Balloons & Pearls

Annabelle- or as we're trying to call her now- Annie, has two new favorite things: balloons and pearls.

We picked up a balloon at the grocery store the other day and it has been dragged around the entire house everywhere she goes! She can't get enough of it. Below is Annie taking a break with her new friend.




For her birthday party I ordered a bunch of fake pearl necklaces... Annie found the bag and just loves them! She put them on herself and posed before going to a friend's birthday party on Monday.

She added a strand and wrapped them around twice... so clever!

After the party!

This morning, first thing she did when I put her down...put on her pearls.

Sigh-- a girl after my heart!

We Met the Clydesdales!!

Wow, that's all I can say! What an amazing morning, truly amazing. Adam pulled some strings and got us a "backstage" pass to the Clydesdales at Grants Farm. Their horse trainer, Amy, met us in the morning and took us through the stables. As soon as we walked in, two of the biggest, most beautiful horses I've ever seen were standing there waiting to greet us. Both Adam and I got immediate chills. They are the most beautiful, kind and amazing creatures you could ever imagine.

I'm still in awe of the morning.

Here are some photos of the day:

In front of the trailer about to go in!

Meeting "Ringo" He's one of the "famous" horses.
He starred in the Budweiser 9/11 tribute commercial. He is gorgeous, and so is the tribute:
Here's the link to the commercial
It was really special to not only meet Ringo, but to meet him on the 9th anniversary of 9/11



I love that Annabelle and Adam are looking at each other in this!

A 5 month old foal

She really, really liked Annabelle and gave her a kiss!

Amy, the trainer was SO wonderful and welcoming. I'm hoping if we stay in St Louis for a while that when Annabelle gets older I can get her involved with the horses.... that would be such a treat.

Us with the foal

SO beautiful

They are just massive and gorgeous...

Inside Grants Farm being attacked by goats!! They wanted the milk bottles in my purse!

Adam and Annabelle feeding the goats

She was really proud

They LOVE their milk

German'n it up...brats and beer in the morning!

(Not NEARLY as good as an Olsen Brat... we didn't even finish them!)

In the square

So proud of her balloon

Love this

She really enjoys the carousel

So do I!


Thank you for a wonderful morning Adam!! It was truly unforgettable!

It's a Rough Life...

It's a real rough life we have...playing, learning, swinging, climbing. Every day I'm thankful for the opportunity to stay home with Annabelle. I feel like we really take advantage of the time we have as well as all the wonderful things there are to do in St Louis!

This afternoon we have lots of friends coming over to play and we're continuing to get ready for Annabelle's 1st Birthday Bash...or should I say, sa fete d'anniversaire!

Here's a look at this past week:

Friday evening we had a date at the Mall with Jen so she could get some fancy new makeup! Annabelle had a blast running around, people watching and tapping on the glass. I was so excited as we were getting ready because she FINALLY fits in another outfit that Marilyn had sent when she was first born....it's about time!! I think the tag is 6-9 months! Look how cute in her overalls! Thank you again Marilyn.

She had SO much fun swinging, she fell asleep...

Trying to get back into her swing...

She slides backwards!

After the rain yesterday, Annabelle and I headed over to the zoo. It was nice and cool, not crowded and we got to see lots of animals. The penguins were for sure her favorite! She laughed and pointed when they dove in the water!

Penguins!

In the bird garden

Walking around the inside bird exhibit. She really, really likes birds!

Trying to figure out if it's real or stuffed!

Bailey's Glamor Shot

More swing snoozin

Hanging out on the patio

Feeding Bailey leaves

Maddie guarding while she swings

A great new toy...!

Fun new toys! Adam got a new phone, so Annabelle got his old Blackberry. She is VERY excited about it not being taken away anymore. Funny though, now that it's hers, she's already lost interest in it! GO FIGURE!
A bigger toy also came this week... Annabelle's first swing set! Gammy & Pop-Pop sent it to her as an early 1st Birthday and 1st Christmas present!! We were able to put half of it together during the day, then add the swing set attachment at night.

Here's Annabelle playing post-swim. She refused a swimsuit or change of clothes...so swim diaper and sneakers it was!

Pointing is her new favorite game!

Leaning on her bridge

Hi!

Sitting in her bridge!

Her first ride on the swings!

Unfortunately, after the first swing we had to take it apart and switch the bar around...we installed it backwards and the blue swing would have bashed into the clubhouse. She won't make any friends that way!!

Thank you so much for this wonderfully generous present...it will keep her active for many years!

xoxo

A Weekend in Madison

On Friday, Adam, Annabelle & I packed up the car and drove up to Madison, WI for the weekend. What a beautiful city!! G&G Ole met us up there, we walked the whole city, ate tons of great Farmer's Market foods, saw the University, ate Japanese for lunch, then Adam and I went out to dinner...ALONE!!

Here are some photos from the weekend-

On the way up Annabelle shared her water with her dad... she's so nice

!The Griswalds arrive! Can't really tell, but the Jeep was packed, bikes and all!

Waking up in Madison was hard...she just kept on sleeping!!

Our Family at the terrace, overlooking the lake.

Farmer's Market... Annabelle showing off her apple!

Grandpa Chuck discovered Annabelle's new favorite thing... BALLOONS!!

At the Zoo!

Loving on Grandma Mary


Looking at the giraffes

1st ever carosel ride... she was a little tired by this point!

Blaise and Annabelle- A summer romance!

This morning my friend Robin, and her son, Blaise (16mo) came over to play. Annabelle and Blaise are in love... sigh, so cute! They finger painted, played with toys and had some pre-naptime fun!