Sullivan Sightings

Brady's New Favorite Pastime

2010-06-07T15:36:00.004-04:00

When we visited Myrtle Beach, we decided to play mini-golf Mother's Day morning because it was a little too chilly for the pool/beach. The kids loved it. We did Treasure Island. Brady was a natural...I think he had a couple of hole in one's. Ashlyn did great too, she had a few true hole in two's. Well after we were done, of course they wanted to play again, so we played that night at Broadway at the Beach...The Dragon's Lair. Just a little scary when the fire blew out the top of the castle and the dragon popped out. I think Ashlyn said she had a nightmare about it that night. Oh but the fun didn't stop there...we had to play one last time before we left Myrtle Beach the next day. That time we did The Animal Jungle. I think if it was up to the kids, we would have hit every mini-golf course there.

By the way...Tommy beat me everytime. Not happy about it either.

The Pool and the Beach at the Embassy Suites

2010-05-18T15:36:00.004-04:00

Sand Castle Island

Sipping a yummy Icee poolside

Movie Star

Enjoying the sun with my "little one"

Having a ball with our new beach/pool toys. Love Costco.

"I Love to Dance!"

Quick break in between songs

Broadway at the Beach

2010-05-18T15:08:00.004-04:00

The only Zhu Zhu Pet Store in the world. Ashlyn was beside herself. If you don't know what a zhu zhu pet is, it's a toy pet hamster that moves around with batteries. There are 32 different ones, I think, and Ashlyn knows all their names. She is determined to get them all. As of right now, I think she has 15. She also has most of all the house accessories. She loves to play with them all over our house. She also draws towns on the driveway and plays with them outside. To top it off, she has the Zhu Zhu pet Nintendo DS game.

Their favorite ride at Broadway at the Beach.

Training to be like Grandpa and Uncle Bryan.

"All Aboard!"

"Weeeeeeeeeeee"

"Choo! Choo!"

Ashlyn got to ride the Caterpillar for the first time. Tommy and I waited for her to be big enough to ride by herself since neither of us could stomach all that spinning. She loved it. Although, she was flying around the seat because she didn't have anyone sitting with her.

Mother's Day at the Beach

2010-05-18T14:53:00.002-04:00

Dinner at the Japanese Restaurant (can't remember the name)

Getting ready to do some serious eating. Ashlyn and Brady both love the shrimp and the soup.

Me and my "little one"

The New and Improved Cartwheel

2010-04-30T08:43:00.000-04:00

Brady's Soccer Clinic

2010-04-30T08:36:00.004-04:00

Brady has been waiting and waiting to be able to play soccer like his Sissy. Finally he is old enough to do the soccer clinic at the Y. We go on Saturday mornings, when Ashlyn has her game too. Brady is learning how to dibble, trap, and shoot at the goal. We even bought our own soccer goal for our backyard for both of them to practice on. Brady has such a strong kick already. He is such a natural athlete. Wait until he is old enough to play T-Ball and basketball, Tommy and I will be driving the both of them around everyday to some type of sports practice.

Special Day in Kindergarten at Antioch

2010-04-20T15:17:00.003-04:00

All About Artic Hares, by Ashlyn Sullivan

Ellie, Dela, Ashlyn, and Fatema.

Today Brady and I went into Ashlyn's school to listen to the stories her and her classmates wrote about animals. Each child checked out a book from the library about an animal. Ashlyn chose Artic Hares. They had to write a small book report making sure they included certain things about their animal. It really was amazing to see what kindergartners can do. Ashlyn is really excelling in school. I am so proud of her.

Soccer at the YMCA

2010-04-20T15:04:00.002-04:00

Go Ashlyn!

Definitely born to play offense like her Mommy.
Although she loves playing goalie, unlike her Mommy.

This weeks game Ashlyn made a big change in her style of playing. I taught her how to play by position. Usually she would just run all over the field, wherever the ball was she would try to get there as fast as she could. Well, last week she complained of being too tired and her legs hurt...she's only 6. I told her Saturday morning before this game that she didn't need to run all over the field and that was why she got so tired and asked to come out of the game. I never asked to come out when I was playing, unless I couldn't walk because of an injury...even then I still tried to play. I hated sitting on the sidelines watching. So I took out a piece of paper, drew the field and showed her how to play a position. I really didn't expect her to completely understand the concept, but she did! She didn't get tired and really enjoyed playing much much more. That's my smart little girl!

A Visit from Grandma and Grandpa

2010-04-16T14:16:00.003-04:00

After "Rocking Out" with Grandpa

At the Lazy 5 Ranch (Brady didn't want his picture taken...little bugger)

Ashlyn decided to make a hopscotch board better than

Mommy's...30 boxes instead of the standard 8

Showing off his hopscotch skills

Ashlyn loves her grandparents...she is such a cuddle bug

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-16T14:03:00.004-04:00

This year we decided to do a small Easter egg hunt with just the close friends in the neighborhood. We had a tough time finding a time where everyone could make it, unfortunately the Milligan's missed out because of baseball. It was a beautiful day and the kids had a blast running around finding all the eggs.

6 1/2 Birthday

2010-04-16T13:57:00.002-04:00

Ashlyn wanted to celebrate her 6 1/2 birthday this year. She has been asking over and over, "when will i be 6 1/2?" So when I told her March 10th, she asked to have a party. Sorry Ashlyn we are not having two parties every year...she settled for cupcakes with her brother. We picked them out at Harris Teeter. (Can you see the amount of frosting on them?) She has a rainbow and Brady has a pig. Thankfully they both only ate a few bites before they said they were done...way too sweet.

No Training Wheels

2010-04-09T09:15:00.002-04:00

I know it has been forever since I have posted anything. So here is a quick video of what my big girl is doing. It only took her a day to get it. Not even one skinned knee. She was so ready!

Brady's First Swim Lesson

2010-02-15T08:56:00.002-05:00

My Little Artist

2010-02-15T08:52:00.002-05:00

I have been meaning to post this for some time now...Ashlyn had to draw a penguin for school so of course Brady wanted to do it too. This is Brady's penguin with no help from me or Ashlyn. He just looked at a picture in one of Ashlyn's books. Incredible!

A Day at the Park with Grandma and Grandpa

2010-01-25T16:01:00.003-05:00

Ashlyn swings on her favorite swing.

Playing with Grandma and Grandpa.

Brother and sister.

Where are all the ducks?

I guess geese will do.

Christmas at PaPa and Kathy's House

2010-01-19T15:47:00.003-05:00

What's in Ned's Head?

Admiring this year's photo calendar.

Playing new games with PaPa.

What's Gnu?

Hanging with Grandpa.

Trouble...Santa brought some games to be left at
PaPa and Kathy's house for future visits. What a great idea!

Worn out. I think she opened too many presents.

What a pretty girl...I know I'm just a little bias.

Silly faces with my little brother, Brady.

Ashlyn Reading to Her Class

2010-01-07T12:02:00.004-05:00

I took this video during Ashlyn's Christmas party at school. She was asked by her teacher to read "Are You My Mother?" to her class. She was the first one to do this this year. All the children asked to read when she was done. I am so proud of her. If you can't view the video, you will need to go to the website...www.sullivansightings.blogspot.com

Christmas Eve

2010-01-04T14:49:00.003-05:00

After we went to a wonderful 4:30 Christmas Eve service and dinner at Macaroni Grill, we came home and let the kids open the one present from each other. They were both itching to open presents since there were some under the tree.

A Visit with Santa and the Bears

2010-01-04T14:24:00.003-05:00

I know it has been a long time coming...but better late then never. I have finally made the time to sit and try to catch up with blogging. I have lots of pictures to show you all. Starting with our trip to see Santa at the toy store. We also mailed letters to Santa. Ashlyn told Santa that she wanted Zhu Zhu pets for Christmas. He said the machine was broken so she may not get her wish. Since I'm writing this after Christmas I will let you know, she got her wish. Brady asked for the same...whatever Sissy wants, Brady wants. He also asked for cars, trucks, and trains. Santa impressed us with his knowledge of every Thomas character out there...but I guess, he is Santa.

We surprised the kids by taking them to see the Bears perform at Founders Hall again this year. We all thought that last year was the last time for them. We also forgot that there was a marothon uptown...the traffic was horrible. Ashlyn was happy to see the Bears, but not as happy as I thought that she would be...all she could think about was the candy store upstairs. And Brady really just wanted to play on the escalator. It was fun for a little while.

Renaissance Festival

2009-11-22T10:13:00.005-05:00

So I woke up last Sunday morning and Tommy had bought tickets online to the Renaissance Festival for the day. This was the first time for all of us, so we didn't know what we were in for. It was a lot of fun. Lots of rides and games for the kids, really cool shows, fantastic people watching, and great food. I, of course, had to get the big turkey leg for lunch, the kids had meatballs in a bread bowl to share (Brady also had some of my turkey leg...he tries pretty much anything), and Tommy had a steak on a stick. Here are some pictures of some of the things we did...

Our first ride...the spinning ships. Boy was I dizzy...I couldn't wait for it to end.

Climb the ladder...win five bucks. Well if you know Ashlyn, then you know she was determined to do it. She had five tries for $2. Poor thing, she worked so hard.

First time climbing the BIG rock wall...

"Mommy, I can't reach the top. My arms are not big enough."

"Believe me Ashlyn, that's high enough."

Our Star pitcher throwing tomatoes at the insulter.

Brady had the crowd in amazement with his throws.

Ashlyn hit the guy right in the face after he insulted her. Take that!

After the jousting show, Ashlyn gave it a shot on this horse on a zip cord.

The pole was too heavy to hold up, so she barely missed the ring.

Mommy in charged of her kids plus 2 on a bumpy camel ride.

This green troll let kids come up and make a tooting noise from his can of goo.

Ashlyn loved it. Brady was too afraid of him.

Puzzle Time

2009-11-08T08:12:00.003-05:00

Puzzles are a big thing at the Sullivan house. I have always loved doing puzzles so it is not surprising that my children love it too...and they are really good at it. Ashlyn started doing 24-piece puzzles when she was 2...now she does ones with 100-pieces. And of course Brady is following in her footsteps. She a really good teacher too. I guess we need to graduate to the 250-piece puzzles.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T15:31:00.005-05:00

Silvermist (aka Ashlyn), Tinkerbell (aka Mommy),

and Buzz Lightyear (aka Brady)

Total concentration while painting.

Ashlyn, Kaitlin, and Kailey

Snakes in the tub!

Trick or Treat!

Going on a Hay Ride!

This year we decided to do something different for Halloween. Our friends the Plummers had a Halloween party up in Mooresville. The kids had a great time playing with all of the kids that were there...and boy were there a lot. Brady was only scared of a couple of costumes two little boys were wearing. Dracula and the Grim Reaper...too scary for me too.

Dave, the host, took the kids trick or treating...he did two loads in his truck with a trailer filled with hay. The kids were loving it...except for when it starting to pour...not so much then. They still got plenty of candy. Fun for all ages!

Pumpkin Carving

2009-11-02T15:17:00.003-05:00

We finally carved our pumpkins, two days before Halloween. The kids were so excited and wanted to make them look really cool. Obviously Tommy and I would be doing the carving. I thought that maybe they would help clean the pumpkins out...no it was too eeeewww. Ashlyn and Brady picked out the way they wanted each pumpkin to look not understanding that we are no artists...well at least I'm not, I won't speak for Tommy. Anyway, of course they picked out two of the hardest ones. It was fun and they actually came out pretty good. Tommy's was suppose to look like a skeleton face...what do you think?

Awe Shucks

2009-10-12T10:01:00.004-04:00

Fall is here and the kids are getting so excited about Halloween. We headed into Monroe to Awe Shucks Farm. They had tons for the kids to do...a corn maze, a hay ride, a tree house with a cool slide, a pony ride (we missed out on the pony because she was too tired from the rides all day), farm animals, lasso practice (Tommy tried to lasso the kids and me...he got Ashlyn a couple of times), horseshoes, fishing lake, pumpkin patch, duck racing (not real ducks...rubber ones that move through a chute when you pump water into it), and hay jumping. Ashlyn didn't want to leave and would love to go back again.

Chuck E Cheese

2009-10-05T10:25:00.004-04:00

"Thanks PaPa for coming to my party!"

Brady's favorite game, Skee Ball...he is really good at it. But watch out, he throws overhand.

Another favorite, basketball.

Brady and Chuck E.

We went to one of Brady's favorite places for his 3rd birthday...Chuck E Cheeses. He was so excited that he told everyone that he saw that he was having his birthday party at Chuck E Cheeses. Even when we were at Disney World on Ashlyn's birthday...people would wish her a happy birthday when seeing her birthday pin, and Brady would chime in, "my having my birthday party at Chuck E Cheeses".

We invited all of his friends, mostly girls...such a stud already. I think there were only two boys besides Brady...his friend Dylan couldn't make it. Brady played all the games and won lots of tickets which he used to get two hand held rocket launchers...one for him and one for Sissy.

When it was time to leave to get Ashlyn from the bus stop...oh I forgot to mention, Ashlyn was in school that day, she was not happy about missing it. I told her that I would take her on her day off in October. Anyway, Brady didn't want to leave; as you can see from the pictures, he was having way too much fun.

Happy 6th Birthday Ashlyn

2009-10-03T14:20:00.003-04:00

When we got home from Disney that Sunday, Tommy snuck out and went up to her school to paint the rock. The next morning she was so surprised to see it.

This year we told Ashlyn that she could have a sleepover party for her birthday and invite 4 girls. She was so excited, she started to think about what friends she wanted to invite. I told her to limit it to just girls, not for any other reason than the list would be too long. She decided on Evelyn, Kayley, Kylie, and Emma. As soon as we set the date and sent out the invitations, she started counting down the days. We almost had to reschedule it when she came home from school on the Wednesday before the party with 102 fever. Thankfully she quickly recovered, as she always does, and was fever free the next day. We did kept her home from school to rest the next day.

When the day finally came to have the party, the Gators were playing Tennessee...meaning Tommy was out of commission until the game was over. So I had first shift...5 to 7. We did a craft (fairy sun catchers...there was a Tinkerbell theme), played musical chairs, ate pizza, ran around upstairs and downstairs, then had cake. Talk about short attention spans. Each activity only lasted at most 10 minutes. After cake, Ashlyn opened presents then finally it was movie time...Barbie and the Three Musketeers. The girls got in their pj's, I popped some popcorn and they settled in the bonus room. All was quiet...time for me to relax. After the movie was over they played and played and played. Time to watch another movie to get ready to sleep...yeah right. Ashlyn was actually tired and was the first to lay down...probably still not 100% after being sick. The others kept playing. When all was said and done, Ashlyn and Kayley were the first asleep by 10:30, where the others were up passed the movie until 11:15. I was exhausted.

6:45...rise and shine. Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast, play some Wii, then the party was over. Definitely a time to remember for us all.

Nickelodeon Family Suites and Disney World

2009-09-27T11:19:00.009-04:00

When we arrived at the Nickelodeon Family Suites, we had 10 minutes before the Sliming (they pour a big bucket of green slime over you by the pool water slides). Of course we rushed down there so Ashlyn could get slimed...gross, then you swim in that water.

First night, dinner at Planet Hollywood.

Downtown Disney outside of Lego Land. The Lock Ness Monster is completely made out of Legos...pretty amazing.

All made out of Legos...except the B-man.

The first morning we had the character breakfast at the Nickelodeon Family Suites. We got to meet Dora, Patrick, Sponge Bob, and two characters from the Fairy Odd Parents. Brady was a little scared of Patrick...I totally understand, he's a little strange looking. His favorite was Dora...he may have a little crush on her.

As Brady says, "Bum Bob".

"Oh no, it's a bad guy! Get me out of here!" This was a spot to take pictures after getting off the Buzz ride.

One of Brady's favorite rides, Motor Speedway.

Ashlyn was asked to drive the boat on the Jungle Cruise ride in Magic Kingdom...what a lucky girl. The funny thing is, she really thought she was actually driving the boat...shhhhh.

Oh no, the claw.

Waiting on line to meet Buzz and Woody.

Brady's new favorite character is Buzz Lightyear. Even though we met him last year, we had to do it again. "To infinity and beyond!"

In Pixie Hollow with Tink. Ashlyn was so excited when we found out that there was a Pixie Hollow in Magic Kingdom. We waited on line for 45 minutes to shrink down to fairy size so we could meet the fairies. She was a little disappointed when she found out the Silvermist was not there...but she still got to meet Iridessa, Tink, and Rosetta. She still felt super lucky.

In the honey pot on Pooh ride.

Heffalumps and Woozles from the Winnie the Pooh ride. Brady was scared to go on the ride this year at first because he said that the heffalumps and woozles were too scary. We finally convinced him that they were just really silly. It was his favorite ride last year.

This was one of Brady's favorite rides...Buzz Lightyear. You use the toy laser gun in your cart to shoot at all the targets...or as Brady says, "shoot all bad guys". I lost track how many times we went on it. The Toy Story ride in Hollywood Studies was so much better, but we didn't spend that much time there and you needed a fast pass because of the long wait.

We ate in Epcot, in Germany two times for dinner...mainly for the show and of course the beer. The kids loved to dance after dinner. The Chicken dance was their favorite song to dance to...it still is. Don't you love Ashlyn's split.

The baby slides at Nickelodeon Family Suites. Brady wasn't big enough to go on the really big ones. That's fine, I don't think he would have wanted to anyway...too scary.

On Friday night we bought tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (I know it was still only September). The kids loved dressing up. Ashlyn wore her new Silvermist costume (one of the fairies from TinkerBell) and Brady wore his Superman costume from last year's Halloween. They got to walk around the Magic Kingdom and stop at all the trick-or-treat spots to get candy. Yes, we had to hit all of them...we might have missed one, but I wasn't about to tell them that. All the villains were out to meet...like Captain Hook. Last year Ashlyn wanted nothing to do with any of the villains. At night they had a Not So Scary parade and fireworks show. It was really amazing...and this time the kids made it through the whole thing.

The last day we were in Disney, it rained (at least that was the only time). We decided to go to Epcot since there is a ton to do inside. We were lucky enough to visit a great character spot where the line was super short (last year it was way to long). We got to see Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, and the bears from Jungle Book. It really made the kids so happy.

This is Bruce (the shark from Nemo). This is one of Ashlyn's favorite places to pose for a picture. When you get off the Nemo ride he is among the things you can see and do...it's like an aquarium museum. We also talked to Crush (the sea turtle from Nemo) again like last year. All the kids get to sit in the front on the floor and he picks out kids to talk to. Ashlyn asked him a question both times we went to see him. It is such a cute show. Who knows when we will be back to Disney World, it is so hard to stay away too long.

Grandma and Grandpa's House

2009-09-21T15:49:00.005-04:00

Brady's on Uncle Bryan's boat

Ashlyn and Grandpa

Hula-hoop contest

Boxing Champion

Zapping the geckos

Ashlyn's new pool house

My new friend, Paco

The kids with Aunt Maria

Next stop in our 9 day vacation...Grandma and Grandpa's house in Cape Coral. Their house is amazing. It is like staying at a beautiful resort for free. The kids loved having a pool in the backyard along with Uncle Bryan's boat docked right behind the house too. The only problem...we didn't want to leave. We ate, drank, swam, danced, played dominoes, took boat rides...did I mention ate and drank? The kids played in the lanai most of the days...Ashlyn was a little mermaid swimming any chance she had, and Brady walked around the pool throwing rockets and rings in for sissy. They both loved the jacuzzi. It was like a little baby pool for Brady when it wasn't heated. It was probably the most relaxing part of our whole trip. We can't wait to revisit really soon.

Gator Game Day

2009-09-20T11:07:00.005-04:00

The back of Tebow's head

We finally made it to a Florida Gator game...Tommy's life long dream to see Tim Tebow in person (he almost got a picture of him walking into the stadium but some security guard got his big head in the way, so I posted the one of his back). It was opening day against Charleston Southern and boy was it fun. The energy is amazing...a lot different from an NFL game, or should I say Panther game. The kids had a blast cheering and dancing to the band's music. We did leave at half time because the kids were tired and the Gators were up by so much that they put their second string in. Tommy is now trying to plan for our visit next year.

Brady Goes to Preschool

2009-09-20T10:46:00.004-04:00

Working hard on a puzzle

Brady and Addy

Brady and Mrs. Heins

First Day of School

So can you believe it? Brady is starting preschool. He is so excited to be in Addy's class (his best friend in the neighborhood). That is going to make it so easy on me dropping him off. He has always been Mommy's little boy, a little more clingy than Ashlyn has ever been. He loves it and is such a chatterbox when I pick him up and so far there has been no tears. I will keep my fingers crossed that it will continue.

Kindergarten Girl

2009-08-29T13:42:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that my baby girl is off to kindergarten already. It seems like just yesterday she was throwing all her stuffed animals in her crib so she could be "covered up with all animals". Sometimes I think that she would still sleep in her crib if Brady didn't come along. She loved that thing.

Tommy, Brady, and I walked Ashlyn into school to her classroom...or should I say...Tommy, Brady, and I followed and tried to keep up with Ashlyn sprinting down the hall to her classroom. She is obviously so ready for "big kid" school. By the time we caught up with her, she was in the room making herself at home...like she does anywhere she goes. Her teacher, Mrs. Bensch, gave her a big hug and welcomed her to her class. I know I'm going to love her. Ashlyn took off to explore, and you know the first thing she wanted to play with? The overhead projector...of course the one thing she is not suppose to touch. Good thing I caught her before Mrs. Bensch saw her...otherwise, great first impression. So after everything was in order and Mrs. Bensch went over the chores with Ashlyn (this is when I realized I forgot to pack her a snack...great first impression), we left our little girl to enjoy her first big day without us. She made it easy to hold back the tears because she was so comfortable...I wouldn't expect anything less from Miss Independent.

2:30 came around, so I went outside to wait for Ashlyn's bus. She looked so cute sitting in the front seat when I stepped on to greet her. When I asked her how the ride was, she said "Mommy, it was just too long"...this is probably because we live about 2 minutes from the school, but it took about 20 minutes for her to get home..."We had to go in two other neighborhoods before ours. One little one and one BIG one." She was so excited to show me everything in her book bag...especially the candy kiss and hug from her teachers. I'm sure that she is going to love school just like her Mommy.

Last Beach Trip of the Summer

2009-08-24T14:18:00.007-04:00

We are so lucky to have such great friends. We got invited to come spend some time at a North Myrtle beach house with The Schmitt's for free. Ashlyn and Brady were so excited to have three nights of sleepovers with their friends Kayley and Mackenzie. Tommy wasn't able to come with us because he was off having fun with his high school buddies in Myrtle Beach. He did stop by on Sunday before he took off home for a long needed rest. The kids and I were lucky enough to stay until Tuesday. We would have liked to stay longer, but I don't think Daddy would have been able to cope at home alone without his kids and me.

At first I was a little nervous that the kids would get bored just having the beach and no pool, since usually we stay in a hotel that has a pool and even a water park along with the beach. But as you can see from the pictures, they didn't miss the pool a bit. They were constantly coming up with new games to play in the sand and the water...they even made their own restaurant (see the pictures with Mark digging a canal...that became the restaurant). We also were fortunate that the beach had a sand bar to play on most of the day and the waves weren't too rough.

Ashlyn became a star boogie boarder right away. She was not afraid to venture out pretty far to catch the perfect wave. I kept having to call here back in...she made me a little nervous. She did go under a couple times and get tossed about, but it didn't seem to bother her...she got right back in to surf the next wave. It reminded me a lot of myself when I was her age...no fear.

Brady didn't do much swimming. Instead he had fun playing ball...not really surprising from our little athlete. He also made sand castles and played with his big trucks hauling sand and shells...he also enjoyed walking back and forth to the house to clean the sand off his hands and feet in the outdoor showers...he didn't like using the water from the ocean no matter how many times I told him how much easier it was.

At night, after dinner, we would walk to get ice cream and then the kids would have movie night in their room. There was enough space for the little ones to have their own room and the big kids have their own room, but they all wanted to be together. Fine with me...they would fall asleep watching a movie each night. Thank goodness it didn't spoil them for when we got home. Sorry Ashlyn, still no TV in your room.

Tomorrow school starts, just not for Ashlyn and Brady. Ashlyn only goes on Friday this week, the schools do this staggered day thing with the Kindergartners. Brady doesn't start until after Labor Day. Big changes for both...new school for Ashlyn and school in general for Brady.

Our Little Gymnast

2009-08-09T15:22:00.004-04:00

Check out this video of Ashlyn at gymnastics. She has improved so much. She has really good balance.

No More Too Scaries

2009-08-04T14:29:00.002-04:00

Brady telling the story...
Back in June, when Daddy went into the hospital for surgery (he had a boo boo in his mouth that needed to come out), I started to have trouble sleeping. The week he was in the hospital, I would wake up in the middle of the night and tip toe into Mommy's room. Since Mommy was so tired from taking trips to the hospital at all hours of the day and night, I was able to convince her to let me sleep in Daddy's spot. Now that was awesome. I had so much space to roll around. It also made me feel so safe. But the day Daddy came home, I was only allowed to nap there that one day. Why wouldn't they let me sleep with them? I don't take up that much space. They kept telling me that I had to sleep in my own room like a big boy. But my room is too scary. I'm not sure if they really believed me. So I started to make all kinds of excuses to get out of bed. When it was time for night-night, I would get up to tell them...I got to go potty, I got to go poop, I want the door open, I want the door closed, I want the light on, read book, my room is too scary. Mommy put an extra night light in my room and even gave me a lion flashlight to scare away all the bad guys. That didn't work. I would ask Sissy to sleep in bunk beds with me so she could protect me. That worked for a little while, but I still woke up in the middle of the night scared. So Mommy came up with an idea to try to make me feel safe. She would sit in my doorway every night until I was asleep and even in the middle of the night if I woke up. Sometimes I would make her stay there for a long time because I couldn't fall asleep. I guess she wasn't having too much fun doing that because she brought me to Target to pick out a big stuffed puppy and new night light. She said that the puppy would take over her job at night. He would scare all the bad guys away. If he missed any, the new rocket ship night light would blast them into space. I really want to see the rocket ship blast off, but I guess my puppy is really good at his job because I am not scared anymore.

Summertime Fun

2009-08-02T14:06:00.004-04:00

It seems like almost everyday we hit the pool at the YMCA to cool off. Not today. We decided to change it up a bit. One of our neighbors invited us and another family to swim in their pool while they were out. Of course Ashlyn played with every toy they had...which seemed like a million. When we got there, the pool was filled with all kinds of different rafts and more around the edge. Ashlyn and her friend Jack had a blast. Brady and his friend Riley played "dump the water over each other's head", which is always fun to watch. I just wish Brady would wear a floaty so he could float around in the pool. He is content just playing around the outside...unless there is a slide, then he will go down it over and over until we have to leave. There wasn't a slide there, but at the Y there are two for him. He used to love the froggie slide, now he loves the orange tube slide instead because he learned to go down it like a big boy. I still have to stand at the bottom like I'm going to catch him, but he lands on his own.

The Great Wolf Lodge

2009-07-20T14:10:00.006-04:00

On Saturday morning, the 11th, the whole family is laying in bed watching TV. Tommy asks us if we would like to go on a surprise mini vacation. Of course we all say, "yes!". Ashlyn had such a hard time not knowing where we were going. I got a neighbor to watch Lennox for the day and night and we packed up our things and left. I had a feeling to where he was taking us but I didn't want to spoil the fun for the kids. So off we go. It was only a 25 minute drive. When we got there the kids were so excited, especially since Ashlyn didn't have to wait too long to find out where we were going.

As soon as we checked in we changed into out swimming suits and hit the indoor water park. It was amazing how many water slides they had. Ashlyn was able to go on all but one, the Tornado. She wasn't tall enough. I was going to go on it by myself but I never got a chance. I heard it was pretty intense so I guess it was a good thing she wasn't tall enough. Brady had fun playing in the toddler area going down the little slides over and over. We also "shot all bad guys" with the water guns they had scattered about.

After having tons of fun in the water and feeling so water logged, we checked into our room to change. The kids loved the room with the built in bunk beds. It was called Kids Kamp. They almost didn't want to leave the top bunk, especially since there was a TV in their Kamp. We finally convinced them to go play golf.

It was there first time playing mini golf, Ashlyn did pretty good and Brady loved putting the ball down the holes that had tunnels where it would shoot out somewhere else. Ashlyn wanted me to take score the second time we played. I would ask how many shots she took after counting about 6 or 7 and she would say, "2 mommy". She wasn't even playing against anyone since Brady didn't leave the hole with the tunnel. She is so competitive...no wonder she is my and Tommy's daughter.

We did more swimming after golf, then it was off to dinner and a kiddie show. All during dinner, Brady would say, "I want to see boy pop out". The little show was about nature with animals that sing and talk and some boy doll pops out of a tree stump. The kids enjoyed it. After that they had story time. The kids were pretty beat. So it was back to the room where Brady fell asleep in no time and Ashlyn thought it was so cool to watch TV in bed until she fell asleep. Sure enough, she asked for a TV in her own room when we got home...not a chance.

Very fun family vacation. We may go back sometime this winter.

Third and Fourth of July

2009-07-05T13:50:00.004-04:00

So it has been a month since I last blogged. Sorry, way too much going on in the Sullivan household. I am sure that you all know about Tommy's misfortune. He battled a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland, and won. After over a four hour surgery and a week in the hospital being fed through a tube, he is home and recovering nicely. All of the warm thoughts and prayers from our family and friends have helped us through this trying time. Thank you so much, we are so lucky to have such a great support system.

Now we would like to focus on happy times and our bright future. Here are some wonderful pictures taken of the kids with their friend Dylan at Symphony Park before the big fireworks show and some more taken in our backyard playing and enjoying our new deck extension. We are blessed in so many ways and are looking forward to enjoying each and every day.

Slugger

2009-07-05T13:42:00.002-04:00

Brady was born to play sports. You have seen him throw, now you can watch him hit. He gets better and better. Can't wait to until he turns 4 to sign him up for t-ball.

Lazy Afternoon

2009-06-02T13:58:00.002-04:00

We spend most of our free time outside playing, especially now before it starts to get too hot this summer. Then it will be off to the pool. Lennox always joins us and will wait on his friend Molly (a dog in the neighborhood that loves to run with him) to play. But when she is not around, he lounges on the grass in the shade. Of course Brady is always messing with him but this time Ashlyn went over to Lennox to lay with him. So cute, I had to take a picture.

Birthday Celebration at the Promanade

2009-05-26T15:54:00.002-04:00

Went out with Jennifer, Kurt, and Dylan to listen to music on Saturday for my birthday. Had some drinks while the kids danced and played. Ashlyn made a friend pretty quickly since the girl had a cool parachute to play with. Of course Brady tagged behind his sissy. He was right in there trying to play with the big girls. Such a ladies man. Dylan will be right there with him soon enough. Mini Tommy and Kurt. By the end of the night we couldn't keep them out of the fountain. We had to strip them down before heading home in the car. Lets hope that won't be a regular activity when we go back...

Right Round by Little Flo Rida's

2009-05-18T14:44:00.003-04:00

Myrtle Beach

2009-05-18T14:12:00.007-04:00

A result of no afternoon naps.

Broadway at the Beach

"We are the dinosaurs marching, marching..."

Torpedo Diver

First time sharing a bed. Will they ever go to sleep?

I Love You

2009-05-18T14:05:00.002-04:00

My Little Mermaid

2009-05-05T13:21:00.002-04:00

Here is an updated video on Ashlyn swimming like a little mermaid. She is swimming so fast now, that I bet she could beat me in a race.

Slip-n-slide

2009-05-05T13:13:00.002-04:00

This was a very fun day. Ashlyn and Brady had two friends over from the neighborhood that I was watching. We bought this Slip-n-slide last year but Ashlyn didn't quite get the concept. As you can see...she gets it now. They had so much fun that they ask to use it everyday. The weather has been warm enough...I just don't know that our grass can take it.

Black Swan Field Trip

2009-05-04T17:20:00.002-04:00

"Weeeeeeeeeeeeee"

Petting the goat that the farmer's use for milk, cheese, and soap.

Checking out the goat's milk.

Soft bunny...

Cuddling up next to my friend Jackson watching the farmer make horseshoes.

This was the best field trip. I think I enjoyed it just as much as the children if not more. It was very educational and fun. The farmer's were so friendly and great with the kids. I would love to go back with Brady. Hopefully his school will go there too.

Throwing Rocks

2009-04-18T07:52:00.001-04:00

The North Carolina Zoo

2009-04-16T14:54:00.004-04:00

What's this?
Let me try.

Hey look PaPa, we're flying a helicopter.

One of the many statues we climbed on.

Looking at the Gorillas.

See the gorilla taking a nap behind me?

How do they all balance on one foot?

So Daddy had the day off for Good Friday...we decided to take a trip to the zoo. The weather forecast was for thunderstorms in the afternoon so we didn't have much time. We started in Africa first. We didn't bother to bring a stroller because Brady never wants to sit in it anyway...remember Disney World, the stroller was just a place for things we didn't want to carry. There was a lot of carrying and shoulder riding after a while because boy there's a lot of walking at the zoo with only one ride to rest on...the Merry-Go-Round. We of course rode that and wouldn't you know it...it was Ashlyn's favorite part of the day. I guess because we didn't see any hippos. She loves hippos because of Gloria in the movie Madagascar 2. Brady was really into all of the animals, especially trying to feed the elephants. "No Brady, elephants don't want to eat rocks." One of his favorite pastimes is throwing rocks...thankfully not at people. They also liked to stop at all the statues of animals and climb all over them. We never made it to North America because of the dark clouds making their way closer and closer...my feet were grateful. Maybe we will start there next time.

Wii

2009-04-16T14:43:00.002-04:00

Play Wii? Brady definitely takes after his Daddy with the love for video games. He is pretty good for a 2 1/2 year old. In this picture he is boxing, but he is really good at the soccer heading game. Ashlyn loves to play too. We just rented the new Hannah Montana game which she is really good at. It requires a lot of dancing so you know Brady has to join in and help. So cute...

Discovery Place

2009-04-06T20:39:00.002-04:00

These pictures are from a few weeks ago when Mommy was sick in bed with the stomach flu. Daddy took the kids to the Discovery Place and as you can see they had so much fun. Mommy wishes she could have been there...and so does Daddy. He said it was a little hard trying to watch the both of them. They were running in different directions half the time...just too much to do and see. They are so lucky they have such a wonderful Daddy!

Here Comes the Sun...

2009-03-30T14:49:00.004-04:00

Rain rain go away...sun comes out...outside to play!

25 Random Things About Brady

2009-03-27T15:11:00.004-04:00

He was born 9 days early and weighed more than Ashlyn who was born 6 days late.

He loved to be held in our arms and bounced on an exercise ball to be soothed to sleep...you couldn't just bounce up and down, it had to be on the ball.

He didn't start to crawl until about 11 months and walk until about 13 1/2 months.

It took him a while to talk...I guess he thought, "why do I have to speak when sissy will do it for me." I think he was a little over 2.

He didn't like ice cream when he was a baby...now he loves it.

He can throw a ball super far and super accurate.

He loves to play baakitbaa (basketball)...and he rarely misses the basket. Look out Michael Jordan.

Now he imitates what we say and what Sissy says...you can't keep him quiet (see #4).

Like Ashlyn, he is also great a puzzles...by himself, "Brady Do It!"

He was interested in the potty right at 2 years old and trained himself way before he turned 2 1/2.

We moved him to a big boy bed earlier than Ashlyn (2 years 3 months) just because we wanted to get rid of his baby furniture and get him a bunk bed...believe it or not, not a mistake...the transition was a piece of cake.

When we went to Disney World on his birthday, his favorite ride was the Winnie the Pooh ride...ever since then anything that has a character from Winnie the Pooh is called "Pooh ride"...even his crocs that have Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore on them.

He has always been a picky eater...we can barely get him to eat a veggie...do black beans count?

His favorite holiday, if you call it that, is Halloween. He likes to ring the door bell, even now, and say "trick-treat" with hope that he will get some candy.

He calls M&M's and Skittles Ning-a Ning's...don't ask us why.

Just like Ashlyn he has a little blankie and he too calls it Kiki.

He still sleeps with a taci (pacifier)...someday we will rid him of that...at least we can take it away, unlike a thumb.

He loves being outside...we think that he would live out there if he could.

He loves to dance...and man is he a great dancer. He has some serious dance moves with tons of rhythm.

He thinks that Sissy hangs the moon.

His favorite TV show is Bah Bah (Crashbox on HBO)...good thing it is a very educational show. He likes to watch it right before bedtime.

He loves to fall asleep to the music on his Baby Einstein Turtle Aquarium...it just recently broke so Daddy bought him a new one, but a different one. He played with it all night the first night...I'm glad the novelty wore off.

He is a "jumping bean"...loves to jump, especially at Monkey Joe's.

He loves our dog Lennox...calls him Lenny.

He loves slide-umm-umm's (slides)...even big water slides that he can ride down Mommy or Daddy.

Ashlyn's Swim Lesson

2009-03-27T14:57:00.004-04:00

So this is Ashlyn's 3rd private lesson this spring. She took 8 lessons last spring, and by the 2nd lesson, she was pretty much swimming on her own. Best money we ever spent. She did have some trouble swimming parallel to the water and would just tread water in a forward motion...it exhausted her. But now she is swimming parallel and is doing fantastic. She can also hold her breath under water longer than me...that doesn't say much though...I was never a really good swimmer. I knew enough so I wouldn't drown in a pool or the ocean. Take a look at our little fish...

Ashlyn's First Soccer Game

2009-03-23T14:54:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures of our future soccer star, along with her brother cheering her on. Her favorite position was goalie...not her Mom's favorite that's for sure. She did awesome in there. One of the Dad's came over to her after the game and wanted to recruit her over to his team because she played so well. She shut the other team out...and that was hard to do being that the score was probably 10 to nothing in favor of the other team. Oh well winning isn't everything, just as long as she had fun...and she did.

How ya doin'

2009-03-21T09:14:00.003-04:00

Brady has adored Lennox since day 1. Not like Ashlyn, she could really care less about him...usually he is just in her way or he passes gas and Ashlyn says, "EEEEWWWW Lennox, you stink!" then she proceeds to another room. Now Brady loves to roll around with him, hug him, kiss him, and play with him and his toys. This is a little taste of how Brady is around his best friend Lennox.

First Snowman

2009-03-04T13:13:00.002-05:00

As you can see, it snowed yet again. I thought I lived in North Carolina, not New York! Well at least we finally got to make our snowman...or I got to make it. Brady just stood in that same spot the whole time. Last time he didn't have boots and had to wear sneakers...obviously his feet froze and he wanted to go inside. So this time he wore Sissy's old boots (who cares that they are pink), he was afraid to walk. He kept saying "carry me". As soon as we were done with the snowman we had to go in...and have hot chocolate. Hopefully this is the last of the snow because it is suppose to be in the 70's this weekend.

All by Myself

2009-02-27T13:13:00.002-05:00

Look at me!!!

Big boy underpants for good. I don't even need my Mommy or Daddy's help. I figured that I would make it really easy on them since sissy gave them such a hard time. I can use my potty all by myself. Of course I let them do the dirty work...dump the "ewwwww" in the big potty. My favorite part is flushing it and waving bye bye to the "ewwww". And do you know what else? I even keep my night night pull-up dry...most of the time. I really want to wear my underpants all of the time and throw out all my left over diapers. I'll show my Mommy and Daddy, it will be sooner then they think.

Kissing Bandit

2009-02-19T14:57:00.002-05:00

So when Ashlyn came home from school today, Stephanie (the mom I carpool with), told me that Ashlyn was on the "red light" today (which means she got in trouble after a warning). I asked Ashlyn what happened and she told me that she tried to kiss Graham but he didn't want her to kiss him. That got her the warning, "yellow light". "What happened to get you on the red light?" I asked. I tried to kiss Graham again. I asked her why she did that, especially after a warning, and she said, "I really wanted to kiss a boy, Mommy. I only get to kiss Daddy and Brady, and I really wanted to kiss a boy that was just my friend. I'm thinking...you're only FIVE, please don't be starting this already. Of course I talked to her about boundaries, not invading any one's personal space, and to always keep your hands (and lips) to yourself. We hope now that all her kisses are just for family and those that give her permission.

25 Random Things about Ashlyn

2009-02-13T15:15:00.004-05:00

1. She stayed in her crib until she was almost 3. The only reason she went into a big girl bed is because we needed her crib for Brady.

2. She loved playing in her crib. She would climb in and out all during the day. She would ask someone to "cover me up with all animals".

3. She was and still is so independent. She would yell "I can do it" when you would try to help her with something...especially when she was buckling in to her car seat.

4. We had a hard time thinking of a girl's name when I was pregnant with her. We had a boy's name all picked out (Brady) but we knew we were having a girl. Her daddy came up with Ashlyn.

5. Her nick name is "Google Puff" which her daddy named her too when she was born.

6. Her middle name, Parker, is my mother's maiden name.

7. When she started to eat table food, she ate everything that I cooked and loved it. Now she is so picky...she eats macaroni and cheese at pretty much every meal.

8. She doesn't like peanut butter.

9. When she first started dancing, she would flap her right arm up and down like a chicken...it was so cute.

10. She fell down one step in our old house when she was 18 months old. She was carrying a sippy cup which she land on in her mouth. That is why she looks like she lost one of her front teeth. It is still there, but it stopped growing and is now disintegrating.

11. She calls her "little giraffe" blanket, Kiki, because that is how she first said blankie and it stuck.

12. She still has 2 of her Kiki's, one is so torn up it looks like it has gone through a shredder.

13. I think she still sucks her thumb at night...she has been working hard to stop.

14. She still loves to dress up in princess dresses and costumes.

15. She plays with matchbox cars just like her Mommy did.

16. She is a computer whiz...loves playing on the computer for hours.

17. Her two front bottom teeth are starting to wiggle.

18. We can't trust her with scissors because she cut through the electrical cord on her alarm clock (because she wanted to be able to get up at any time and not at 6, 7, or 8) and she also cut a big chunk of her hair off.

19. She loves making "houses" with all the couch pillows in the bonus room.

20. Her favorite color is purple...this year.

21. She can already add. She will come up with her own addition problems...like, three 3's and one 4 is...13.

22. She can remember words to songs after only hearing them a few times. She says that when she is 16 she is trying out for "American Idol"...I hope the show is still on the air 11 years from now.

23. She loves to take a shower in the morning with her daddy.

24. She will say, "don't look at me" then hide behind a couch and strip down to her underpants and run around the house.

25. She is a puzzle expert. She has been putting puzzles together since she was 2 that were meant for 3 year old children.

Big Boy

2009-02-13T15:09:00.002-05:00

So Brady has been interested in the potty for some time now...but now we took a big step...big boy underpants. Yes, we went out to Target on Wednesday and he picked out Spiderman and Handy Manny underpants. He was so excited that he wanted to put them on right away. He changed in their bathroom. So far he has pretty much trained himself. When we are out, we go to every public restroom available. Yesterday in Harris Teeter, we must had gone at least 5 times. He even kept his diaper dry all night last night. I am so proud of him. Keep your fingers crossed that he doesn't lose interest.

Snow Again

2009-02-04T16:37:00.002-05:00

No one knew, not even the weathermen. More snow...only about 2 inches though. We didn't play in it this time because it was bitter cold this morning. I think it was 6 with the wind chill. School was closed again so we all went to the YMCA together. I thought that we could play in it when we got back and it would be warmer. Well believe it or not our snow bunny didn't even want to go out after lunch, not even to build a snowman. She has been talking about making a snowman forever and today was probably her last chance...I don't think she understands that it really doesn't snow here all that much. The fact that we had two snow falls in two weeks is not normal...we can go winters and winters without any snow. I guess we will have to wait and see...

American Idol

2009-01-30T15:13:00.004-05:00

Typical day at the Sullivan's...except it looks like Ashlyn and Brady recruited their friends, Addy and Evelyn, from the neighborhood.

Weekend with Grandma and Grandpa

2009-01-30T14:20:00.005-05:00

We sure did have fun this past weekend with Grandma and Grandpa. The first night they got to see Ashlyn do gymnastics at her gym. She is still working hard on the cartwheel. I think I am going to have to buy her a cartwheel mat to help her practice. She is so determined, I know that she will get it. Her forward and backward rolls are most improved...she couldn't even do either one when she started in August. The most important thing is that she really enjoys it.

On Friday after Brady's nap it was actually warm enough to go to the park...which is weird because we just had that snow storm 3 days ago. That's Charlotte for you. We had a blast walking through the trails at Squirrel Lake. Ashlyn loves to explore...she is the best guide. Everything was perfect until Brady stepped in mud and then he didn't want to walk any more...Eeeeeewwwww (that's what he said). Notice the picture above when he is riding shoulders with Grandpa...no shoes or socks. I guess I should have made him wear sneakers instead of his "Pooh ride" crocs...lesson learned. When it was time to play on the "slide mmm mmm" he put them right back on. He'll do anything to ride down a slide. And believe me the two of them must have gone down it at least 30 times in a row...running up the steps, around the play set, then down the curly slide. Brady tried so hard to catch up to sissy but she lapped him at least 3 times, if not 4. I wish I had half the energy they have. I had a hard time getting them to stop for pictures.

Grandma and Grandpa also had the chance to make silly music videos with Ashlyn and Brady at Sports Connection on Saturday afternoon. They really have fun dancing to them in the bonus room everyday, especially Brady...he asks to watch them all the time.

Sunday we didn't do too much. We hung around the house and played outside a little bit. Ashlyn did ride her new bike some...I wish she would ride it even more. We got to get those training wheels off someday. We had dinner at home and as you can see from the above photo, Brady and Ashlyn helped with the green beans...I wish they would have tried them though. Ashlyn only eats frozen green beans and Brady only eats black beans...someday I'll get him to eat veggies.

Can't wait for another visit...hopefully we will get to visit them in Florida in the Fall. But we hope to see them here before that.

Snow Day, Glorious Snow Day

2009-01-23T14:00:00.004-05:00

Ashlyn did a snow dance with her friend Kayley, we prayed together, and we wished and wished it would come. I can't believe it worked...it snowed. We got just enough to play with the neighbors, use the sled, and make snow angels. It was only about 2 inches and was pretty much gone the next day or two, but we had a blast. It would be nice if we got at least one snow fall a winter. Although it is exhausting getting all dressed to go out in it...especially when it is 22 degrees but feels like 14. It would also be great if Brady had a pair of boots...he had to wear his sneakers...his poor feet. Oh, by the way...Ashlyn's new name is now 'Snow Bunny'. She loved it and never complained once about being cold, even after she made 7 snow angels and slid down the slide covered with snow.

Brady's ABC's

2009-01-18T10:22:00.002-05:00

A little girl's dream comes true

2009-01-16T14:09:00.003-05:00

What kid doesn't dream about getting bunk beds?
When Ashlyn transferred to a big girl bed she loved her new furniture. Well that was until she went to play at her friend's house and discovered a bunk bed. Tommy and I told her that when Brady gets a big boy bed that we would get him a bunk bed and she could sleep on the top bunk. I'm not sure if she understands that it doesn't mean forever. Now she can't wait to go to sleep...she even asks to take a nap when Brady does. Not that I let her, Brady would never go to sleep. Well I guess we should put her bed up for sale...just kidding. I'm sure the novelty will wear off someday. Until then, I think this will bring brother and 'sissy' closer.
The first night, Brady was a little scared going to sleep in a big boy bed. Tommy and I could hear them over the monitor...Ashlyn, in her cute little voice, tried to explain to Brady that bad dreams are just make believe and not to be scared because she was here to protect him. I think that she is starting to understand what it is to be a big sister...

Below Freezing

2009-01-16T12:09:00.003-05:00

Great-Grandma Elsie, Ashlyn is finally able to enjoy the hat and scarf that you knitted. She loves them, especially the scarf. We don't get many cold days...and believe me, I'm not complaining...so we don't use hats and scarves that often. I'm glad the hat still fits. I also can't believe Brady will actually put on the hat and mittens I bought him for Christmas. He asks to wear them now. I just hope that this cold spell doesn't last long...Grandma and Grandpa won't be able to handle it next weekend if it doesn't warm up some.

A few Christmas photos to share...

2009-01-15T14:18:00.002-05:00

Visiting Santa at Ashlyn's preschool...

Santa's helpers picking out a tree and wreath...

Our Princess decorating the tree...

It's been a while...a long while.

2009-01-09T14:19:00.002-05:00

So I'm back...hopefully for good. Ali, thanks for the pep talk last night. So much has happened since the last time I wrote that I don't even know where to start.
Christmas has past and we are now in the new year. Brady is talking like crazy. He usually cuts his words in half...so you really have to work at listening. But if you are around him enough you start to understand more and more. He can finally say his own name but Ashlyn I think will always be 'Sissy'. I can't count how many times I hear 'No Sissy' each day. He follows her around the house but can't keep up so he gets mad when she speeds ahead of him. "No Sissy, No!" Oh but how mad Ashlyn gets when he does get to the sink first to wash his hands before dinner. Pushing and shoving...pushing and shoving. Brings back memories of me and my brother. Don't get me wrong...they do get along...sometimes. It is a wonderful sight when they play together. If only they didn't always want to play with the same toys. They are both into cars right now. Especially the ones from the movie "Cars". In fact just the other day Ashlyn borrowed these other 'cars' from her friend Jackson and she carried them around everywhere. Brady too, of course. They were they exact same cars as the ones they already have, but bigger. Her friend asked for them back the next day...oh did she throw a fit. She wanted me to go out and buy them for her that very second. Sorry Ashlyn, life doesn't work that way. But she will get them this weekend...she has a gift card to use at Walmart...perfect timing Ava (her friend in Oswego).
Well I did it!!! I got something down. I am going to keep trying. My goal is to write every Friday. Hopefully it will get easier in time.

Potty Training

2008-11-04T15:35:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? Brady is using the potty!!! He is only 2 and is going on the potty. Hopefully he won't get bored. He doesn't really get the whole wet diaper thing yet. I have to ask him if he wants to go to keep his diaper dry. It's a start. It doesn't hurt that he gets skittles every time he goes...oh and he has to have two because everything he gets he needs one in each hand. So what if his teeth rot out, as long as he is potty trained. NO MORE DIAPERS!!!

Maybe not shingles

2008-11-04T15:32:00.002-05:00

I am so tired of itching. When is it going to end? Now the doctor doesn't even know what it is. I could have had shingles on my face but now the rest of my body where it is spreading to is unknown. Will the itching ever stop? It consumes me. I go to the dermatologist tomorrow with hope of some answers. Until then...

Poison Ivy?

2008-10-28T14:06:00.002-04:00

Okay, so last week on Wednesday my face started to itch. I thought that a bug just got me a few times on the face. Well, I scratched and scratched. It started to get worse and spread all over the right side of my cheek and my neck. I tried everything . Now keep in mind that my husband gets poison ivy all of the time, he can just walk by it and get it. So how did I get it and not him? We were in the same places on Sunday at the park? I also am so careful not to touch anything. Meanwhile he fishes through a pack of leaves and vines to get someone's basketball and I say, hope you don't get poison ivy...you should have used your foot instead of your hands.

I should have gone to the doctor on Friday when I called to see if they could give me anything for the itch. They said they had to see me first. So I tried to make it through the weekend. Well by Monday, my face was swollen and throbbing. I went to the doctor...I have shingles!!! ON MY FACE!!! How gross is that!? So I have to call all of my students to make sure they have had chicken pox or have been vaccinated. What a pain in the neck, literally...and in the face too. I hate leaving the house and I feel like I have to explain my disgusting oozing crusty face to everyone I see, even complete strangers. I won't even go to the gym. Probably better off, the people wouldn't be able to work out because they would be too busy looking at my face. Ashlyn even looks at it. She'll be talking to me and I will catch her eyes moving to look at it. I will say, "are you looking at my shingles?" she'll say, "yes, I like to Mommy." I hope this medicine kicks in soon, we have a block party on Saturday.

"Melmo"

2008-10-24T14:11:00.003-04:00

Last week I took Brady to see Elmo Live with a couple of my neighbors. Brady loved it. We had third row seats. The characters came right up to us. Cookie Monster rubbed on Brady's head, and now that's all he talks about. I'm surprised how attentive he was being that he decided to get up at 5 am that morning. Although when the show was over we opted to go home instead of eating lunch with everyone. He, of course, fell asleep on the way home...

"I used to be 4" "Now I am 5"

2008-10-08T14:51:00.004-04:00

Today, Ashlyn came home from school wanting to write. She asked for some paper and went upstairs on her own to write. She asked me how to spell the words that she wanted to use. I am so proud of her! She even made designer I's...getting a little creative. What next? Reading? I would think math, but who knows.

Disney World

2008-09-29T12:22:00.010-04:00

We're back. I can't even begin to tell you how great our trip was. We had a rocky start when Tommy woke up sick in the middle of our second night there. I had to venture off myself with the kids to Animal Kingdom. It went okay, except for some fighting in the double stroller. Oh...we left our stroller in Charlotte and had to buy one at Super Walmart in Orlando (that was an interesting trip...Tommy said it was his worst shopping experience ever...no wonder he bought a huge bottle of vodka there, yes in Walmart). Anyway, I rented a double stroller in Animal Kingdom..$31 for the day, but well worth it. Thankfully Tommy started to feel better and we all went to Hollywood Studios the next day with my parents and my brother and his wife.

September is a great time to go...very little lines to wait on. Some rides had no wait at all. Some of Ashlyn and Brady's favorites were: It's a Small World, Winnie the Pooh, Cars, Thunder Mountain (Ashlyn's favorite, even though Brady kept saying "me too, me too"...he wanted so bad to be tall enough), Splash Mountain, and the Mickey Mouse Philharmagic Show (Brady was a little scared of this one, it was 3-D). I loved Space Mountain myself...I went on it all by myself. I wanted to try the Rock-n-Roll and Mt Everest rollercoasters but Ashlyn was an inch too short. Next year she'll be tall enough but I don't think she really knows how crazy those coasters are. She may have my 'love for rollercoasters' genes though.

Ashlyn got her wish to become Princess Jasmine at the Bibbitti Bobbitti Boutique. She was so lucky that she even got picked to get made up in a special area (in the front window of the store). People were walking by waving and pointing at her. She felt like she was famous. When she was done, people asked to have their picture taken with her and some even asked for her autograph. She ate it up.

Ashlyn also got to eat lunch with 5 of her favorite princesses (Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Alice, and Aurora). She got many autographs and pictures taken with them. Brady got to eat breakfast with Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, and Stitch on his birthday. Too bad he didn't eat a thing (not even his birthday cupcake) and wanted to leave pretty much as soon as we got there. Ashlyn had fun though.

Daddy and Brady going down the water slide at our hotel for the 100th time. Brady has his own song, "Slide, um, um. Slide, um, um."

Ashlyn's favorite princess, Jasmine.

Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine.

Donald Duck and the family in Mexico (Epcot).

Streesed out but excited

2008-09-18T14:48:00.003-04:00

We're off to Disney tomorrow. Hope the car ride is okay for the kids.....

Chef Ashlyn

2008-09-13T20:32:00.003-04:00

September 10th, Ashlyn's 5th Birthday. We made cupcakes together. Anytime we cook together, she wears her apron and hat...so cute. I am thankful that she kept her clothes on under the apron this time.

Make a wish..."I wish I could be a real princess in Disney World."

Words, Words, and more Words

2008-09-06T13:08:00.002-04:00

Some of Brady's new favorite words: mine (top of the list), my turn (actually 'my' in front of any word), Lenna (Lennox), slide, side (outside), teeze (macaroni and cheese...his favorite food), nak (snack), kiki (his little blankie), taci (pacifier), throw, and ball (he is already a little athlete). Soon we won't be able to keep him quiet.

Potty Time

2008-09-06T13:04:00.003-04:00

Okay, so last night we were out to dinner and Brady kept saying 'potty'. The words are flowing out now. So he and I walked to the bathroom and sure enough he wanted to use the potty. He actually did it and he is not even two yet. I'm not going to get too excited, but it would be nice if he trained himself since he wants to do everything else by himself.

School Bells

2008-09-05T15:23:00.003-04:00

Ashlyn had a great first week back at school. She loves her teachers and classmates. Now if I could just get her to eat a full lunch there. Every day she comes home with something in her lunch box that she didn't eat. Just like me, she won't eat peanut butter and jelly. She doesn't eat sandwiches either. I feel like I have tried everything. Any ideas?

First Day of School

2008-09-03T14:06:00.002-04:00

Ashlyn had a great first day back to preschool. I'm really glad I put her in TK. I think that this year will really be good for her. She loves her new teachers and can't wait to go each day. She is definitely MY daughter.

Zip line

2008-09-01T13:23:00.003-04:00

Ashlyn got a zip line Saturday. Tommy put it up in the backyard. Ashlyn said, "we have the coolest backyard now!"

Matthews Festival

2008-09-01T12:58:00.003-04:00

Saturday morning we went to the Matthews Festival that they have every year Labor Day weekend. We got there when it openned so the kids could get on all the rides before the parade at 10. It was great, no lines. Brady loved the slide and asked to do 'mo'. Ashlyn got a butterfly painted on her face while we waited for the parade to come. We met up with our friends, the Shaws. Ashlyn and Kylie have been good friends since before they both turned one. We stayed for about 2 1/2 hours then it looked like Brady had had enough.

When we got home, Brady didn't even want lunch. He wanted his crib. Wierd, it was only 11:30 am. He felt super hot, so I took his temperature. He had 102.6. Where did that come from? I gave him some motrin. He napped for less than an hour. When he got up he was acting fine so we went out to some stores to buy a birthday gift. Big mistake. Well I guess we did too much because when we got home he had 104 temperature. Straight to bed at 5:30 pm. Did I mention I didn't put any pants on him, just left him in his diaper and a pj top? He was burning up, so I thought it was a good idea at the time...until Tommy called me while I was out with Ashlyn. Um... Brady took off his diaper and...I'm sure you can figure out the rest. Tommy did a good job cleaning up, but Brady was up again. He went back to bed in clean sheets at 8 pm. He slept through the night.

Gymnastics

2008-08-29T13:06:00.003-04:00

Last night was Ashlyn's first gymnastics class; she's the one in the light pink leotard. Wow, it brought back memories. She loved it! She asked if she could live at the gym. She's definitely my daughter. When we got to the gym I told her to sit with her class and listen to Coach Gina (she's Russian with not much personality). As soon as I walked away, Ashlyn was jumping on a spring board and climbing all over the mats. I had to explain to her that it is not free play, that she is going to learn from her coach. She just seemed to be so interested in the older gymnasts flipping around that she had a hard time focusing on her group. I noticed a few times the coach used one hand to turn Ashlyn's head around in the right direction. She said at the end of class, "I just want to be where all the other girls are." I said, "keep practicing and you will be there someday."

I can't wait to see her do a real cartwheel. She tried last night but it didn't remotely look like one. If I know her, she won't stop until she can do it right.

Brady-Man

2008-08-27T20:29:00.004-04:00

So we received two full boxes of goodies from my grandma the other day. For those of you that don't know, my grandma lives in Las Vegas and loves to send boxes of things she gets from the casinos with the points she's racked up. Along with blankets, scarves, hats, and sweaters that she made. The kids had a blast going through all of the great and interesting things. One of our favorites is this beautiful blanket that she knitted (or thought she knitted), until my mother told me she bought it. Oops. Ashlyn set up a bed in the dining room with a bunch of books. She then pretended to read to Brady. Brady kept coming back for 'mo' (that's how he says more). Most of his words are cut in half. His favorite...whaszat (what's that?). He must say that at least 50 times a day. Can't complain, at least he is finally starting to talk.

Another is...dy (try?). He wants to try everything. Mostly everything his sister does. As you can see he had to try on her shin guards, soccer socks, and sneakers after asking whaszat. I'm surprised he didn't make me dy. He cracks me up!

Yes, Ashlyn is playing soccer. What else would her mom sign her up for? She loves it! Although today my neighbor, Ali took Ashlyn with her son Jack to soccer clinic while I was tutoring and then told me that Ashlyn was hugging on Jack during practice. When Ali asked her to let him go so they could continue to practice, she said "but Ms. Ali I just love him so much". Yup, she already has her husband picked out. Tommy and I wouldn't mind, he is such a great kid and did I mention adorable too. She has great taste.

Ashlyn also starts gymnastics tomorrow. Can't wait to see how that goes. Until then...

At the Car Wash

2008-08-26T13:21:00.003-04:00

Tommy washed his car this weekend and as you can see the kids helped. They love helping Daddy, although most of the time they are fighting over the hose and jumping in puddles. Ashlyn squirted Brady right in the face one time and Brady squirted himself in the face another time. I had to strip Brady down to his diaper because he was getting so wet. They were both trying to get as dirty as possible, so I had to through them in the tub after it all. Thankfully then it was rest time. Horray!!

Starting our first Blog

2008-08-25T13:35:00.000-04:00

Ashlyn and I decided to start a blog. We are both beginners at this, so cut us some slack. I will try to write when I can. But remember, I was and never will be a good writer.

Ashlyn will be 5 soon and Brady 2. Both in September. We are having a double birthday party for them at Monkey Joes. It should be fun. We are then taking them to Disney World for the first time. We will have a princess lunch and character breakfast for the kids. Ashlyn will become a princess at the Bibbiti Bobbiti Boutique. I don't think that she knows what she is in for and how much fun she will have. I will try my best to keep you all updated.