Ladybug, Ladybug, Fly to OUR Home

Our homeowners' association recently had a Ladybug release at a local park.   We had a little time to kill, so I took the girls.  This event is going on our "Must-Not-Miss" list of events from now on!

Shelby on the slide

Haley on the slide

Chasing the ladybug kite

After chasing the kite and playing on the bounce house slide, the MILLIONS of bugs were released.  Each kid was given a ladybug catcher to take them home, with the idea that Valley Ranch will be covered in aphid-eating ladybugs all summer.

Just a small example of the millions of ladybugs released

Haley feeling apprehensive about all the ladybugs

Shelby trying the blow-the-bug-in-the-cup technique

After catching as many ladybugs as possible (and even killing a few after they attacked my camera lens), the balloon freak twister made a butterfly and puppy dog for the girls.  He was FULL of all kinds of lame jokes that Shelby found more frustrating than funny.

Bugs + balloon = happy Shelby

Haley holding onto her dog balloon for dear life

and showing it off a tiny bit

My Little Shelby

For months, Shelby was telling everyone we saw her birthday was going to be June the 8th at Chuck E. Cheese.  Everyone in her class, in line at the grocery store, at the park, and even at the dentist was invited.  (Something tells me she's an extrovert just like her mom!)  Not being the biggest fan of Chuck's, I was trying my hardest to find another place as awesome as she perceived the Mouse House to be.  

Finally, we visited Aquatots just to look around and see if it was an acceptable place for her to host the hundreds of people she had invited.  Bingo!  She loved the idea of a swim party.  Plus, they do everything a party needs to be a success in the eyes of a 5-year-old:  cake with oodles of blue icing, indoor pool you have to yourself, Cheetos and Capri Suns, lifeguards playing games with the kids, and even the required bags of crap party favors.  I didn't even have to clean up.  Talk about BINGO!!  

Could she be any happier?

Look at me!  I'm 5!

Haley was less than thrilled that I wasn't taking pictures of her.

The camera loves Haley.  And Haley loves the camera (as long as it is pointed towards her).

Bryon and Josh discussing the joys of parenthood

The birthday girl riding the rapids

Ava Pie, Shelby Sparkle, and Dany Dash

 Shelby has become obsessed with My Little Pony in the past few months.  Not wanting to disappoint our filly, I let her run with the pony theme.  We stumbled upon these printable party hats, and Shelby begged to make some for her party.  We had lots of fun coloring, glueing, and inspecting the hats, and Shelby couldn't wait to show them to all her friends.

Can you tell which ones Mom colored?

The Ponyville population ready for their sugar cubes!

Look closely and you will Twinkle Sparkle and Rarity hanging out on the beach cake.  I'm wondering what happened to Princess Chardonnay...

Shelby's blue eyes match the icing.  Scary!

Shelby, you are growing up to be such a sweet and caring girl.  We love your willingness to please us and your ever-inquisitive questions.  You are so brave that you even held a snake this morning!  Please don't ever lose your sweet spirit, your unlimited supply of kisses for mom and dad, your love of learning, or your fearless view of the world.  And, please don't ask to go to Chuck E. Cheese next year!

Fast Learners

Our yard is embarrassing.  It is full of any kind of weed known to man.  Although I enjoy pulling those pesky weeds, it has gotten out of control, in particular these tiny trees that are easy to pull.  Taking advantage of the "helping" hands around my house, I told the girls I would pay them 1 penny per weed.  Shelby quickly grabbed some paper to chart her work.

After about 5 minutes, both girls were "exhausted" from all their weed pulling.  Shelby informed me she pulled 10 weeds and wanted her pennies.  When I tried to explain that she could get a whole dime for her wages, she said she wanted a dollar instead.  After learning she had to pull 100 weeds for the dollar, she declared, "Well, I'll just ask Grandma Birdie for one!" 

Yep, forget working for her money.  My girl will just call Grandma!!

Shelby and Grandma Birdie

And, then there was Haley.  That girl LOVES chocolate.  One night, after being told she couldn't have another chocolate chip cookie, she declared that she would just go to Mimi's house.  For the record, my mom (mimi) loves chocolate as much as the rest of us.  She always has chocolate-covered somethings in her house:  almonds, cherries, pecans, and recently acai berries.  Of course, the acai berries were only stashed for the antioxidants contained in the berry and NOT for the dark chocolate goodness surrounding them.  We like the way you think, Mimi!

Mimi, Mr. Monk, and Haley