Deanna Rose with the Taylors

A few weeks ago we packed up the kids and hauled our goods for a picnic lunch at Deanna Rose. The kids had a great time - up until Jillian fell off a swing and got a nose & mouth full of mulch. The scrapes were nothing major. At least nothing that a popsicle couldn't fix. :) On the way home, Jillian started showing signs of an allergic reaction. The same reaction that sent us to the ER last summer. Mystery solved Scooby! It was the sunblock. Darn you Coppertone kids! We were close enough to home that I was able to give her some Benadryl before the reaction got too bad. Poor babes.

Yes, I do believe it is toddler love with Kate and Sam!

Jillian taking her puppy for a walk.

Sweet Sloane!

Yes, I will admit it. I have garden envy. Everything blooms so beautifully at Deanna Rose.

The girls were so exhausted at this point. Jillian was eating her popsicle with her eyes half closed.

Arboretum

One of my favorite spots in Kansas City is the Overland Park Arboretum. Simply put, it is beautiful. Absolutely stunning!

Turtles sunning themselves

Sweet Jillian running around

Miss Katelyn striking a pose

How sweet is this? Kate and Jill are holding Suzanne's hand and walking around. I was blessed with wonderful friends!

Everyone needs a hug. Even statues!

Poor Bailey

I say that with true sarcasm. He isn't poor at all. You can tell by his belly that he is indeed fed well and loved much. Lately the girls have been dressing him up with all sorts of flair. Whether it is a necklace, bows or a headband. He patiently sits still and let's them gussy him up. Poor guy. He's gonna have an identity crisis soon. I think that he secretly loves all this attention from his little 'puppies'.

Waiting for Daddy

Every single day Katelyn wants to watch for daddy to come home from work. Every. Single. Day. She usually sits by the door and watches the neighborhood. As soon as daddy's car is in sight she yells, "DADDY'S HOME! Ohhhhhh DADDY!" It's cute. Very cute.

LOOK A COWBOY!

Oh dear Lord. Jillian has taken notes from Kate's "Let's Say Inappropriate Things" book. In the parking lot of the local grocery store Jillian yells out, "LOOK MOMMY - A COWBOY! I SEE A COWBOY!" I turn around, and there is this sweet old man wearing a fedora. Cowboy - No. Big pimping grandpa in his white fedora - YES! Luckily this sweet old man is also hard of hearing.

Imagination!

Jillian has the greatest imagination! She loves pretend play. Loves, loves, loves! During bath time last week she even bathed her imaginary friend - "Stand up Mickey so I can wash your legs, etc." Too adorable! One of her favorite games is running from Swiper. Both of the girls will tear through the house saying "Hurry Kate, Hurry Jill - HERE COMES SWIPER!" I love just sitting on the outskirts and watching her imagine and pretend play.

So the other day, the girls and I trekked down the block to retrieve the mail. Jillian insisted on wearing her belt and tucking her baby into it. All along the way, she talked to her baby, "Hold on baby we are crossing the street. OH NO! Baby fell! There you go baby!" I am sure we were a sight to see. :)

Katelyn is the princess of the house. Lately all she wants to wear is a dress. "I wear princess dress today!" Oh and God forbid you put a pair of shorts or pants on her. It's a trip to fit city. A trip you will never forget. She loves to dance and sing. It doesn't matter whether you are in the living room or in the backyard, she wants you to sing so she can dance. If you have heard me sing, then you understand why this is challenging for me.

And just to top of the cute factor - a few snuggles together!