My little DIVA

Oh, Annabel.... she was alternately so fun this weekend, and then so challenging! I think we are definitely entering the difficult toddler stage. This weekend for the first time she threw a fit when we tried to use some of her markers, shouting "MINE MINE MINE!!!" She must have learned this at daycare.... sigh.... and THEN, as if that wasn't enough fun, when I was trying to tell her that she should not press the buttons on the dishwasher she flat out laughed in my face. I didn't think this was supposed to start for a few more months! Let the games begin, I suppose!

So on to the fun Annabel.... When we were at the park on Sunday, Annabel wore my sunglasses because the sun was bothering her. It was so cute, but unforunately our camera battery had died so I missed the opportunity for a great photo op. So, being the mamarazzi that I am, I had to try and stage it when I got home. She looked so stinking cute!

I think we're in big trouble....

We went to the park on Sunday, and Annabel picked up an older man named Harrison. Seriously, this was the happiest she was the whole day... she was terribly bored with Mommy and Daddy, but Harrison was great fun!

More pics of the park.... Where did this big girl come from???

Take a hike!

Last weekend we spent Sunday afternoon at Ft. Harrison State Park on the northeast side of Indy. The weather was awesome - partly cloudy and mild temps.... perfect for a hike! Nate got to try out his birthday present for the first time, a back pack carrier for Annabel. That's no easy task carrying her around on your back, but he said it was pretty comfortable so I guess I picked out a good one. We went 4-5 miles (go Daddy!), and Annabel did really great. She had a lot of fun, and was happy nearly the entire way. She got a little whiney towards the end, but still it wasn't a meltdown or anything so I call it a success. Here are some pics:

Before the lunch we had a picnic lunch, and I told Nate he had to take a picture of the two of us. The last decent one I have is from April!

We were all alone in our little spot at the park, so Annabel was able to run around anywhere she wanted. She had a blast!

Getting strapped in!

And we're off....

Nate and his happy camper

This is Annabel's "I'm getting sleepy" pose. Thumb in mouth, and holding on to her hair with the other hand. She was pretty pooped by the time we were done - riding for 4 miles is hard work!

This is actually from Monday morning - Annabel woke up to early, and crashed before we went to her doctor appointment. Before I put her on the couch she fell asleep on my shoulder... I can't even remember the last time that happened! I absolutely melted.

A day at the park

We went to the playground after work one night last week.... Good thing we brought the camera, because this was funny!

A weekend on the farm

This weekend we went to Nate's aunt's farm, up near Chicago.... it was a beautiful weekend. Perfect weather, and tons of fun! Nate's sister Heather and her family were in town from Kansas City, and Gretchen and her family came too. So we had all 5 cousins together.... it's a shame we can't do this more often! I took a TON of pictures..... they turned out so well I couldn't wait to share. Here is just a sample of my favorites:

All the cousins!

Hannah & Annabel.... she was such a good helper this weekend!

Annabel was our navigator on the way there.

Playing with apples that fell off the tree

Hannah and Annabel

Annabel & Mommy swimming

Swimming with Aunt Patty

July 4th!

I know this is a little behind schedule, but better late than never, right? We had a pretty low key holiday for July 4th this year..... Nate and I were both off on Friday, but spent the day doing things around the house. We pulled some more weeds, and Nate worked on getting the garage organized. We can fit two cars in there now!

The next day my parents and sister came down to visit to celebrate July 4 and also my mom's birthday. We started with a trip to the zoo, then spent some time hanging out and playing pool at our house, and wrapped up the day with dinner out. No fireworks this year, unfortunately.... Annabel's not really that pleasant in the evenings, and plus the weather was pretty iffy. So we stayed in and had a nice time relaxing and watching tv.

Sunday was a day at home, nothing worth mentioning. Here are some pictures from our weekend!

My dad, Nikki & Annabel

Me, Annabel and my mom, waiting for the dolphin show to start

Watching the dolphin show - I'm not sure who's having more fun!

Hanging out at home

Reading a book with Grandma

Playing with Aunt Nikki

Going out to dinner!

Wearing Mommy's shirt

Playing with Daddy in the baby pool in the living room - why not?