IKEA

Today was a busy day with the Gummows. We headed to IKEA and all had a fun time checking out the rooms and playing house (grown ups included). I have always wanted to take pictures at IKEA, so today I did.

We started off having some lunch. Stella and Catcher are two peas in a pod and, as you can see, they loved posing it up for me.

Then it was on to the shopping, or more like posing.

At one point Stella became so comfortable with the IKEA beds that she decided to kick off her shoes and take a rest.

We had a great time. Thanks IKEA for the memories.

PIRATE FACE

This weekend my cousin Monica was in town with her two kids. Her daughter Annabelle is Stella's age and they have had a really great time playing together. Tonight Annabelle came over and I snapped some pictures of the two cute friends.

Annabelle does this pirate face that is hilarious. When I wanted a picture of just Annabelle doing her pirate thing, Stella felt left out so then I had to get a solo picture of her too.

BATH HAIR & PARTY CONVERSATIONS

I always love Stella's wild bath hair. It is crazy to see her relaxing in the bath and realize how big she is now. I remember when she was too tiny for the bath, and it doesn't seem that long ago.

I am trying to figure out what kind of birthday party to throw our soon-to-be three-year old. So tonight, I asked her if she wanted a princess party or a Harry Potter party. She said princess. So I asked her if she wanted a Harry Potter party or a princess party. She said princess again. Ok, fine. I thought that with her recent obsession with all things Harry she might have decided that princesses aren't as cool, but I guess I was wrong. Sorry Mr. Potter, you just can't compete with all the princess bling.

BALLOON PARTY

Last night was Ava's much anticipated (by Stella especially) third birthday extravaganza. Ashley did such a cute job and we had tons of fun, as you will be able to see.

BALLOON SURPRISE

Yesterday Brent took Stella on a little "surprise" shopping trip to the store. When they got home Stella ran to me and yelled: "Mom, I got you a balloon, you wanna see it!?" She of course couldn't stop talking about the balloon and struggled with the concept of a surprise. Then in her prayers that night she said she was thankful for getting Mommy a balloon. Right before he went to bed last night Brent told me: "Just wait, Stella might have a few surprises up her sleeve." I laughed so hard because I know I will never forget how she was too excited to wait to tell me all about the balloon.

Naturally I was super "surprised" when a card and balloon were delivered to my bedroom this morning. Stella showed me the card and then ripped open the envelope and raced to show me the giant pop-up Snoopy inside.

At church Stella also decided she wanted to go up with the other primary kids and sing. She didn't know the words, but she sure looked cute peeking over the wall and waving at her mommy. Man I love her, and I sure am lucky that I got to be her mom.