Build a Bear...

We had planned to take Addison to Build a Bear for her birthday this year. We decided to make it a birthday tradition...we'd take her to Build a Bear, let her pick out a doll, stuff it, wash it, pick out some clothes, and name it. But because of our big celebration for her 1st birthday, with family and friends visiting from out of town, and the Super Bowl...we didn't get around to this new tradition until a week after her birthday. It's the thought that counts, right? 

I have to record that our first attempt at Build a Bear was NOT a success. We thought we would go on a Saturday afternoon...we spent a good 25 minutes trying to find a place to park at the mall, forgot the stroller, didn't give Addison her afternoon nap...should I go any further?!?! Well, I do want this in the record books, so I will continue. We finally got into Build a Bear and were browsing through the animals. Addison wanted nothing to do with building a bear...she just wanted to walk. So every time I set her down, she would run straight out the door!!! I would go to pick her up and she would throw a fit...yes, this was truly her first fit AND it was in front of a million people waiting in line to build a bear. Needless to say, we decided to take our sweet girl home and come back later. Note...Addi Kate was fast asleep within 10 minutes after we put her back in the car :)

So we decided to try our luck again, but this time, on a Monday.  We parked easily, brought the stroller, had some snacks in hand, ensured Addi had her afternoon nap, and we were the ONLY customers in Build a Bear!!! SCORE!!!

We picked out a sweet little monkey to be our first doll. We brought her over to the stuffing tank and had her filled with lots of love...

Then Daddy gave her a good bath...

We picked out a cute dress and gave her a name. Meet Marley the Monkey...

By the look on Addison's face, I think she enjoyed her birthday tradition.

Bubble Fun...

Our little girl is obsessed with BUBBLES! She loves to watch them and will spend hours chasing them around the yard...

Her lips in the picture above just KILL me!

We've learned as new parents that it doesn't take a lot of money or toys to entertain our sweet girl. She likes to play in the tupperware cabinet, tear up old magazines, and watch us blow bubbles. It truly is the small things in life that mean the most :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

We had a great February 14th with our sweet little Valentine, Addi Kate.

 I could SO eat her up!!!

We stayed home as family again this year for Valentine's Day. We opened gifts and Daddy cooked steaks and baked potatoes for dinner.

I think it's safe to say that Addi liked her gifts for Valentine's Day...

I found the cutest little shop that makes these adorable dolls and monograms your child's name on the belly. 

And Daddy insisted on getting Addison this Aquadoodle...

I think we might have a little artist on our hands!

But my favorite thing about Valentine's Day this year was the gift that Addison made for me...

It's a box of chocolates with Addison's beautiful drawing on the top :)

I hope you had a fabulous Valentine's Day too!

Prettiest Girl in the Whole Wide World...

Addison has been doing a LOT of adorable things lately. She has really started to mimic things that we do and responding to questions that we ask her. Some of her favorite things to do are...

1. Tell Kodi "no no no", while shaking her adorable finger.
2. Give Daddy High Fives
3. Feed her babies their bottles.
4. Throw her hands up when we say "TOUCHDOWN!" We are getting her ready for next season :) 
5. Hug and kiss Snoopy...this isn't new but she's starting to do it more and more!
6. Dance! Every time she hears music she bounces up and down and swings her little hands all around.

But my favorite thing (so far) that Addi Kate has done, is answer the question, "Who's the prettiest girl in the whole wide world?" Watch this video and see for yourself...

I just DIE every time I watch that video :)

First Trip to the Zoo...

We had every intention to take Addison to Build a Bear on her birthday to start a tradition of us creating a stuffed animal as a family on her special day. BUT with us staying up late the night of her party, friends and family from out of town, clean up from the party, Jilly and Pops anniversary, and the Superbowl, we decided to just spend the day with family and relax. I took the Monday after Addi's birthday off, so our plan was to visit Build a Bear then...well you know how well-laid plans go, right? We made a split second decision and ended up taking Addison to the zoo!!!

I'm not surprised that she had an absolute blast! This little girl loves all animals :)

We got our wagon ready (and Elmo too) and headed to the zoo...

A lot of the animals were napping, but we did get to see a few playing and enjoying the pretty weather. The elephants did NOT disappoint...

We were able to get pretty close and Addi was mesmerized!

We also took a train ride, which was probably her favorite part of the day!

You are able to feed the giraffes at the Jacksonville Zoo, so we got super close to these pretty creatures...

The monkeys were all sleeping, so Addi and Daddy took a picture with the "gorilla" instead :)

Thanks D-ma for the Zoo Membership...I'm sure we'll be spending a lot of the Spring and Summer enjoying the animals :)

Addi's Invite...

I had several people ask me to share Addison's Birthday Party Invitation. 

The front was designed by the Lemonade Design Studio...

And we took this picture of Addi for the back...

SO sweet :)

Addi Kate's Lemonade Stand...

We had your 1st Birthday Party this past weekend and it was such a success. We had over 50 adults and 14 children!!!  We cooked hamburgers and hotdogs, played games, and even took a hayride around Ponderville. 

Here are a few of the pictures we took at Addi Kate's Lemonade Stand.

This is the sign that greeted our guests...

The finished Lemonade Stand...

Sugar cookies made by Sweet Goosie Girl :)

One of the games we played...Pin the Bow on Addi Kate!

Cousin Mikey did a great job!

Even Addi's great grandmother joined in the fun!

We had the kids hunt hidden lemons...

A few more details from the day...

Two of my favorite pictures from the party...

I think it's safe to say that Addi has a sweet tooth!!

Our baby girl was loved on by so many people that day...

We had such a fabulous day! Lots of good food, good friends, and good times!

Happy 1st Birthday Sweetheart...your Daddy and I love you MORE than the world :)

Here are a few of the other sweet  shops that helped me make Addi's Birthday so special:
Jennifer Alison Design : Stickers for the invitations and cookie bags
Chicabug :  water bottle labels
Cute Kids Food Box : straws and party signs for Addi's monthly pictures 
Ms. Rogers Neighborhood : pennant banner for behind the cake
A Fete Beckons : pennant banner for the cake
Party Garden : children plastic mason jars
Cinotti's Bakery : cake