Back Home for BIRTHDAY FUN!

Happy Birthday to ME!

My morning kicked off with a big birthday breakfast complete with pancakes and candles, and only got better from there. I got to open some birthday gifts and picked my favorite (a sleeping beauty dress) to wear around the house.



After a birthday episode of my favorite show, Little Einsteins, I got dressed for the day (in my new birthday tutu and top courtesy of Mom) and we kicked off my birthday with a morning trip to a private gymnastics session! I showed off my skills for the teacher and she was impressed with the strength I have developed in my arms- I mean, check me out as I flip over the bar without help...



Mom tried to persuade me to take a swing on the rings, but instead I chose to pose and pout as only a princess would.

I had tons of fun running through the gym having everything to myself. Because Macie and I were the only ones, Macie got to crawl around and watch me up close- she is trying to become more and more involved everyday.

Back at home both Macie and I were still exhausted (we should have been considering we didn't get home until midnight the previous evening) so Mom put us down for a nap.

We both slept for quite a while and woke up with tons of energy ready to continue my day of birthday fun! I was allowed to open another gift, this one from Grandma Judy. The first thing I opened was a princess lollipop twirler. After Mom gave me the OK I dove right in...


Once the lollipop was finished I opened the rest of my gift and was thrilled to find a Tinkerbell dress, crown, wand, and my first pair of heels. I didn't waste any time and put it on as quickly as possible.



In full costume Macie and I went out in the front yard to play together and I called Grandma Judy to Thank her for my great gift- while I was occupied Macie got to play with my wand and she was ecstatic because I am not much of a sharer.


The day was beautiful, not too warm, so we took advantage and stayed outside until Dad came home from work. We took a birthday bike ride around the block and Mom let me stay in my Tinkerbell outfit (I didn't even have to take my crown off to wear a helmet).


Once Dad came home we ate a special pizza dinner, but I couldn't concentrate on the food since I knew what was coming...

When Mom and Dad pulled it out of the fridge I was speechless!

After finally regaining my composure, all I could do was laugh and smile- I was SOOOO excited.

Just listen to the excitement in my voice while my family is singing me the birthday song:

I wasn't the only one that dove into the cake. Both Mom and Dad went at it with forks (no plates), and Macie couldn't shovel the cake in her mouth fast enough. All in all, I think my princess cake was a big hit for the entire family.



Later that week the weather warmed up (well over a comfortable temp) so our attire was sparse and we spent our time outdoors in the sprinklers.

Although Macie still melts in the sun, she did enjoy climbing up and down the slide.

Macie is getting more and more mobile- she climbs up the stairs with ease and can stand and walk holding onto objects. I can't believe how fast she is becoming a big girl. She is using her words more and more, and is able to communicate with the world around her.

Because I am so independent Mom lets me do things all by myself. From time to time she checks in on me to make sure "all is well", and every now and again is speechless at what she finds. In this particular instance I informed her that forwards is for peeing and backwards is for...


Mom didn't know how to respond, so instead of saying anything she just told me to "carry on" and to "let her know if I needed anything".

We spent our first week in Ohio enjoying the comfort that comes from being back home. We played in the yard in our grungiest clothes, ate food without worrying about making a mess, and did whatever our little hearts desired.

When the following Monday rolled around it was time to go to Princess Camp!!!

Mom was nervous for many reasons. One, she had never dropped me off somewhere and left me in another person's care (family excluded); Two, she was worried about my behavior and my willingness to listen to the rules- the long list of worries went on...

When we arrived at camp I was so excited that I barely turned around to yell a goodbye. I think I hurt Mom's feelings a little bit because she had a teary glaze in her eyes as she watched me from a distance for about a half hour before she finally took a deep breath and walked out the door. I guess she had an anxiety ridden morning. By the time she came back to pick me up 2 hours later she was a hot mess of worry. Without prompting my teachers said their goodbyes to me and then told my Mom how impressed they were with my behavior throughout the morning. Mom's face filled with shock at the realization that I am capable of being on my best behavior when required.

Back at home I told Mom all about my first day and showed off my AWESOME outfit and face paint.



My week at camp was full of excitement and without incident. Mom was so proud of me that we got to go to the grocery store to celebrate my last day of camp. My friend Jeannie helped me pick out a balloon and doughnut, and in true princess fashion I strutted my stuff through the store.


Mom is still having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I am 3 years old. Apparently it seems like just yesterday that I was born and now I am an independent little lady.

I am not the only one in the house growing up quickly- check out Macie feeding herself.

She LOVES to eat, and now that she can do it on her own wants to eat ALL THE TIME. Corn on the cob is one of the favorites, but it really doesn't matter what the food as long as its edible and accessible.



When the family got back from California we jumped right back into swim lessons, and boy have they paid off. I am totally comfortable in the water and love to play around with my friends.

Dad helped Macie to kick in the water, and despite her initial protests she soon became eager to play and kick her legs about.

Our little family is growing up so quickly and before we know it we will be celebrating Macie's first birthday. Knowing my family it will be something to look forward to!!!

California Trip: Week Three!!!

I think Dad left at a smart time because shortly after his departure Mom started frantically preparing for Miss Kristin's baby shower and we were immediately busy. Between running errands, doing projects, etc. we did manage to find some time for fun.

We went to another one of Pa's baseball games, and this time my friend Aidan came to watch with me. I was super excited to have a buddy!


Mom began feeling guilty that all the work she was doing for the shower was beginning to take away from my vacation fun so she took Macie and I to Sea World (although I we were still having tons of fun I was definitely not going to argue)

Upon our arrival we got to meet some Sea World characters and pose for pictures. Macie is a little camera shy, so I stepped up to the plate and smiled big enough for the both of us.



I have found that it tends to be a "hit or miss" whether or not you get to see certain animals, but this trip we got lucky. The big walrus was awake and swimming around, and upon seeing us became overly friendly. He came right up to the glass and gave me a big yawn- boy did I think that was cool!


Because Macie isn't walking on her own yet, Mom had to keep her confined to a stroller. She didn't seem to mind though, as she got a front row seat to see whales, dolphins, and all sorts of fish (which just happen to be among her favorites.)


After Sea World and a day with Grandma at the beach we went back to Pa's for a bonfire. Mom let me stay up late with the "big people" and roast marshmallows...


I love super toasty marshmallows, especially when we use them for S'mores. I helped make one for Grandma Jean and she informed us that it was the first, and the best, one she had ever had. If she is anything like me she will be hooked for life!!



Throughout the remainder of the week we took care of things for the shower and made pit stops to see friends along the way. When Friday finally arrived I was ecstatic because it was officially time for my pre birthday celebrations to begin. We kicked off the marathon with a visit to Chuck E Cheese!

After staring at him dance on stage he surprised me by coming down to say hello.

While we waited on the food I rode some rides, my favorite being anything I can drive or ride.

I was very fortunate that lots of people I love came to celebrate with me; Pa, Mikey, Grandma Judy, Ryan, Liz, Del, Austin, and Kia- I am sure a lucky girl!!!


While we were feasting on Pizza Chuck E. stopped by to say hello to Macie, and instead of being scared, she was fascinated and kept reaching out to touch him.



With so many distractions I had a hard time focusing on my food, but Aunt Liz helped keep me entertained and on task.


Seeing my Uncle Ryan always makes me so happy and this time was no different; I couldn't stop playing around with him- Mom says that Uncle Ryan was her favorite when she was little too!


When the food was finished Chuck E. Cheese came over to my table with a specail birthday cake just for me!

The coolest part was that he helped sing me the happy birthday song.

After the song I blew out the candles and daintily dove my finger right into the center (I was eager to get the first big bite, but didn't want to mess up the cake.)

It tasted just like it looked- chocolaty, and Mom and I were in heaven.

Macie is a little to young to enjoy Chuck E Cheese, but she was able to spend some quality time with both Pa and Grandma Judy, and that made her happy.




While Mom cleaned up the table Ryan, Liz, and I went on some rides. I rode a race car with Uncle Ryan,


and took a roller coster ride with Aunt Liz- we were going through the bumps at top speed-if you are skeptical check out Liz's hair blowing in the wind.


I had a super fun time playing with my Aunt and Uncle and look forward to doing many more fun things with them in the future.



I left Chuck E Cheese that night exhausted from all the excitement and full of happiness and gratitude for my amazing family and friends.

That next morning we woke up bright and early and started to prepare for the afternoon baby shower Mom had been planning for months. We loaded up the cars and drove out Miss Paula's house to start the set up. The shower went incredibly well, and Mom was very impressed with the outcome. Lots of nice people came to the party to help Miss Kristin celebrate the upcoming birth of her baby girl Amanda. I had been fearful that the day would be boring, but it was anything but- there were SO many friends there that Macie and I didn't slow down until the last guest left.

It was nice for mom to catch up with some of her friends and meet the new additions- Miss Janelle just had two twin boys!!!

Just as I did when Macie was in Mom's tummy, I spoke to Amanda and told her that I couldn't wait for her arrival so that we could play together.



While Mom was cleaning up the mess from the shower Macie occupied herself with a drumstick- a cuisine that Mom wished she had introduced sooner considering it kept Macie busy for almost a half an hour. You could tell by the look on her face that she was in "hog heaven"...


Once full, Macie put on a show for the crowd and it was then that Mom realized she has two little crowd pleasers on her hands.

I had an amazing time at Miss Paula's house, and made some great new friends.

I hope that Miss Kristin enjoyed the baby shower, and CAN'T wait until little Amanda is born.

After the long day Mom, Macie, and I went back to Grandma's to prepare for our trip back home. Thanks to Grandma Judy Mom was able to pack while we got to play. In the morning Mom loaded the car and Macie and I spent time saying our goodbyes to Pa and Grandma. We were grateful that they were both incredibly accommodating and hope they enjoyed our stay as much as we did.

At the airport Mom was impressed with Macie and my behavior. We ate, slept, and played on call, and Mom couldn't have been more proud of her two little ladies. On our layover in Tennesse there was a play place where Macie and I got to burn some energy. While playing I discoevered the allure of being on stage...

The passerby's couldn't help but comment on my performance and that only fueled the fire...

Mom couldn't get enough of my performing, and the half hour of exertion tired me out for the next flight. We made it back home without incident, and were happy to have our family together again. Going to bed was difficult since my birthday was rapidly approaching. I went to sleep with visions of cake and princesses in my head, and hope that it lives up to my expectations...

California Trip: Week Two!!!

As we were leaving Huntington Beach the exhaustion compounding over the last week hit, and both Macie and I were out cold before our car even made it to the 405. We slept ALL the way into San Diego and were still out cold when we pulled into the Umbarger's driveway. Mom had to wake both of us up since everyone was waiting for us to play.

Macie spent lots of time with Ryan and Liz, and has taken quite a liking to them both.


I got jealous that she was stealing some of my attention so I had to crash their party.


We stayed long into the night and left for Pa's when Mom saw bags beginning to form underneath our eyes. We got to Pa's and went straight to bed. When we woke up in the morning Pa surprised me with a new outfit- it was a baseball uniform that said "Manager"; I thought that suited me well.



Since Mom didn't have any major plans for the day Pa and I took a trip to Home Depot all by ourselves to buy some foliage for his back yard. Mom was a little concerned, but I was on my best behavior the whole time and had a lot of fun with Pa.



That afternoon we played around in Pa's backyard, and I even got to go in the Spa (Mom made we wear a silly bag on my head so that my hair wouldn't get wet)!!!

Macie had to watch from a distance since she isn't old enough to go in by herself, but Pa kept her company so she didn't have anything to complain about.

The next morning we woke up early and went to Pa's baseball game. He is still injured (broken ribs) and can't play, but he acted as manager and led the team to victory! After the game Mom, Macie and I said goodbye to Pa, picked up Grandma Judy, and drove to the airport to pick up Dad!!!

He was SO excited to be back in San Diego with his girls, and even more excited when we told him that we were taking him straight to Sea World from the airport...

Poor Grandma is still recovering from her broken leg and had to be in a wheel chair for most of the day. Lucky for me she mustered up enough strength to stand up and take a picture with Me, Macie, and SHAMU!!!




Dad had a blast seeing all the animals shows with us, and Macie really loved watching as all the birds went by (despite mom's abhorrence for birds they are Macie's favorite- she absolutely LOVES them).




Thanks to Grandma Judy's broken leg, we got front row seats for all the shows- it was nice to be able to see without standing on a bench to look over the tall people that inevitably sit in front of me.



It felt great to be back at Sea World with my family, and couldn't have been happier to be sharing this experience with my Dad!



While walking past the flamingo exhibit I spotted a tattoo booth and had to investigate. Despite Mom's rule (that has been passed down from Pa) regarding tattoos- can't get one ever, her and Dad allowed me to get a fake one. I was told I could pick out any tattoo design and color on the board. To both Mom and Dad's surprise I didn't' choose a princess crown or heart, instead I chose a skull and crossbones. Everyone was a little baffled by my decision since I am SO obsessed with everything princess, but I redeemed myself by requesting it to be both pink and purple- my self declared two favorite colors.

I felt like such a BIG girl sitting up on the stool all by myself!

The finished product was even cooler than I had imagined and I couldn't stop showing it off to anyone that would pay attention.


Before leaving I got to stop into Elmo's world and as the characters were dancing and singing on stage I put on a little show of my own...

On the way out Grandma Judy and I posed next to the Shamu car, which I now want as SOON as I turn 16!


We spent the following day on the beach as a family and Dad and Macie enjoyed walking up and down the shore listening to the waves crash and watching as the birds flew by.



Grandma helped Macie try to walk through the sand, but her poor little legs still aren't strong enough...

They made their way down to the shore and Macie got to feel the water. It was a little cold for her liking...

I didn't mind the cold at all, I was too excited to be at the beach and am glad Grandma's leg was feeling better so that we could jump the waves together.

Dad was sure glad he decided to make the trip out to California to spend time away with his family.


All the mornings actions made us sleepy, but before going down for our naps Macie insisted upon eating- no shock to any of us.

I have to admit that Macie is one of the happiest people in the whole world!

After spending the day at the beach we drove out to Pa's to celebrate his birthday weekend with him and the family. On the 3rd we had a birthday barbecue for Pa and lots of our good friends came to celebrate with us.

I swam around with Ryan and Liz,

and even Macie tried to join in the aquatic fun (check out her stance, she is getting stronger and stronger everyday and can pretty much stand on her own.)



Later in the evening we kept Macie occupied by rolling the ball around the yard and having her chase it. Yes its a little like playing ball with Jax, but Macie doesn't seem to mind!



Even though it was Pa's birthday I got to open a couple of birthday presents of my own. Uncle Ryan and Aunt Liz got me an awesome music box and necklace, and Grandma Jean and the Umbargers got me the Ariel outfit I have been asking for.




The following day was the 4th of July so we spent time with family and friends. In the afternoon we played at Linda's house with all her grand babies and had a blast!


Not only did I get to ride bikes, eat yummy food, and go swimming, I also got to take a bath with all my buddies!!!



After a wonderful holiday weekend at Pa's we packed up the car and went to the ball field to catch a game.



When the game was over we drove down to Grandma Judy's to spend another day at the beach before Dad had to fly back home to Ohio. The paparazzi (Mom) couldn't get enough of me in my new bathing suit (a 12 month suit that Miss Elizabeth gave Macie) and kept stopping me along the way to take pictures as I walked to the Ocean.

Since I was already being photographed I decided to ham it up a bit (Mom loves it when I do that)

At the beach Macie and I played in the sand and soaked up some sun!

We stayed until Macie's stomach couldn't hold out any longer and went back to the house for lunch. Grandma still can't believe how much food Macie can eat (more than some adults- NO JOKE) .




We took extra long naps and re-chraged our batteries so that we could go back for round 2 in the afternoon! Instead of going to the ocean again we walked over to the bay to build drip castles.



The bay is a special place for Grandma Judy and I, so we took a walk down to the shore together.



Now that I am brave she pulls me around while I sit on the boogie board- can you believe how far I have come??? Next time I plan on standing, maybe even surfing...



I really do LOVE to spend time at the beach- I love the sand, the water, and the SUN!



Even Macie (who abhors being in direct sunlight) enjoyed the afternoon at the bay.

She played games with Dad and every time she had the chance showed everyone who past by how big she was getting.

Mom tried to encourage Macie to work on crawling and standing in the sand, but she was more interested in playing than doing any physical labor.



After Mom gave up and sent her over to Grandma she decided to stand up on her own (typical Macie behavior that Mom is getting used to)...




Though I can't imagine what more fun we can have, Mom assures me that our final week in California is going to be filled with lots of fun and action!!! The anticipation is killing me...