May and June, 2011

This weekend we went to Idle-Hour Ranch in Troy. Jeff passes this place everyday on his way to work and never really knew what it was all about. We saw signs about the Enchanted Elephants coming soon, so we looked into it. Basically it is a year round "exotic" animal farm, but they had special visitors this week. We checked it out, and it was well worth it and surprising to be just down the road.

This is Jeff and Addyson after riding one of the elephants -- Cora.

Jeff and Addyson riding the elephant around the field.There was a giraffe you could feed. There was even a 2nd floor platform you could climb to be eye-level iwth the giraffe. Of course, Addyson didn't have any interest in feeding or touching but did like to look. The giraffe and camels (behind the giraffe) from the 2nd floor viewing area.Jeff and Addy talking to the baby goats. This is about as close as Addy would get to them.Last month, over Memorial Day weekend, we went to Milwaukee to visit the Kelms - Sandy, Chase and little Conner (who was just 10 weeks old). The Roscoes also made the trip from Columbus. While visiting we went to a Children's museum, the Lakefront Brewery, visited the local park, and were able to watch a Brewers Game. The kids got Brewers T-shirts from the Kelm's to wear to the game. A great weekend and great visiting with the Kelms and the Roscoes.

3 of the 4 kids (missing little Conner) - Nolan and Madelyn Roscoe and Addyson. We think Nolan had a little crush on Addyson by the end of the weekend....her first boyfriend.
The Reeds at the ballgame.
Hey Buddy!!We also went to the Betty Brinn kids muesem and the kids had almost as much fun as the dads with all of the fun stuff. Addyson taking a video at the play tv station.Addyson putting at the Betty Brinn.
"Look Dad, a hole in one!"The Reeds in the lobby of the local art museum -- don't worry, the lobby is the farthest in we got. The lobby overlooked the lake - a great view!

A busy April!

Addyson had her first dentist appointment while mom had her checkup. She did a really good job and was so proud of the bag of goodies the dentist gave her. She received a tootbrush, toothpaste, and a coupon for Apple Slices at McDonalds. And showed everyone in the office while she was waiting on mom. All in all it was a pretty good first visit.

Look at all the things Addy brought home from the dentist. A very excited little girl.
The week prior to Easter we had the Brand Easter at Spring Hill in Versailles, Addy enjoyed the egg hunt with all the other Brand Kids. Her first egg hunt was a little rough -- not too sure what it was all about. However after she found out the eggs had surprises in them, she was all about hunting for eggs! She became a pro by the time Easter came along.
Showing us her bag of eggs, very excited.
We took a trip over Easter weekend to Gatlinburg, TN with the Brand Clan. We stayed in a cabin in the smokey mountains. It was a great getaway for all of us. And miracously the sun shined pretty much the whole weekend -- unlike the rainy weather that was occuring in Ohio!
The Easter Bunny came to see us all the way in Tennesee. Addy was excited to look for eggs, I think she finally gets what they are, and more importantly what is IN them! CANDY!!
Nice picture of the Reed's on the porch of the cabin.
On Saturday we explored the Cades Cove area which was beautiful. It was also great getting outside to explore nature with Addyson. Dad was able to borrow a pack to carry Addy in, which helped a lot for the longer hikes. However, Dad still thought they were long walks carrying around an extra 25lbs. (Don't worry moms -- I reminded him that I too was carrying some extra weight and not complaining!! ;) )

All four Reed's posing for pictures on our hike. This was a small creek by a historic house on our hike. Addy likes her sunglasses.
Addy and Aunt Mal-Mal splashing water in the creek - Addy was very excited to feel the cold water.
Addy was out running in this large grassy pasture, she looked so little out there in the distance, so we zoomed in for this picture of her running through the tall grass.

There was a black bear that came by our cabin, and this was Addy watching from in the house. She kept calling it a Polar Bear, and was asking about it all weekend and wondering when it was going to come back. Thankfully the bear only came to visit once!

And yes a black bear actually did visit us while we were at the cabin. Thankfully most of us (Addyson included) were inside when he came for a visit. Funny story, we looked out across the Smokies and thought it would be cool to see a bear while we were here. We no more than finished the conversation, turned around and a bear was walking up the road to our cabin. He came up, tried to get into the trash, which was closed inside a large, locked cage. He was unsuccessful and proceeded to the next house. It was pretty cool -- the guys were on the porch and were probably 10ft from him at one point. The girls were all inside looking through the window!

Another picture of the bear meandring around the cabin.

Oh the bubbles with Uncle Steve were a big hit!! Lots of bubbles in the mouth at first, but finally figured out they don't taste so great. Good times, thanks Steve.

On Easter Sunday we took it easy -- we were all a little wore out from Saturday. After going to church we rode a Tram to the top of the mountain in downtown Gatlinburg. The tram took us to a small amusement park which had a carousel. Jeff took Addyson on the ride and didn't realize until the ride started that Addy was on a stationary horse (the only stationary horse on the ride!!). Addy did mind though -- still made Dad feel good by telling the horse to Giddy-up.

Addy opening up presents on Easter morning. You can also see her little black bear that we got for her after the Bear sighting. This little bear says "raaaaar!!"

The transition begins....

Addy got a "Big Girl Bed" this week!! She was pretty excited and says that her old bed is for the new baby. We still have a lot to do to fully transition her room over but we were able to at least get her mattress and box spring set up. And, yes, the mattress and box spring is sitting directly on the floor. She seems extremely small in the big bed!

We are on our second night with the new bed, and all seems to be going well.

Reading books in the new bed We had an Easter Egg hunt in Kensington and Grandma Rhonda come over to visit. We all went out after for Grandma's Birthday. Addy has learned how to sing Happy Birthday, well sort of.

Mom and Addy at the egg hunt.

We only got 2 eggs because we were scared of the other kids....look at that dissapointed little face. We should have shown her what was actually in the eggs though -- she might have been more interested. Now all we are hearing is "more candee".

SURPRISE

My sisters and Jeff were thoughtful enough to throw a surprise 30th birthday party for me last weekend. Yes, I was completely surprised. Apparently all of the cars on our street wasn't enough to cause me to think something was up. Of course the theme was the 80's and our family and friends were great enough to dress up -- some fantastic get-ups and accessories. Below is the only picture I have of the night - hopefully others will share more with us.

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. Can't believe Addy's parents are now both in their 30's!

Addyson enjoyed the party as well - especially sporting this wig and showing off for everyone.

Speaking of Addyson. She is talking so much more and of course she says something cute and funny every day. Right now the one of the funnier things she is doing is actually calling Jeff and I by our actual names, not just Mom and Dad. She started saying "Ky" after 2 or 3 "mom's" weren't enough to get my attention. She now does it because she knows it gets a reaction from us. She is also learning a lot from day care -- days of the week, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Ring Around the Rosey. Hopefully we can capture on video to share.

We are still working on potty training and are in the middle of transitioning her to a big girl bed! The mattress has been delivered, bedding and some decorations bought. Hopefully next week we can get her bedroom transitioned over and a new nursery put together. We will definitely have pics to share when all of this happens! Lots of good things to come!

Happy 2nd Birthday Addyson!!

Last week Addyson turned 2!! Amazing how time flies. Family joined us for a wonderful celebration. Lots of presents, attention, good times and good company. Addyson loved all of the attention from everyone.

Addyson not so sure about everyone signing Happy Birthday to her. We made a t-shirt for her birthday celebration that shows 2 fingers, but also the "peace" symbol because when you ask Addy how old she is, she says "two, peace" while holding up 2 fingers. I think we have one of her aunts to thank for that.

Addyson sitting on her "throne" while opening presents. We welcome the warmer temps -- Addyson is ready with her swim suit.

We also saw a glimpse of Addy's "teen" years - she received a "cell phone" and a purse as gifts which she quickly put to use. Check out the video for the full effect...attitude included!


Comfy on her chair talking to someone.....I'm sure this scene will be seen 14 or so years from now.

The morning of her party, we opened up gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Reed, who are in S. Carolina so they weren't able to join us for the party. She received lots of wood toys - one is this train whistle which she is getting better at using.

Addyson getting ready for some time outdoors!

Addyson and Daddy playing on the layer of ice outside.

Mom and Addy posing for a picture.

Addyson and Dad playing in the snow with freinds Mark and Caden Francis. Addyson loves when she gets to play with Caden and Sammy.

A video of Addyson from the birthday party.....or perhaps a view into the future!

December -- what a crazy month!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

We were able to celebrate Christmas and New Years surrounded by family and friends -- we are so blessed! We are also very blessed with the wonderful memories that 2010 brought us and will continue to be blessed with 2011 -- can't wait to see what the new year will bring us.

Addyson showing off her Saint Nick gifts (or hamming it up! Not sure)! St Nick brought her Elf on the Shelf and a few hand puppets. St Nick also brought her a pair of snow boots.

Addyson telling Dad not to forget the puppets!

One of Addyson's visit with Santa -- at our Brand Christmas party. And this is about as close as she would get -- she definitely would not sit on his lap. By the end of Santa's visit, as he was leaving, she did give Santa a kiss! Very cute.

Santa trying to talk Addyson into a good-bye kiss.

Okay, one small little Christmas kiss for Santa!

Addyson showing off one of her gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Brand -- a UD tshirt! We were even able to put it to use a few days later at Addyson's first UD game. Go Flyers! Addyson was a great elf at all of our Christmas parties -- she enjoyed handing out everyone's gifts.

Another baby for Addyson from Grandma Rhonda. Baby even came with all of the necessities -- a stroller, a high chair, a walker and a crib. Addyson is enjoying all of her new toys.

Addy helping Daddy fix Grandma's table. her tongue is just starting to stick out -- she can't concentrate without sticking out her tongue!

Addyson being Santa's helper on Christmas morning.

Addyson and Dad enjoying one of her presents from Santa -- a tent and a tunnel! So much fun to be had, especially when mom and dad have to get into the tent and tunnel.

Again with the tongue when she concentrates! Helping dad put in batteries.

At the Zumberger Christmas party Addyson sat right next to Great-Grandma and Grandpa and helped all of the grand-children open up their presents. She was a great little helper! Here she is helping Dad open up his present - a set of deer whistles for the Acadia. Hopefully this will help come next November. Deer, look out!

Addyson with her cousin Lily. Addyson was such a big helper with Lily -- she enjoyed holding her and playing with her!

Happy New Years! This is Addyson right before the ball dropped at midnight -- yes, midnight! Somehow she found the energy to stay up until midnight and celebrate with everyone -- I think she was sneaking candy! We spent the evening with lots of friends playing games. The most fun of the night was when we played games from Minute to Win It -- hilarious! Unfortunately (or fortunately) we don't have eny videos from it. If we did, I'm sure they would be YouTube hits -- so many laughs and unexpected talents.

Right before all of the Christmas celebrations, Dad and Mom got away for a long weekend. We went to Niagra Falls / Buffalo, New York for a Browns game with the GWE crew. We quickly visited the Falls before heading to the casino that was about 2 blocks from our hotel - trouble! The football game, which unfortunately ended with a loss for the Browns, was very rainy but not too cold. We were all expecting bitter, bitter cold so we were all dressed for the part. Fortunately it was mid-30s, but rainy. It rained the entire game. Either way, the weekend was a blast with great friends. Always a good time! Next year my vote is for a much warmer location.