Mommy/Katy Weekend

Over Labor Day weekend, while hubs was having his annual "Guys Weekend" at home, having fun with long-time friends, playing games and picking the perfect, "winning" fantasy football team, Lil' Miss and I started our own tradition- Mommy/Katy weekend!

We had Tea at the American Girl Bistro.... Both Samantha and Flower attended (in their matching Mommy-Made ensembles, of course! ;)...

We stayed at a fancy hotel, swam in the indoor salt-water pool and wrapped up in the cozy hotel robes...

We roamed the mall and played in the Lego store (this is our family as Legos :)....

I didn't take a whole lot of pictures...

Katy and I chatted. I got glimpses into her world.

I had coffee/Lil' Miss enjoyed some treats. 

We laughed! 

We went out to eat. 

We ate takeout in bed while watching 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.' 

We had fun!  

I tried so hard to savor every moment. 

Most of all, though, we just enjoyed making memories together! 

Love our Mommy/Katy time!

Sentence of the Day- "Stop the Bats!"

This past weekend, we got our in touch with our "Dixie side" and attended the Dixie Classic Fair with our friends, the Keys family. The weather was drizzly and a little too cool (for my liking!), but the girls had lots of fun riding the rides (and not having to wait in lines!).

At one point during the day, we consulted our fair schedule and decided to attend the acrobat show. As we were walking over to where the show was supposed to be, Katy asked us where we were going. Our friend, Justin, answered, "We're going to see the acrobats."

Horrified, Katy turned around and vehemently exclaimed, "I don't want to see BATS!!" I hate bats!!"

Mistakenly, Katy had thought Justin had said, BATS show, not ACRObats show. I don't blame you, Katy- I'm not much one for bats, either.... ;-)

Picnic at Memorial Gardens

"Last Wednesday, Mommy picked me up from school and we walked to Memorial Gardens for a picnic."

"This big fountain is my favorite!"

"Don't forget to water the mums!"

"Memorial Gardens is all dressed up for Fall!"

Little Miss Strawberry Shortcake- Annual Trip to Patterson Farms

"Today, Mommy and I returned to Patterson Farms for our annual strawberry picking adventure. This was our fourth year going to the same farm to pick berries. This year, though, we met up with my friends Connor, Jackson and Macy (and their Mommies). Unlike the shivering temps of last year, this year it was hot, hot, HOT in the strawberry fields! We ended up with a basket full of berry-licious strawberries. ;-P"

"Rocking and Rolling with my buddy, Connor!"

"We had fun feeding the goats grass and dandelions."

"Berry Sweet! There were lots of ripe, red strawberries to pick!"

"Little Miss Strawberry Shortcake."

This is Why I'm Afraid of Parks and Playgrounds!

Little Gymnast at the Playground

See this little monkey? My pink-Princess-y-Look-Mom!-No-Hands!-feet-in-the-air little daredevil!?

Up until now, I've been able to quell my inner fear of parks and playgrounds and the dangers and risks that they pose to children. But  now... After watching Katy and her friends at playgroup flip, slip and trip their way down the slide any way BUT on their bottoms...!

Lord.Help.Me! (And please, please, PLEASE be safe, Katy Grace!)

Time Warner Cable BBQ and Blues Festival

Ready for some BBQ!

Since the grandparents were in town and the weather was nice, we decided to go to the Time Warner Cable BBQ and Blues Festival, today. In the past, this festival was held in Uptown Charlotte was called "Blues, Brews and BBQ." However, now that it has a sponsor the name and location has changed. It's okay though, all the locals still refer to it by it's old name.

Typically, this festival is held around in September, around Ted's birthday. This year, however, since the DNC was being held in Uptown at that time, the festival was moved back. Turns out, it was better weather this way! (Remember all those bummed Democratic supporters that had to miss Obama's speech when the closing ceremonies were moved indoors, due to rain?)

I have to say, though, this year's festivities were a bit of a let-down. I don't know if we got there too early, or what- but there wasn't much of a crowd (not complaining!) and there wasn't a whole lot to do. There weren't many places to sit and enjoy some 'que and the music on the main stage was CRANKING (and not in a good way!!!!

We didn't let the loud music deter us from enjoying some really good ribs and brisket from Mac's, though! We just found a grassy curb and dug right in- delish!

As we were walking out of the festival, I took a spin at the 5/3 Bank wheel and ended up winning a hat and a chair! So, I'd have to say we had fun despite the lack of entertainment and in spite of the loud (bad) music!

Super Katy!

"Look at my new Super Hero Jet Pack! I made it today at Art class."

"I prefer to call it my 'Super Backpack.'"

"Whoosh- and I'm off!"

"Hello, Thunder the cat. Do you like my new Jet Pack?"

"Even Super Heroes need to stop for a breather (and a photo op)."

"This Super Backpack gives me SOOO much energy....!! 

Jet Packs and Twirly Skirts go together so well, don't you think?!"

"See you later, Mom! I'm off to save the world with my Super Backpack!"

Simon Mall Kidgits Spring Break with Discovery Place

"Mad Scientist" explaining molecules.

 Katy, taking it easy, sitting in the back after the loud *Pop!* of a balloon and large fire ball.

Liquid Nitrogen experiment- Katy decides to get a little brave and creep a little closer to the action.

Today, Discovery Place was putting on a demonstration as part of the Simon Mall Kidgits Spring Break program. We got a visit from a "mad scientist"- complete with lab coat and safety goggles- and he taught us all about gas, liquids and solids. He did all sorts of cool experiments to help demonstrate how different objects react with each state of matter.

There was fire! There was liquid nitrogen! There were shrinking balloons and banana hammers! We learned about static electricity with an electrified silver ball.

All in all, it was a very engaging demonstration (coming from the adult's perspective). Katy was interested and excited... that is, until there was a large fire ball (demonstrating what happens when fire and helium meet)- that scared her a bit. Then, there was a loud "POP!" when the balloon came out of the liquid nitrogen- that REALLY scared her and caused her to leave the group of seated kids and come running and crying to me in the back! After the balloon pop, Katy was a little skittish and spent the remainder of the demonstration in my lap, happily munching away on Cheddar Bunnies.

As we were leaving, hand in hand, Katy looked up at me and said, "That fun, Mommy. Thank you. I like it." Melt my heart!

Mallard Creek Recreation Center

"Today was a Mommy and Me day. So, we went somewhere a little different- somewhere we've never been. We visited the Mallard Creek Recreation Center."

 "There was a big indoor play place for me to climb and explore."

 "I had the whole place to myself! Well, not if you count Mommy but she told me that she was too big to climb."

 "Then, we went to the Mallard Creek Park for a little fresh air."

"Wheee!  I had lots of fun!"

Shoppes at University Place Playground

Katy on the Boardwalk, watching the ducks float by.

Look at that wind action with Katy's pigtails!

Climbing

Elizabeth and Katy having fun exploring a new playground.

Today, we finally met up with an old friend of Ted's from NJ, who now lives in Charlotte. We took advantage of this semi-warm weather in the middle of December and met up with Lauren and three-year old Joey Domm at the playground at the Shoppes at University Place. Lauren has been kind enough to keep inviting me to various playgroups, activities and parties but our schedules never seemed to match up until today.

Now, I'm pretty familiar with this shopping plaza but I had no idea about this hidden gem of a playground. The equipment was all wooden and fort-like. Katy had a blast crawling in and out of the structures. Next time we go, we'll be sure to bring some stale bread for the many geese, birds and swans that float by in the lake next to the playground.

By the time we parted ways, Katy was tuckered out from her morning's adventure. We had fun!

Wells Fargo Community Day

Wells Fargo Stagecoach Wagon

Wells Fargo Poster Child

Katy was so cute drinking her cider that one of the Wells Fargo employees taking pictures of the event had to take one of her. Who knows, maybe she'll end up on some sort of future marketing campaign for the bank?!

Family Portrait in front of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Imagination Station

Warhol-in-the-making

Wells Fargo's olive branch offering of peace to the people of Charlotte and the corporate headquarters of Wachovia Bank came in the form of the Wells Fargo Community Day in Uptown Charlotte. Free wagon rides, free art, free cider, free music and entertainment- we were so there.

Our good friends, Jared and Bethany Reeves were visiting us this weekend, so they joined us in the adventure. The morning donned quite chilly (40 degrees F!) with some brisk winds. However, the 90% chance of rain all but disappeared and was instead replaced by blue skies and fluffy, white clouds. We got to the festival right as it started at 10 AM. We helped ourselves to some free apple cider and hot chocolate and then lined up for a wagon ride. Katy loved pointing to the horses pulling the wagon and saying, "Neigh!" She enjoyed the ride and had fun.

Next, we walked down Tryon Street to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. It was free admission to most of the museums downtown. We had been wanting to visit some of the (new) museums but never really had the chance- this was our opportunity. We browsed the Modern Art Museum (Such cool interior windows and design!) and then went next door to explore the Mint Museum of Craft and Design. There was a kids' section in the Mint Museum where we let Katy run around, get messy and have some fun being creative. Katy is definitely the product of two artists because she went right for the markers and crayons and made herself at home drawing a pretty picture.

While in the Mint Museum, Katy started getting fussy so I took her outside to listen to some music and people watch. While doing so, she fell asleep. I met up with Ted, Jared and Bethany and we all grabbed a bite to eat for lunch while Katy snoozed away. All of the morning's excitement wore Little Miss out!

We had fun enjoying the arts and it was great to spend time with good friends!

Cutest Lil' Pumpkin in the Patch- Pumpkin Picking at Riverbend Farm 2011

Bus to Riverbend Farm with Mommy.

"Wheee...!" Big Girl Katy slides down the slide by herself.

"...And we're off and running to find our pumpkin!"

Katy found her pumpkin (gourd). She was very adamant in selecting this "geen punkin'."

Jones Family Pumpkins (The orange pumpkin ended up weighing as much as Katy!)

For the rest of the pictures, go to: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150863702810394.750209.771535393&type=1&l=2c3784a75f

Today, we ventured out to our favorite pumpkin patch at Riverbend Farm, to select our yearly pumpkins. We got there right as they opened and spent a good two hours there playing on all of the slides, fiberglass animals, petting zoo and of course, taking the tractor ride out to select our pumpkins. Katy had a blast running around like a free bird on all of the different slides and various set-ups. She didn't want to leave the tractor behind (seriously?!) but she did NOT want to ride on the fiberglass horse! There was a cute baby calf in the petting zoo and while Katy enjoyed looking at him, she didn't want to get closer than several feet away. We had fun on the tractor ride out to the patch and Katy enjoyed running around the field, selecting a pumpkin. She found a green gourd and found this to be her pumpkin of choice, this year. Katy had such a good time on the farm and she was falling asleep on the way home because she was so worn out from playing and exploring.

Lilo's Day Out

"We're off for a walk, Lilo!"

Lilo gets a little "push" on the swing from Katy

(Katy put the puppy in there herself and insisted on pushing him).

Posing for a picture for Mommy

(For this picture, Katy stopped, pointed to the camera and said, "Picture!" and then said, "Cheese!").

Puppy Portrait

(Katy took this picture by herself- not too shabby!)

Perfect fall day to go outside and PLAY!

A girl and her dog...

For Christmas last year, Uncle Rob and Aunt Julie gave you a toy puppy that you can "walk" while pulling it's string. At the time, you were just learning to take your first steps, so you mostly just sat and played with the puppy, rather than roll it along behind you. Nowadays, though, you love, love, LOVE to take puppy for a walk!

Today, you insisted on taking the puppy, named "Lilo" (after Uncle Rob and Aunt Julie's own dog), outside for a walk. We walked up and down Union Street with Lilo in tow. You had so much fun going for a walk and taking your puppy with you, Katy! It was so cute to see you walk with such purpose.

A Leisurely Stroll

Tap Dancing

"Mommy, may I please go swimming (in the fountain)?"

Big girl posing for a picture

Running away from Mama!

I love our little town and I love our street. Our street is very walker friendly and we are located directly on the Greenway (part of the Caroline Thread Trail). We are in such close proximity to the library, the bank, the post office and several parks and playgrounds. Not to mention various shops, restaurants and of course, the Cabarrus Creamery!! This morning, in keeping with the nice, cool weather, we took a leisurely stroll around town. The girls each took turns telling us which way to turn and we had no real destination or goal- just to get out, get a little exercise and enjoy the almost-fall weather.

After walking downtown, our first stop was the Memorial Gardens. We took a walking tour of the gardens and explored the different tombstones, flowers and fountains. We were the only ones in the gardens so we pretty much had the run of the place.

Twisty slide!

"Whee!! I love to swing!!"

Playing "restaurant." Apparently, I ordered a heaping mound of mulch for lunch ;-P

"Ready or not, here I come!!"

Our next stop was the playground at the Lutheran Church up the street. We've never been to this playground and I wasn't sure if it was open to the public. However, the sign on the gate didn't say anything about "no trespassing." This playground is really nice because it's all fenced in and self-contained. The equipment in new-ish and something different to explore. We had fun!