my best friends for the past 9 years (met in college) and it has just been too long since we've seen each other. We decided to take part in the country music concert downtown Lexington called Red, White and Boom! It featured the artists Bucky Covington (American Idol finalist), Sarah Johns, Tracy Lawrence, Billy Currington John Michael Montgomery and more! Grace's friend Abigail came to watch the fireworks too! The kids really enjoyed themselves! We went to one of the local pools for the first time last week. It was more like a water park! Creatures to sit on, toddler water slides, fountains, bubbles, etc! Other than Grace being really cold (brrrrr), I know she had fun. We went with Grace's friends Megan and Abigail (and their mommy's of course).

We've also been going to Polo in the Park at the Kentucky Horse Park. Polo matches are played every Friday and Sunday for about 5 weeks and so far, we've been both times they've had it. We bring a blanket and some treats for Grace and watch the horses run back and forth. We even help stomp the divots at half time.

Last weekend, Grammie came to watch Grace so Evan and I could go to a bachelor/ bachelorette party. Grammie really enjoyed herself and really enjoyed being with Grace. She was so amazed with how much she has changed since the last time she saw her. Grace got her first black eye right before Grammie came- poor thing. She ran right into a chair- Ouch!

Grace and I also went to storytime at the library for the first time today with Megan (and Michelle). I am so happy that I've met Michelle and Nella because they always have something fun in mind to do with the girls.

Growing up so fast

Well- we've had a really big week here. We've been very fortunate recently to have met some really nice families in our neighborhood. We have started spending a lot of time with two different families: Justin, Michelle and Megan (almost 2 years old) and Greg, Nella and Abigail (also almost 2 years old). We also still spend a lot of time with our friends Megan, Chris and Owen also. We've had so much fun getting to know them and letting our little ones play. I feel very lucky to have met them because they have lived in Lexington longer than me and they know about things for children to do around town. Grace and I have been going to Megan and Abigail's houses for playdates mid week also which has been great fun! It's nice that they live only a block away- we are so lucky!


Last weekend, we went to a blueberry farm with Greg, Nella and Abigail. They were having special weekend events the day that we went. We started off with a blueberry pancake breakfast. Delicious! Then we went on a horse drawn wagon ride around the farm. The girls really enjoyed this. Next, we picked blueberries and rasberries and finally, while the guys paid for our new fruit, we girls had a little picnic in the shade.



Monday morning, Evan and I decided that Grace was ready for her big girl bed. As soon as she woke up, we transitioned her crib into a toddler bed. We watched her on the monitor during her nap on Monday and gosh was that funny! She was getting in and out of her bed- new found freedom! She was pulling books off of her shelf and then going back to her bed to read them. I had to go in twice to remind her that it was nap time and both times, she ran to her bed, put her head on her pillow, and closed her eyes- how does she know to pretend like she is asleep- what a hoot! Since that nap- she has stayed in her bed for all of her naps and for bedtime. We have been pleasantly surprised about how easy it has been to make the transition. We also have started her drinking out of a big girl cup during meal times. For the most part- she's done really well.

Tuesday morning, Grace and I went to the movie theatre for the first time to watch The Bee Movie. We went with Michelle and Megan and Nella and Abigail. Again- we are very lucky to have met them!!! There was a film festival in town so the movie was completely free for us to attend. The girls did a great job and really seemed to enjoy themselves. At the end of the movie the girls started to get a little antsy so we did leave slightly early but we were proud of how well behaved they were.



Tonight we took Grace outside for the first time to ride her tricycle. She has been riding it inside for the past week or two but we figured it was time to let her try out her new found skill out on the sidewalk. She again, did surprisingly well. She really is growing up so fast and we've noticed such big changes in her personality since we potty trained. She has become much more independent, "Me do it". We are really pleased with how well she follows direction and are thankful that she is well behaved...good parenting (grin).

Hope you enjoyed todays blog- we certainly have been busy. We really are living up and loving life. Love, A Very Busy Mommy