Wet n' Wild

Spend just a few minutes with Sweet Bean (or quickly peruse past posts) and you'll walk away knowing at least two things.

Not even the cooler, on and off again, temperatures of the past few weeks could deter her from a little more water fun. And though GG, can't claim to have been born in West Virginia like her Gee-Gee and Pop, she is certainly one wild and wonderful country girl!

Fun in the Sun (Weekend Edition)

With nothing but sun and warm temperatures this past weekend, we spent more than our fair share of time outside, which of course meant Sweet Bean couldn't have possibly been happier!

On Saturday, Bret stayed behind with a fever and cough to take care of a few chores, while GG and I moseyed across the street for a birthday pool party, the first of which Sweet Bean had ever attended.

I'm not sure what I loved more, the pool party concept or the invitation itself---"Come get cool in my inflatable pool!"

And get cool she did, Gillian Grace spent most of the two hours splitting her time between the pools. Though she did come out and join us just in time to sing Happy Birthday, even the allure of cake and ice cream wasn't enough to keep her from the pool any longer, and back she went for another dip.

When I was greeted so sweetly with "pool party" first thing Sunday morning as I entered to rouse GG up from her crib, I knew that we'd be making a trip to Toys R' Us as soon as it opened to purchase one of our own. Now every sunny day is a pool party kinda day! And if yesterday is any indication, with a  marathon of a pool party lasting nearly six hours (with a break for a nap), this pool has already more than paid for itself!

After all, a happy toddler = a happy family! And boy is she H-A-P-P-Y!

Water Baby

Last week, Sweet Bean and I headed across the bay to the Splash Pad for a playdate with Ashlyn and a few other little friends.

Even though I knew that capturing one extremely active toddler with the camera was tough, I quickly learned that capturing two practically requires divine intervention---those little buggers move f-a-s-t!

{Hopefully, the first of many photo ops with her "bestie," Miss Ashlyn.}

This was our first time at The Pad, though it definitely won't be our last---Gillian Grace loved it! She was totally in her element, considering she's been a water baby since her first dip in the pool at a ripe ol' age of 7 weeks. Not only are there plenty of fountains to keep the kids entertained, but it seems that nearly every family brings a car full of water goodies, that most are willing to share.  And the best part, the Splash Pad is 100% free!

With the weather surprisingly toasty for late April, I shudder to think what it will be like this summer, but one word does come to mind---UNBEARABLE. Fortunately, ample umbrella covered benches and tables surround the fountain area, giving easily overheated moms like me, a little respite from the heat!

And even though I forgot to snap any pictures of my little fashionista before she disrobed and headed into the fun zone, GG definitely looked the part of someone looking for a little fun in the sun. All decked out and coordinated from head to toe, I was so thankful for the last minute trip to Target and the purchase of Tiddliwinks (Crocs). While others were slipping on the pavement and stubbing tiny toes, GG never missed a second of her playtime, thanks to her super pink fancy feet!

And my absolute favorites---Sweet Bean having her own Marilyn Monroe moment! Classic!